Information for Visitors

Industrial partners and researchers from government or outside academic institutions are encouraged to make use of NMCF instrumentation with the assistance of a laboratory specialist. Arrangements for a consultation or tour of our facility can be made through facility staff. The public may visit NMCF during our open house events in the Spring and Fall.

Location

The Nanoscale Materials Characterization Facility is housed within two buildings on grounds at UVA: Jesser Hall (formerly: Materials Science Building) on the 1st floor and Wilsdorf Hall in the B-basement. Meeting location by prior arrangement through your instrument contact.

Lodging and Food

The University of Virginia operates a number of overnight accommodation options on or near Grounds, including the Inn at Darden, the Colonnade Club, and the Boar's Head Resort. Alternatively, Charlottesville has numerous possibilities for lodging in local or chain hotels or inns that are convenient to UVa (e.g. The Oakhurst Inn, The Graduate Hotel, The Draftsman Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott , as well as many others nearby and downtown. Local restaurants are concentrated on Emmet/Rt. 29N, Main Street/University Ave., and on the Charlottesville Downtown (pedestrian) Mall. In addition, meals, snacks and coffee can be purchased for cash or with a credit card on Grounds in the dining halls and cafes.

Parking

If you are working with an NMCF scientist, you can reserve a parking space during your visit through Park Mobile.

Click on the ParkMobile button on UVa's Parking & Transportation Visitor Webpage OR download the ParkMobile App for phone.

You will enter your EMAIL, PHONE NUMBER and specific auto LICENSE PLATE NUMBER with STATE to begin parking.

When you arrive, ParkMobile can suggest nearby locations or you can search for locations closest to the NMCF facility. These are: 5536 (UVA E3 Stadium Lots off of Carl Smith Way - Green Spots on Map), 5556 (UVA Stadium Lots on the Alderman far side of the Football Stadium - Red Spots on Map), or 5515 (UVA Central Grounds Garage under the Bookstore off Emmet St. - Shown in Yellow on Map). See campus map below.

Please park in ParkMobile designated spaces that correspond to the location you have reserved. See the campus map below.

E3 spaces are the closest to our facility, however, these are typically only available via ParkMobile AFTER 2:30PM. Otherwise, we suggest you park in the red commuter spaces (opposite side of Scott Football Stadium) or the Central Grounds Garage on Emmett (see map).

NMCF facilities are indicated in pink on the map. Rates for the different space locations can be found on the UVA Park Mobile website.

Walking directions from SEAS Parking to NMCF Facilities in Jesser Hall (Materials Science Building) and Wilsdorf Hall are available on Google maps (see map below).

Additional parking information can be found here: Parking and Transportation at UVa

Driving Directions

With GPS:

If you use GPS, look for 141 Chemistry Drive, Charlottesville, VA, there is no parking available on McCormick Road. The E3 parking lot is off of Whitehead Road across from Chemistry Drive.

From I-64:

Following signs to the UVA Information Center, get off at exit 118B for the Route 29/250 Bypass. Take the next exit to 29 BUS and turn right onto 29 BUS, make sure you take the left lane on 29 BUS to continue straight. At the second traffic light turn left onto Maury Ave. When you pass Scott Stadium, turn immediately right at the clock tower onto Whitehead Road, then left onto Chemistry Drive.

From the Charlottesville Airport (CHO):

From the airport drive down Airport Road and turn right onto US-29. Proceed to Charlottesville, where Route 29 becomes Emmet Street. Pass JPJ basketball arena on the right. Proceed straight through the traffic light at the intersection of Route 250 Business (University Avenue/Ivy Road). Continue 1/2 block just past the blinking light.south on Emmett, under a pedestrian bridge and under McCormick Rd. As Emmett St. curves left, continue straight onto Stadium Road. Take the first right onto Whitehead Road, and a second right onto Chemistry Drive.

From I-66 via U.S. Route 29 North:

Take I-66 from Northern Virginia past Manassas. Take the exit marked “Route 29 South - Gainesville.” Proceed to Charlottesville, where Route 29 becomes Emmet Street. Pass JPJ basketball arena on the right. Proceed straight through the traffic light at the intersection of Route 250 Business (University Avenue/Ivy Road). Continue 1/2 block just past the blinking light.south on Emmett, under a pedestrian bridge and under McCormick Rd. As Emmett St. curves left, continue straight onto Stadium Road. Take the first right onto Whitehead Road. Then another right onto Chemistry Drive.