On the University of Virginia’s historic Grounds, there stands a building decorated in the languages of romance, including one representing the language of love.
In 1928, Pavilion VI, known around the University as the “Romance Pavilion,” became the center of instruction for Italian, Spanish and French with different rooms decorated according to the language learned.
Reflecting its status as the “language of love,” the French room’s elaborate frescoes harken to scenes of friendly Franco-American relations, and especially the friendship of Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette and founding father Thomas Jefferson.
But that’s only part of the story. Learn more about Pavilion VI, its history and astounding décor in the latest installment of UVA Obscura.
