Back for one night only, make plans to view the constellations and stars in the Rotunda Dome Room on Friday, November 29, 5:30–8:30 p.m.! This event is free and open to the community, and will feature special music from the Youth Orchestras of Central Virginia and a visit from historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson.
In the summer of 1818, Thomas Jefferson envisioned a painted planetarium, spanning the Rotunda’s dome. “It is proposed to be painted sky-blue and spangled with gilt stars in their position and magnitude copied exactly,” he wrote. Fast-forward to 2019, and three UVA doctoral students worked to bring Jefferson’s vision to life. They received a Trust grant to purchase the equipment to “open the ceiling to the stars” and host an exhibition on the Rotunda Library’s early years.
We hope to see you on the 29th!