Charlottesville’s Rotunda: A History

Blog Introduction: The Rotunda at the University of Virginia is one of the most iconic buildings on Grounds. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Rotunda has been a symbol of the University for over 200 years. Today, it is home to the UVA Information Technology Support Center (ITSC). In this blog post, we'll take a look at the history of the Rotunda and how it came to be the home of ITSC.

The Rotunda was designed by Thomas Jefferson and modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. It was originally intended to be used as a library, but it wasn't until 1827 that the building was finally completed. The Rotunda has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including as a classroom, museum, and office space. In 1971, the Rotunda was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2016, the University decided to move ITSC into the Rotunda. ITSC had outgrown its previous space in Minor Hall and needed a new home. The decision to move ITSC into the Rotunda was not without controversy, as some felt that it was disrespectful to Jefferson's original vision for the building. However, others argued that ITSC would be a good fit for the Rotunda because it is a central location on Grounds and is easily accessible to students.

The Rotunda is one of Charlottesville's most iconic buildings and has been a part of UVA for over 200 years. Today, it is home to ITSC, which provides support for students, faculty, and staff with their technology needs. While there was some controversy about moving ITSC into the Rotunda, it has become a popular spot on Grounds for students to get help with their technology needs.