Ash Lawn-Highland, the historic home of President James Monroe in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a historic house-museum and performing arts center located on 535-acres of a working farm. The James Monroe home and the Ash Lawn-Highland estate offer a variety of educational and special events including parties, picnics and a summer music festival. The President James Monroe estate also provides visitors with an authentic view of nineteenth-century life through examples of early American and Victorian architecture, decorative arts and craft demonstrations open to the public.

While visiting Ash Lawn-Highlands, the former home of President James Monroe, learn about the history of James Monroe and the 535 acre estate. President James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Monroe was the second of five children born to Spence and Elizabeth Jones Monroe, Virginia tobacco planters. The history of James Monroe ties in with our own governmental history with his election to the Virginia General Assembly in 1782. Monroe served in the Confederation Congress and in the first United States Senate and served as Minister to France and Britain and Spain. One of Monroe's most notable achievements, besides the presidency, was the final negotiation of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The history of James Monroe continues when he was elected president of the United States in 1816 and again in 1820.

The James Monroe Museum offers a variety of educational workshops throughout the year including candle making, paper quilling, an overnight camp-in, farm tours and more. The James Monroe Museum farm tour in particular is designed for young children featuring period craft demonstrations and visits to the farm animals and vegetable garden.

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When planning your trip to the James Monroe home, keep in mind the estate features a wonderful summer music festival during the months of June, July and August featuring theatrical productions as well as Broadway, classical, and jazz musical offerings (amongst others). You can plan an entire day trip, first visiting the James Monroe Museum, and cap it off with a lovely evening of music at twilight on the Monroe estate grounds.

The James Monroe home is also available for special events, including weddings and banquets. To this end the estate features an available 50' by 80' pavilion suitable for up to 400 guests, a rose arbor as well as a seven-foot garden arch and a conference room with a full kitchen. Contact the estate directly for booking options and event pricing.

Admission to the James Monroe Museum ranges from $5 - $9, with discounts available to children, seniors, and local residents. Group tours and workshop offerings are also available, including a President's pass that will admit you to the President James Monroe estate, as well as other Charlottesville attractions such as Monticello, and Michie Tavern. A virtual tour is also available online, giving would-be visitors a taste of what the James Monroe Museum has to offer.