It is fitting that the Chrysler Museum selected an architect to design a space highlighting Thomas Jefferson’s architectural explorations. This thought-provoking exhibit examines Jefferson’s admiration of Andrea Palladio, a 16th-century Italian architect, along with classical Greek and Roman influences, which he used to express ideals of a democratic society. It also explores Jefferson’s own architectural pursuits within the complex and contradictory context of a young nation that relied on enslaved labor to construct treasured landmarks such as Monticello, the Virginia Capitol, and the University of Virginia.
Originated by the museum’s curatorial staff, the exhibit features more than 120 art objects, architectural models, and books from esteemed institutions such as the Library of Congress, the National Gallery, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Palladio Museum in Vicenza, Italy. Ensuring the integrity and preservation of these historical objects required careful consideration of lighting, casework, and placement to protect them from moisture and gases.
Occupying the entire Special Exhibitions Gallery adjacent to Huber Court, the exhibition presented a unique challenge: accommodating its objects in a way that maintained appropriate historical and thematic context as research and storytelling evolved. WPA’s expertise in space planning and exhibition technologies supported curatorial decisions, with a 3D model enabling staff to explore the space virtually—either on-screen or in virtual reality—to study the relationships between objects. Highlights include models of Palladio’s Villa Rotonda in Vicenza and UVA’s Rotunda, on display in America for the first time, along with sketches, engravings, paintings, and books.
The exhibition space is anchored by four symmetrical, temple-like columns, reinforcing the classical themes of Jefferson’s architectural influences. The team then explored how to “frame” key moments within the exhibit and analyzed circulation patterns to enhance the visitor experience.
