David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Carl and Hunter Smith Education Center

David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Carl and Hunter Smith Education Center, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., is the gateway to Monticello. The visitor center comprises five pavilions surrounding a courtyard with gardens, honey locust trees and a scale model of the Monticello plantation. Four exhibit galleries house a variety of items, including artifacts, interpretive panels and interactive displays.

Shown in the Howard and Abby Milstein Theater, “Thomas Jefferson's World,” a 15-minute introductory film, reveals Monticello's central role in Jefferson's life.

Guided tours are available. Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.