Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

In 1839, the Lyceum Company, which promoted education in Alexandria, partnered with the Alexandria Library Company to build Lyceum Hall. The new building had a library and reading room on the first floor and a large hall on the second floor for lectures, debates, concerts, meetings, and other public programs.
Page updated on November 8, 2024 at 5:29 PM
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Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

Citizens of Alexandria first formed the Lyceum Company in 1838 as part of a larger lyceum movement in America. Communities, especially in the Northeast and Midwest, established lyceums to promote education locally. They took the name “lyceum” from the temple dedicated to Apollo Lyceus where Aristotle founded the Peripatetic school of philosophy in 334 BCE. In Alexandria, men, women, and children attended lectures, participated in debates, and attended various entertainments at Lyceum Hall.

During the Civil War, the building served as a military hospital, quarters for troops, and a meeting space. After the war, it was a private residence, office building, home of the chamber of commerce, and the first U.S. Bicentennial Center. Today, as the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, the site offers exhibitions, public programs, a museum store, and facility rentals.

Celebrate 275 Years with Alexandria!

ALX275 logo

Alexandria's 275th Anniversary

From April through September, we invite our community and visitors to join us for immersive historical walks, civic celebrations, educational programming, and other fun and engaging events.

Panorama, old and new

New Exhibit - Mapping Alexandria: Stories of a Changing City

This exhibit, at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, marks the 275th anniversary of the City’s founding, explores the evolution and history of Alexandria through the words of its residents.

Fiddle player on stage at Lyceum

Traditional Music at The Lyceum

November 1 & 15, December 12 & 19
In the 19th century, traveling singers and musicians including groups from Hungary, Austria, Spain, England, and Ireland also performed at Lyceum Hall. In keeping with that tradition, join us at The Lyceum for periodic traditional music concerts.
Lafayette portrait from National Portrait Gallery

Lafayette in Alexandria

November 24
Lafayette returned to Alexandria on October 16, 1824; an occasion marked with a grand parade and celebration. Join us as we wrap up the 200th anniversary celebrations with "Hero of Two Worlds, A Musical Celebration of Lafayette."
Poe in Alexandria-

Poe in Alexandria

October 30 and 31
Don't miss an unforgettable evening with America’s earliest master of the macabre - Edgar Allan Poe! Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum’s lecture hall to re-create Poe’s visit to Virginia in 1849. Reservations are strongly recommended for this popular event.

Visit Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

Alexandria's History Museum at The Lyceum (exterior)

Plan Your Visit

The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday. This page has everything you need to plan your visit.

Virtual Programming at The Lyceum, WMPA Streaming

Performances at The Lyceum

For two decades before the Civil War, The Lyceum was the intellectual and cultural center of Alexandria. Today, The Lyceum again serves the community as a center for historical education and cultural activities. For tickets and more information, follow the Event Links provided on this calendar.

Lyceum Rental, table set for dinner 2017

Rentals and Private Events

In its continuing role as a venue for all sorts of community activities, Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum's Lecture Hall is available to you for weddings, meetings, receptions, recitals, concerts and lectures.

Exhibits and Collections

Lyceum Exhibit, North Gallery. Building a Community: Alexandria Past to Present

On View at The Lyceum

The permanent exhibition, Building a Community: Alexandria Past to Present explores the city from prehistoric times to the present. The James Coldsmith Gallery is used for smaller exhibits that focus on some particular story within Alexandria's history. 

Sampler stitched in Alexandria, 1817

Collections

The museum's collection includes the original 1839 lyceum building as well as over 5,000 objects related to the history of Alexandria, Virginia.

History

Black and white print "Alexandria Library, Alexandria VA"

History of The Lyceum

Constructed in 1839 as part of a public education movement, The Lyceum has also been a Civil War hospital, a private home, an office building, and the nation's first Bicentennial Center.

Birds Eye View of Alexandria, Charles Magnus1863 (Library of Congress)

The History of Alexandria, Virginia

Read a brief history of Alexandria and find more about our history on the Historic Alexandria website and elsewhere on the internet.

Guests attend a lecture in 2018

Watch Lectures Online

Learn more about Alexandria’s history through select recordings of Historic Alexandria’s public lecture series. Check the calendar for upcoming lectures, in-person, hybrid or on Zoom.

Support the Alexandria History Museum

A volunteer shows students a tin lantern during a program.

Volunteer

The Museum offers many activities and programs that enable the public to enjoy Alexandria's history. Many of these activities are volunteer-staffed. Can you help us?

Photographer Nina Tisara and guests tour Witnessing Worship (Courtesy Steven Halperson/Tisara Photo)

Donate

Celebrate the power and impact of community philanthropy by supporting Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum and Historic Alexandria!

More Information

Contact the Museum

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum 
201 S. Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.4994

Contact Museum (Alex311)

Mission Statement

The mission of Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum is to actively preserve and interpret this historic landmark and its collections, thereby inspiring public use and enjoyment of local history.

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Educational Resources

Educational Resources at the Alexandria History Museum

The museum offers a variety programs for students, children, and families throughout the year. The programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.

Scout Programs at the Alexandria History Museum

Scout Programs at the Alexandria History Museum

Our museum offers a variety of programs for Girl and Boy Scouts. Boy and Girl Scout troops may reserve a school program or enjoy a self-guided visit to the museum during regular museum hours. We offer an annual program "Her Story: Women in Action" for younger Girl Scouts during March as well as volunteer opportunities for older Girl Scouts.