University of Virginia’s Hidden Chemical Hearth
Hidden for 165 years inside a building designed by Thomas Jefferson, this chemical hearth may be America's first educational chemistry lab.

📜 Historic chemical hearth in the University of Virginia's Rotunda, a National Historic Chemical Landmark.
🔍 May be America's oldest intact instructional chemistry lab, oldest intact example of early chemical education in the U.S., linked to Thomas Jefferson.

Why Go

🧪 See a unique 1820s chemistry lab, preserved for public viewing
🏛️ Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site within a historical building
📜 Learn about early science education and Thomas Jefferson's vision

Tips

🚶 Meet for historical tours at 10 am, 11 am, and 2 pm in the Lower East Oval Room.

Cost

💰 Historical tours are offered free of charge.

Hours

🕒 Rotunda open daily 9 am to 5 pm; historical tours daily at 10 am, 11 am, and 2 pm.

Last updated 1 day ago

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