Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
The Alexandria Lyceum was founded 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 Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, the site offers exhibitions, public programs, a museum store, and facility rentals.
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Nina Tisara and guests touring Witnessing Worship. Courtesy Steven Halperson/Tisara Photo. |
Closed for Renovations
Starting November 2, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum has closed for interior painting, carpet replacement, and other maintenance projects. We apologize for the inconvenience but look forward to welcoming you back when work is completed! In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our online exhibit, “Witnessing Worship: A Photographic Study of Faith in Alexandria” at Alexandriava.gov and our series of “Witnessing Worship” videos featuring exhibit photographer Nina Tisara on our YouTube channel “HistoricAlexVa”
Museum Closures
The museums are closed and public programs are cancelled until further notice.
Covid-19 Operation Guidelines
The Office of Historic Alexandria established the following guidelines to ensure consistent operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff will regularly re-evaluate them based on safety and available staffing levels and as the region moves through Phase 3 of the Forward Virginia plan. Includes guidelines for guided tours, volunteers, rentals, public programs and events, and on-site research and collections use by the public.
Status Update for Historic Alexandria
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Virtual Tour
Visit the first and second floors of the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum on Google 360 virtual tours.
Museum and Office Hours
Museum Hours
The Museum is closed for renovation.
Public programs are cancelled until further notice.
Closed
New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas
Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment only.
Email the Museum
Email Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Event Tickets
To purchase tickets to events sponsored by the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum , and to shop online, visit The Alexandria Shop.
Performance Calendar
Learn about events from groups renting the the lecture hall, for concerts, lectures and meetings open to the public.
American Alliance of Museums
Accredited Museum