"as inhuman as it was heartless": Thomas Jefferson's Anatomical Theatre 14 views

Designed by Thomas Jefferson in early 1825 and completed in 1827 after his death, the Anatomical Theatre at the University of Virginia was the site of anatomical dissections, largely supplied through robbing the burials of Black Virginians. Architectural historians have not substantively engaged with this building’s history, as it does not fit neatly within the master plan for the Academical Village, and its demolition in 1939 poses an evidentiary challenge. The significance of the Anatomical Theatre extends far beyond its architect and initial design; the impact and legacy of this building lie largely in the shifting use of the space during the nearly 115 years of its existence, namely the anatomical dissections and the bodies stolen to supply them. This thesis considers the Anatomical Theatre’s design, use from construction to demolition, and fraught ethical legacy. A more meaningful reckoning with the Anatomical Theatre first requires a thorough understanding of the site’s history. This thesis aims to be a step towards this goal.

MARH (Master of Architectural History)

Thomas Jefferson; Anatomical Theatre; University of Virginia; Architectural History; Anatomical Dissection; Race

English

2026-05-05