Go Behind the Scenes on the Lawn Before the Bicentennial Launch Celebration

The stage is nearly set for a celebration 200 years in the making.

On Friday night, thousands will descend on the University of Virginia’s Lawn for a historic Bicentennial Launch Celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of the laying of the University’s cornerstone on Oct. 6, 1817.

The celebration will include musical performances by both special guests – like “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom Jr., R&B singer Andra Day and rock band the Goo Goo Dolls – and UVA students and faculty members – including former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove, the University Singers, the Cavalier Marching Band, and many others. Interspersed with these performances, a special projection mapping show will transform the buildings of the Academical Village, visually illustrating some of the many extraordinary stories in UVA’s 200-year history. 

Staff members across the University have worked hard to prepare the Lawn for the celebration, turning the UNESCO World Heritage site into a high-tech multimedia stage while carefully preserving all of the historic and architectural elements that make it such a unique setting for any show.

Here’s a closer look at these preparations and the Lawn’s transformation.