Thomas Jefferson, Architect

Palladian Models, Democratic Principles, and the Conflict of Ideals

October 19, 2019 - January 19, 2020

Model of Jefferson’s design for the President’s House competitionThe most important architectural thinker of the young American republic, Thomas Jefferson conveyed ideals of liberty and democracy in his designs.

Organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art in collaboration with the Palladio Museum in Vicenza, Italy, this exhibition focused on the ideas, formation and key monuments of the Founding Father who dramatically influenced the architectural profile of the young republic. It also confronted the inherent conflict between Jefferson’s pursuit of contemporary ideals of liberty and democracy and his use of slave labor to construct his monuments.

Visit the exhibition's archive page here.