UVA Resumes Popular Great Rotumpkin Projection Show

The annual projection display returns to the university with expanded ten-minute loops.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Fine Art

Screen-print poster illustration of a grand university facade with illuminated seasonal projections, evoking a community autumn tradition. — The University of Virginia has resumed its annual 'Great Rotumpkin' projection show, returning to the historic Rotunda building following a hiatus. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of Virginia has revived The Great Rotumpkin projection show on the north side of the Rotunda. The display, which features music and themed visuals, returned following a hiatus in 2025.

Why it matters

Established in 2021, the event was created to boost spirits on campus following the 2020 pandemic. It continues to serve as a community tradition in Charlottesville that highlights the university architecture through seasonal art.

The show now features a 10-minute loop duration, an increase from the previous 5-to-7 minute format. In 2024, the event drew approximately 10,000 attendees to the campus.

The players

Jeff Dobrow

He is the artist responsible for executing the projection mapping designs for the university event.

AV Company

This organization collaborates with the university to provide the technical equipment and production for the projection show.

The details

Artist Jeff Dobrow and the AV Company manage the projection projects, which include scary, Halloween-appropriate vignettes designed to interact with the building architecture. Visitors can also participate in wooden pumpkin ornament decoration and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

The University of Virginia held its first Great Rotumpkin show in 2021.
Crowd size approached 10,000 attendees in 2024.
The event was not held in 2025.
The 2026 show runs nightly from Oct 29 to Oct 31, 7 to 11 p.m.

Industry Dynamics

The Great Rotumpkin show follows a production template inspired by the university bicentennial projection show of 2017. This display demonstrates how academic institutions are increasingly utilizing large-scale visual technology to foster campus-wide community engagement.

Residents and students can view the projection show nightly from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Rotunda through October 31. The event offers free public access to the visual displays, cookies, and hot chocolate.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates how integrating modern projection technology with historic architecture can revitalize campus traditions. Attendees should arrive early during the three-night window to navigate the large crowds expected at the Rotunda.