Exhibits and Galleries

A Young Nation Stands: James Madison and the War of 1812

Opened June 18, 2012 - A special exhibit at James Madison’s Montpelier tells the story of James Madison’s Presidency and wartime struggle. MORE»

Grills Gallery

While at the Visitor Center, stop by the Joe and Marge Grills Gallery to see the Treasures of Montpelier—Madison's spyglass, a brace of pistols, snuff box, Dolley's engagement ring, and James Madison’s walking stick, a gift from Thomas Jefferson. MORE»

duPont Gallery

At the south end of the Visitor Center you can stroll through the duPont Gallery to see what life was like at Montpelier during the early-20th century for another grand American family. 

Mansion Cellars

The cellars, out of view to most of the Madisons' guests, were the everyday world of Montpelier's enslaved household workers. MORE»
 

The Founding Friendship and Enduring Legacy of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson

October 13, 2012 marked the opening of The Founding Friendship and Enduring Legacy of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, an exhibit highlighting the personal friendship and political partnership of the Father of the Constitution and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Objects on display in the Grills Gallery include a walking stick bequeathed to Madison upon Jefferson's death and both men's last wills and testaments. A companion symposium by the same title, featuring lectures by Ralph Ketcham, David Mattern, Andrew Burstein, Nancy Isenberg, Sue Perdue, and Jack Rakove, was held the same day.

See the Latest Objects and Decor in the Mansion

Visit the Madison's beautiful Drawing Room and see the newly hung prints in the Dining Room.