The Rotunda, University of Virginia--page 3 of 3 pages

Thomas Jefferson
1819-1826




The circular Dome Room occupies the third floor. Fifteen foot high double columns circle the room. The inner diameter of the dome is about 73 feet, half that of the Pantheon in Rome, one of Jefferson's sources. Jefferson used the Composite order of Palladio for the columns.
 

The oculus

Unlike Jefferson's original of glass and wood, this restored model does not leak. It provides beautiful light for the gray and white room.
 
 

The outer edge of the circular room

Bookcases fan out from behind the columns in such a way that they are not visible from the center of the room. Study spaces are provided between the bookcases.


Return to page1.


Go to Thomas Jefferson Architecture Index.

Click here to return to index of art historical sites.

Click here to return to index of artists and architects.

Click here to return to chronological index.

Click here to see the home page of Bluffton College.


© 2002 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

Page created by Mary Ann Sullivan