Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes Tours

Fifty years ago, the octagonal villa at Poplar Forest was unrecognizable. The simple elegance of the president’s Palladian-inspired design was hidden by the renovations subsequent owners made to the structure to suit their tastes. Learn how the restoration architects and architectural historians and craftsmen are continuing their meticulous restoration of what Jefferson affectionately called the “Best dwelling house in the state…” on an hour-long tour guided by Travis McDonald, Poplar Forest’s Director of Architectural Restoration and the architect of the ground breaking restoration process developed to save the historic structure.

Tours are Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, 2022 with tours at 11:00am and 2:00pm both days.

Tickets for the Architectural Restoration Behind-the-Scenes Talk and Tour are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Admission also includes a guided house tour and self-guided exploration of exhibits in the lower level of the house, the Wing of Offices, the ornamental grounds and slave quarter site. Weekend visitors can add the Enslaved Community tour (when available) to their itinerary at no extra cost.