The Forum Hotel, Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens
Experience a dynamic learning hub, collaboration and wellness on the vibrant Darden School Grounds:
- The Forum Hotel is an inviting boutique oasis featuring thoughtfully designed interiors and diverse food and beverage options. Indoor and outdoor event spaces provide captivating settings for connection and reflection.
- Nearby, the Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens offer tranquility, beauty and wellness with a pond, a restored stream and inviting walking trails.
All these areas contribute to enhancing the Darden experience and fostering lifelong learning.
Several spaces have already been reserved, but many exciting locations remain available. We invite you to leave your legacy at this pivotal moment in our history by considering the unique opportunity to name these remarkable spaces.
The Grove Ballroom
A versatile space for gatherings, accommodating up to 800 people.
Hotel Rooms (188)
Comfortable guestrooms designed for ultimate relaxation.
188 AVAILABLE
Hospitality Suite
A versatile space located on the hotel's second floor, ideal for small meetings and events.
Conference Center for Executive Education and Lifelong Learning
The Aspen Bar
The Forum Hotel's vibrant lobby bar. Gift of the Altec/Styslinger Foundation.
Oak Board Room
A strategic meeting space for high-level discussions. Formally named the Hugin Family Executive Board Room after Robert J. Hugin (MBA '85) & Kathleen Hugin.
L'Orangerie
Includes adjacent terrace. An intimate and serene space adjacent to The Forum Hotel's main dining room, offering stunning garden views.
The Good Sport
A neighborhood bar offering expertly crafted cocktails, local brews and upscale bar fare.
The Agora
The Grove Ballroom
Sloney's Porch
An outdoor dining space. Gift of the Class of 1993 in memory of Michael B. Slone (MBA '93).
The Forum Hotel Right Wing
The Forum Hotel Left Wing
The Washington Room
A private meeting space named after George Washington. Gift of The Adair B. Newhall (MBA ’09) & Kathryn Newhall Family.
The Grove Ballroom Terrace
The Bruner Case Study
The Forum Hotel's library. Gift of Darden Alumni, Colleagues, and Friends in honor of Robert F. Bruner: University Professor, Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, Dean Emeritus, Financial Economist, Author, Best-Selling Case Writer, Award-Winning Teacher, and Member of the Darden Faculty, 1982-2023.
Check out this video tour of Bruner Case Study.
Socrates Classroom
A tiered classroom. The Socratic method has inspired the development of the case method at Darden and the transformational learning experience for thousands of Darden students and alumni. Gift of Steven C. Voorhees (MBA '80; Paren '14) & Celia H. Voorhees.
Atrium Wing Lobby
The Lyceum
A versatile flat classroom, encouraging active participation and collaboration.
The Academy
A versatile flat classroom, encouraging active participation and collaboration.
C-Suite Terrace
A hospitality suite offering spectacular views. Gift of the Altec/Styslinger Foundation.
Event Lawn
Aspen Bar Terrace
An outdoor terrace with picturesque views. A gift of the Altec/Styslinger Foundation.
The Connection Bridge
A scenic pathway spanning the arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens. Gift of Steven C. Voorhees (MBA '80; Parent '14) & Celia H. Voorhees.
The Foyer
Casa '88
An intimate wine cellar housing a curated collection of fine wines. A gift of Martina Hund-Mejean (MBA '88) and Bruno J. Mejean.
Brielle DuFlon Art Installation
An art installation in The Forum Hotel's central atrium reflecting the beauty of Virginia's native flora.
Hospitality Suite
A versatile space located on the hotel's second floor, ideal for small meetings and events.
Fireplace
An inviting fireplace between The Forum Hotel's lobby and the Bruner Case Study.
Residential Wing Alcove Lounges (6)
Hotel Suites (9)
Hotel Rooms (188)
Arboretum
A sanctuary showcasing exceptional trees and shrubs.
LaCross Botanical Gardens
A dynamic green space of unique plants with tranquil water features. Gift of David M. LaCross (MBA ’78) & Kathleen O. LaCross.
Pond
A tranquil aquatic oasis in the middle of the arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens.
Stream
A tranquil aquatic oasis in the middle of the arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens.
Camellia Promenade
A communal space outside of The Forum Hotel. A gift of the Altec/Styslinger Foundation.
The Forum Amphitheater
A tiered outdoor ampitheater in an idyllic setting. Gift of the Darden Class of 1987.
Council Ring
Alumni Gateway
An entrance to the arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens by C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall from Duffy Boulevard.
Arrival Gardens, Allées and Upper Grounds Entrances
Gateway and Promenade
An entrance to the arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens through the side of The Forum Hotel from Duffy Boulevard.
Law Gateway
An entrance to the arboretum andLaCross Botanical Gardens from the UVA Law School from Nash Drive.
Benches (20)
Lower Arboretum Trails
Japanese Garden
A tranquil retreat encapsulating traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Chinese Garden
Showcasing diverse and vibrant native Chinese plants.
International Edibles Garden
Featuring edible plant species from around the globe.
International Garden
Showcasing a variety of exotic plant species from around the globe.
Magnolia Garden
Dazzling with fragrant blooms and lush foliage.
Prehistoric Plants Garden
Spicebush Bramble
A garden teeming with aromatic plants and bushes.
Thomas Jefferson Garden
Reflecting Jefferson's love of horticulture and natural beauty. Gift of Donald E. Morel, Jr., Ph.D.. (TEP '97) & Lauren Morel.
Viburnum Garden
Connection Bridge
Linking the Darden Parking Garage to The Forum Hotel via the arboretum and botanical gardens. A gift of Steven C. (MBA '80; Parent '14) and Celia H. Voorhees.
Upper Arboretum Trails
A network of paths winding through stunning flora and fauna.
Lower Foot Bridge
The Carl Mason Franklin Footbridge
A physical and symbolic link across the lush landscapes. Gift of Morris S. Smith Foundation and trustees Sterling, Larry and Mei Franklin.
Spring Ephemeral Walk
Showcasing ephemeral blooms, changing with each spring.
Wooden Footpaths
Quaint passages subtly blending with the surrounding greenery.
Azalea, Kalmia and Rhododendron Knoll
Fern Glade
Sassafras Hill
Pinetum and Redbud Glen
A symphony of scents, textures, and colors, featuring pines and redbuds.
Beech Promenade
Tulip Poplar Thicket
| Space | Status | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| The Forum Hotel and Conference Center | ||
| Featured Spaces | ||
| Conference Center for Executive Education and Lifelong Learning | Available | $5,000,000 |
| The Aspen Bar | Reserved | $5,000,000 |
| Oak Board Room | Reserved | $3,000,000 |
| L'Orangerie | Reserved | $2,500,000 |
| The Good Sport | Available | $2,500,000 |
| The Agora | Available | $2,000,000 |
| The Grove Ballroom | Available | $2,000,000 |
| Sloney's Porch | Reserved | $1,000,000 |
| The Forum Hotel Right Wing | Available | $500,000 |
| The Forum Hotel Left Wing | Available | $500,000 |
| The Washington Room | Reserved | $500,000 |
| The Grove Ballroom Terrace | Available | $200,000 |
| Academic Spaces | ||
| The Bruner Case Study | Reserved | $1,000,000 |
| Socrates Classroom | Reserved | $750,000 |
| Atrium Wing Lobby | Available | $500,000 |
| The Lyceum | Available | $500,000 |
| The Academy | Available | $500,000 |
| Outdoor Spaces | ||
| C-Suite Terrace | Reserved | $1,000,000 |
| Event and Meeting Spaces | ||
| Event Lawn | Available | $1,000,000 |
| Aspen Bar Terrace | Reserved | $200,000 |
| Arrival Points | ||
| The Connection Bridge | Reserved | $500,000 |
| The Foyer | Available | $500,000 |
| Hospitality | ||
| Casa '88 | Reserved | $500,000 |
| Brielle DuFlon Art Installation | Available | $250,000 |
| Hospitality Suite | Available | $250,000 |
| Fireplace | Available | $250,000 |
| Residential Wing Alcove Lounges (6) | Available | $75,000 |
| Guest Rooms and Suites | ||
| Hotel Suites (9) | Available | $75,000 |
| Hotel Rooms (188) | Available | $25,000 |
| Arboretum and Botanical Gardens | ||
| Featured Spaces | ||
| Arboretum | Reserved | $5,000,000 |
| LaCross Botanical Gardens | Reserved | $5,000,000 |
| Aquatic Oases | ||
| Pond | Available | $750,000 |
| Stream | Reserved | $750,000 |
| Communal Spaces | ||
| Camellia Promenade | Reserved | $750,000 |
| The Forum Amphitheater | Reserved | $500,000 |
| Council Ring | Available | $250,000 |
| Arrival Points | ||
| Alumni Gateway | Available | $1,000,000 |
| Arrival Gardens, Allées and Upper Grounds Entrances | Available | $750,000 |
| Gateway and Promenade | Available | $500,000 |
| Law Gateway | Available | $250,000 |
| Benches (20) | Reserved | $10,000 |
| Varietal Thematic Gardens | ||
| Lower Arboretum Trails | Available | $500,000 |
| Japanese Garden | Reserved | $500,000 |
| Chinese Garden | Reserved | $250,000 |
| International Edibles Garden | Reserved | $250,000 |
| International Garden | Available | $250,000 |
| Magnolia Garden | Available | $250,000 |
| Prehistoric Plants Garden | Available | $250,000 |
| Spicebush Bramble | Available | $250,000 |
| Thomas Jefferson Garden | Reserved | $250,000 |
| Viburnum Garden | Available | $250,000 |
| Walks and Trails | ||
| Connection Bridge | Reserved | $500,000 |
| Upper Arboretum Trails | Available | $250,000 |
| Lower Foot Bridge | Available | $250,000 |
| The Carl Mason Franklin Footbridge | Reserved | $250,000 |
| Spring Ephemeral Walk | Available | $150,000 |
| Wooden Footpaths | Reserved | $10,000 |
| Woodlands and Clearings | ||
| Azalea, Kalmia and Rhododendron Knoll | Available | $250,000 |
| Fern Glade | Available | $250,000 |
| Sassafras Hill | Available | $250,000 |
| Pinetum and Redbud Glen | Available | $250,000 |
| Beech Promenade | Available | $150,000 |
| Tulip Poplar Thicket | Available | $150,000 |
*All naming and naming levels subject to UVA approval
Plant a Tree at Darden
Join us in enhancing the beauty of the Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens that encircle the Forum Hotel with the addition of 1,300 trees including dogwoods and eastern redbuds. At a contribution of $10,000, you can have the unique opportunity to name a tree. It's a perfect way to honor your graduating class, favorite faculty member, fellow student, a loved one or even an organization with a dedicated grove of trees.
- Camellia Promenade
- The Forum Amphitheater
- Event Lawn
- Lower Foot Bridge
- The Connection Bridge
- Alumni Gateway
- Gateway and Promenade
- Law Gateway
- The Carl Mason Franklin Footbridge
- The Grove Ballroom Terrace
- Japanese Garden
- Chinese Garden
- Viburnum Garden
- Prehistoric Plants Garden
- International Edibles Garden
- Magnolia Garden
- Thomas Jefferson Garden
- Pond
- L’Orangerie Garden
- International Garden
- Riparian Garden
- Spring Ephemeral Walk
- Tulip Poplar Thicket
- Stream
- Beech Grove
- Fern Glade
- Azalea, Kalmia and Rhododendron Knoll
- Spicebush Bramble
- Conifer Walk
- Council Ring
- Sassafras Hill
Be a part of Darden’s fulcrum moment.