YOUR VISIT
DIRECTIONS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Because Virginia Guides is student-run, we do not provide tours during exam periods, reading days, or student breaks, which are specified here.
HISTORICAL TOURS
From its founding to the Civil War. From the Civil Rights Movement to the present day, student-led history tours trace over 200 years of change, resistance, and community. Tours navigate the outdoor grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and are written by students after a semester of intensive training, research, and critical reflection.
All tours are free of charge, regardless of group size. Donations to support work are welcome.
The University of Virginia expects parents or guardians to provide supervision over minors on University property. Parents or guardians should not leave minors unsupervised on University property.
TOUR SCHEDULE
- Standard Tours will leave at 11:00 AM from the Lawn-side of the Rotunda Steps every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the academic school year.
- Exceptions include home football game days and when classes are not in session.
- Tours last around 1 Hour.
Registration for Standard History Tours are encouraged to receive possible updates on your tour.
Standard Historical tours are public for anyone to join and occur regularly throughout the school year. You can request specialty tours here.
Register Here for a Historical Tour
LOCATION & PARKING
- We recommend Central Grounds Garage (fees will apply) at 400 Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22903 for single family cars.
- Access to the Lawn and Rotunda from the parking garage is also wheelchair accessible. Please see here for more information on accessibility.
- Tours will meet at the Front Rotunda Steps & Entrance, facing the Lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tour about?
UVA's student-led tours trace over 200 years of history, from its founding through decades of change, resistance, and community. Drawing on in-depth student research, they include often-overlooked stories of enslaved laborers and activists who helped shape the university. Each guide crafts their own tour after an intensive semester of research and training, resulting in the same histories being told threaded through an evolving set of different perspectives.
How much does a tour cost per guest?
Tours are free for all group sizes ; donations are welcome. For single-family cars, we recommend parking at the Central Grounds Garage ( 400 Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22903 ; UVA parking fees apply). Parking fees can be found here.
How long should I plan for my tour?
Tours typically last around 1-1.5 hours. Please meet at the tour-start location around 5-10 minutes before your tour.
Can I bring water to the site?
Water is encouraged, especially on warm days, as most of the tour is outdoors with some shaded areas. Food is not allowed inside historic buildings, but the Lawn and “The Corner” nearby are great places to eat before or after your visit.
Is photography allowed?
Personal photography of the site is welcome. To respect privacy and intellectual property, recording of tours, tour content, or identifiable individuals (including students) is not permitted without prior written consent.
Do I need to register for large groups?
Yes, please complete the tour registration form so we can prepare for your needs. School groups should see For Educators for more information and opportunities.
ACCESSIBILITY
Is the Academical Village wheelchair-accessible from the parking garage?
- Yes. The Lawn and path from Central Grounds Garage is accessible with ramps. If you have any accessibility concerns, questions, or other information that would help us prepare for your visit, please contact us in advance.
- Tours are mostly outdoors and weather-dependent; we use shaded areas when possible, but summer heat can be significant.
What accommodations are available for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors?
Our guided tours are not currently interpreted for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors.
SHED LIGHT
ON HISTORY
The Virginia Guides Service at UVA is an entirely student-run independent volunteer organization. If you would like to provide additional support, please consider donating to our day-to-day operations here. We appreciate your time and thank you for continuing to support our mission.