The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum

In 1839, a group of gentlemen calling themselves The Alexandria Lyceum joined with the Alexandria Library Company to build a grand hall to provide a place for lectures, scientific experiments and quiet reading.

Page updated on Aug 5, 2018 at 2:45 PM

The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum

The Alexandria Lyceum was founded a year earlier, in 1838, by a group of well-educated local men with an interest in improving public educational and cultural opportunities throughout the community. In 1839, the group joined with the Alexandria Library to construct a new home for both organizations, the building known today simply as The Lyceum. This historic site has also served as a Civil War hospital ward, a private residence, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Nation’s first Bicentennial Visitor’s Center. Today, as the city’s history museum, the site offers exhibitions, public programs, a museum store, and facility rentals.

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Virtual Tour

Visit the  first and  second floors of The Lyceum on Google 360 virtual tours.

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2nd Friday After Work Concert Series

Join us in Old Town Alexandria each second Friday of the month for a concert sponsored by The Folklore Society of Greater Washington (FSGW) and The Office of Historic Alexandria. Locations will rotate between the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House (517 Prince Street), Lloyd House (220 North Washington Street), and The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum (201 South Washington Street). All concerts run from 6-8 p.m. Suggested donation for the musicians, light refreshments available, and a cash bar.

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Alexandrians Fight the Great War

This exhibition traces the experiences of local people during the first World War. The homes, hospitals, factories and shipyards of wartime Alexandria come back to life through the use of rare images, archival and modern-day video clips, quotes from participants, original objects including weapons, period music, and scale models. Exhibit open June 30, 2017 through November 11, 2019

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Plan Your Visit to The Lyceum

Location, hours, directions, and everything you need to know to visit The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum.
Parking and Trolley Map

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Artifact Anecdotes: George Washington in The Collection

George Washington is represented in The Lyceum's collection with items created to commemorate, and celebrate, his life and achievements. Learn about the sampler and two other artifacts from the 19th century that show how he was greatly admired at home, nationally, and abroad.

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World War II: The Five Payne Brothers

To commemorate the anniversary of American entry into World War II, The Lyceum presents an online exhibit, The Five Payne Brothers: An Alexandria Family & Their Service.

Museum Hours

Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. 
Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas

Staff Office Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment

Email the Museum

Email The Lyceum  

Event Tickets

To purchase tickets to events sponsored by The Lyceum , and to shop online, visit The Alexandria Shop. 

Lyceum Performance Calendar

Learn about events from groups renting the the lecture hall, for concerts, lectures and meetings open to the public.

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