On Saturday, September 24, the illustrious Rotunda was officially reopened to the public in all its restored glory. There were many alterations and renovations that occurred during the Rotunda's 2012-2016 restoration period. These included the opening of an upper layer of student study space in the dome room, permanent classrooms added to the lower walkway facing the lawn, and exhibits highlighting the Rotunda and the Lawn's history. However, these were just a few of the Rotunda Restoration projects which students, faculty, and local residents can now embrace as elements of a refreshed Rotunda.
Now with the renovated rotunda, students can walk through beautiful walkways next to the courtyard like this one. These walkways give a beautiful view into the newly restored courtyards on either side of the Rotunda, such as this one:
A reflecting pool was added in the eastern courtyard, and it's a beautiful, peaceful spot for studying, eating, catching up with friends, or throwing coins into a body of water.
I love the western courtyard as well. Though it doesn't have a reflecting pool, it's yet another example of a space at UVa that makes you forget you're on a college campus and transports you to a serene state of mind.
But of course, the Rotunda restoration focused on much more than just the outer appearance of the Rotunda. Much of its efforts went towards refurbishing the inner lobby, side oval rooms, and of course, the acclaimed Dome Room. If you haven't yet ventured over to the Rotunda and walked around inside, I highly suggest that you do. There is a lot of freshly painted beauty to see and appreciate, including a beautiful study lounge on the main floor.
Those couches look extremely inviting, I feel like I would have a lot of trouble concentrating on my studies when I could so easily take a nap... But I definitely plan on taking advantage of these bright and airy new spaces.
On the bottom level of the Rotunda are two more side rooms, one of which is a study room complete with a large table that is well suited for both solitary and collaborative studying.
The other room on this lowest level of the Rotunda is a thorough and informative museum-type exhibit detailing everything from key points in UVa's history to recognizing the slave labor that defined the early existence of the university. It also features an excavated chemical hearth that John Patten Emmet used in his chemical laboratory in the early 1800s.
The crown jewel of the restored Rotunda is, of course, the renovated Dome Room, complete with a newly opened circular upper story that is outfitted with comfy chairs and tables for students to use. It is a grand, yet still warm and inviting space.
If you have not yet investigated the renovated Rotunda, I highly suggest that you check it out as soon as you have a chance. It is truly a privilege to attend a university with such a rich history and vibrant appearance. The renovated Rotunda promises to be an active, working space on grounds that will be relevant to students' daily study habits and general appreciation of UVa. I sincerely look forward to taking advantage of the Rotunda as much as possible throughout my three remaining years at UVa. It is a major asset to this incredible school.
