Rentals and Private Events at Historic Properties

Many city-owned historic locations in Alexandria have facilities available for rent for a variety of functions, including meetings, seminars, private parties, weddings, and many other special events.
Page updated on April 13, 2023 at 3:27 PM

Rentals and Private Events at Historic Alexandria Properties

Six Historic Alexandria properties are available for rentals and private events. The properties can accommodate from 15 to 160 people, for a range of events including parties, weddings and meetings.

In line with other City facilities, there is a non-refundable $50 fee for events serving alcoholic beverages. Appropriate ABC permits are required for serving alcoholic beverages; visit VABC for more information. See individual properties for rental fees and additional information.

Available Properties

Alexandria Black History Museum

Alexandria Black History Museum 
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

See more information and then contact the museum’s rental coordinator at Alex311 or call 703.746.4356 for booking and additional questions.

  • History: The Alexandria Black History Museum is the perfect setting for patrons interested in an intimate, historic setting with ethnic flair. The museum complex is comprised of three sites – the Alexandria Black History Museum, the adjacent Watson Reading Room and the Alexandria African American Heritage Park.
  • Event spaces: First floor of the Museum, including access to the permanent exhibit, Securing the Blessings of Liberty, reception space in the Parker-Gray Gallery, and access to a full kitchen; the Watson Reading Room, adjacent to the Museum.
  • Capacities: Reception 120, Seated 60 – Parker Gray Gallery / Watson Reading Room 30
  • Parking and transportation: Five blocks from the Braddock Road Metro on the Blue and Yellow lines; ample street parking available without restriction on Wythe Street; two hour parking available on North Alfred Street.
  • Disabled access: All of the Museum’s rental spaces, including the restrooms, are fully accessible.
  • Major restrictions: Events must end by 10 p.m. No events with alcohol are allowed without a current ABC License. The use of candles or confetti is not permitted.

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 South Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

See more information and then contact the facilities coordinator at Alex311 or call 703.746.4994 for booking and additional questions.

  • History: Built in 1839 as a lecture hall and community library, The Lyceum has also served as a Civil War hospital, a private home, an office building, and the country's first Bicentennial Center. Listed on the National Register, The Lyceum exhibits classic Greek Revival architecture
  • Event spaces: First floor entrance hall; second floor lecture hall with low stage and projection room; small catering kitchen off of lecture hall; exhibit galleries open with special arrangements
  • Capacities: seated concert/lecture/wedding 140; open floor reception 120; dinner or meeting with tables/chairs 95; classroom with tables/chairs 45
  • Parking and transportation: 18-space lot on site; public garages within walking distance; street parking; approx. 20-minute walk to King St. Metro (Blue and Yellow lines); DASH and Metro bus stop in front of building
  • Disabled access: light-duty passenger elevator to second floor accommodates non-motorized wheelchairs only
  • Major restrictions: No events run past midnight; no glitter or confetti

Friendship Firehouse Museum

Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

See more information and then contact the facilities coordinator at Alex311 or call 703.746.4994 for booking and additional questions.

  • History: The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855, was substantially remodeled in 1871, and was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1992.
  • Event spaces: First floor Engine Room exhibit area; second floor meeting room and Marshall Beverly Room
  • Capacities: First floor 15, second floor 40, using entire building 55
  • Parking and transportation: Limited street parking in residential area; public parking within one block; DASH bus on King Street, less than one block away; approximately. 20-minute walk to King Street Metro station (Blue and Yellow lines)
  • Disabled access: ADA compliant; wheelchair accessible to second floor
  • Major restrictions: none

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

See more information and then contact the rental coordinator at Alex311 or call 703.746.4242 for booking and additional questions.

  • History: Meet in the same room George Washington met in...Drink in the same room Thomas Jefferson drank in.
  • Event spaces: Assembly Room, located in the c.1785 tavern, and the historic 18th century Ballroom, located in the 1792 City Tavern
  • Capacities: Ballroom—ceremony 90, seated dinner 72, standing reception 100; Assembly Room—ceremony 65, seated dinner 40, standing reception 80; Both rooms—seated dinner 112, standing reception 160
  • Parking and transportation: loading/unloading zone directly in front of museum; public garages within walking distance; street parking
  • Disabled access: two flights of stairs to rental space, no elevator
  • Major restrictions: No events run past 11 p.m.

More Alexandria Venues

These unique sites and facilities might also be appropriate for your special occasion. The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association can assist you in learning about hotel and restaurant venues.