In 1976 the Jefferson-designed buildings and grounds that make up the Lawn were judged by the American Institute of Architects to be the single most outstanding achievement of American architecture.

To make certain that the Lawn is preserved, the University of Virginia is currently seeking to raise an endowment of at least a million dollars. The effort is part of a long-range $90-million drive that has been going on since 1981 to raise funds for the university as a whole. The campaign will run until December 1984.

As of this spring, the restoration of two of the ten pavilions paralleling the Lawn is complete, as is the work on the Rotunda itself. The endowment fund will be used to repair aged roofs, wiring, paint, floors, and termite damage. This is the first time since they were built that the pavilions have undergone any basic rehabilitation.

If you are traveling in Virginia, tours of the historic grounds are given at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. daily from May through August. During the school year, the tours start at 10:00 and 11:00 A.M. and at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 P.M. daily. In addition, the Rotunda is open to visitors most of the year.