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 Sep 29, 2017 at 1:37 PM

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.

Virtual Tour

See The Lyceum on the VisitAlexandria 360 virtual tour.

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'Poe in Alexandria'

Monday, October 30 & Tuesday, October 31 at 8 p.m., actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum to re-create Edgar Allan Poe's visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before he died. Keltz performs varying selections each year, but the program always includes a chilling story or two such as "The Black Cat," "The Cask of Amontillado," or "The Tell-Tale Heart," along with well-known poems "The Raven" and "El Dorado." Due to the nature of some material, the program is best suited for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $15 per person, and are available by calling The Lyceum at 703.746.4994 or purchase online. 

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Artifact Anecdotes: George Washington in The Lyceum Collection

George Washington is represented in The Lyceum's collection with items created to commemorate, and celebrate, his life and achievements. Click on the photograph of the sampler to learn more about it, as well as two other artifacts from the 19th century that are examples showing 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 The Five Payne Brothers An Alexandria Family & Their Service.

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Spotlight on History Newsletter

Download the latest issue of our digital newsletter for The Lyceum and Friendship Firehouse Museum here.

Lyceum Performance Calendar

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

Address

The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum 
201 S. Washington Street 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314 
Phone: 703.746.4994 
Fax: 703.838.4997 
Email 

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

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American Alliance of Museums
Accredited Museum

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