The Lyceum of Alexandria serves as the city’s history museum and offers exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and special programs. Built in 1834, the museum displays more than 1,500 objects that tell the history of Alexandria, Virginia, from its founding in 1749 to the present day. The collection includes furniture, textiles, ceramics, silver, glass, tools, art, photographs, newspapers, toys, and more.
History of Alexandria
The history of Alexandria dates back to pre-colonial times, when Native Americans settled in the area. The seaport was vital during colonial times, and the nearby area was home to George Washington. Thomas Jefferson entertained guests at Gadsby’s Tavern; Civil War General Robert E. Lee lived in Alexandria with his family and eventually became one of the most famous figures of his time. Alexandria was vital in the defense of the nation’s capital and essential in the war effort as a transportation center and hospital for the Union.
The Old Town Alexandria Historic District was established in 1946 as the third designated historic district in the United States. More than 40 sites in Alexandria are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including five historic districts and nine African American sites.
The museum
The Lyceum is a Greek Renaissance building that was built in 1834 and was an important center of cultural life in Alexandria until the Civil War. Since that time, the building has been used as a Civil War hospital, private home, office building, and the nation’s first Bicentennial Center. An interpretive screen located on the first floor of the museum tells the history of the building. The Liceo’s conference room is available to rent for private events. The Lyceum Museum Shop offers maps, books, stationery and other items related to the history of Alexandria.
Admission is $ 2.
Location
Address: 201 S. Washington Street Alexandria, Virginia (703) 746-4994. See a map of Alexandria.
The Lyceum is located on Prince and Washington streets in Old Town Alexandria, close to many shops, restaurants, museums, and historic sites. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot while visiting the Lyceum. The museum is located in Old Town Alexandria, close to many shops, restaurants, and other museums and historic sites. Alexandria is halfway between Washington, DC and Mount Vernon.
Museum hours
Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday: 1 to 5 pm Closed: New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas
Official Website: www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum
Alexandria is a revitalized coastline with cobbled streets, colonial houses and churches, museums, shops, and restaurants. Take a self-guided walking tour and learn about the main historical sites. There are also a variety of fun guided tours available including Potomac River cruises, horse-drawn carriage rides, ghost tours, and historical walking tours. See Alexandria, Virginia Sightseeing Tours
