The Lyceum Alexandria's History Museum - Alexandria, Virginia

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The Lyceum Alexandria's History Museum - Alexandria, Virginia

The Lyceum was built in 1839 to provide a place for lectures, scientific experiments and quiet reading.  The building has been used as a Civil War hospital, a private home and an office building adn the nations first Bicentennial Center.  It didn't become Alexandria's History Museum until 1985.  Now there are exhibitions, school programs, lectures and concerts held at the Lyceum.

The time that the Lyceum was used for a hospital was in 1861 for the Union Army. How many people were treated at the hospital is not known for sure, but you can bet it was busy.

In 1868 the Lyceum was sold for a private home and was lived in until 1938 when the owner died.  It was then used for an office building but by the 1960's the building had become a run-down eyesore and was scheduled for demolition.  Due to the dedication and struggle of some local preservationists it was saved in 1969.  It has been refurbished and is now, once again, used for the purpose it was originally built to serve the community as a center for historical education and cultural activities.

The museum portion of the Lyceum tells the story of Alexandria beginning with the Native Americans up to the city's founding and growth as a seaport, its importance in the Civil War as a railroad center and on to the present position within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

There are over 1,500 objects relating to the history of Alexandria in the collection of the museum. The building itself is probably the museum's most treasured artifact.  The Greek Revival architecture is still a beautiful work for both those that live in the area and those that come to visit.

Particular strengths of the collection are: silver, including late 18th- and early 19th-century pieces made by Charles Burnett, Adam Lynn, William Williams and John P. Latruite; ceramics, with an emphasis on 19th-century stoneware made and/or sold in Alexandria by John Swann, H.C. Smith, B.C. Milburn and E.J. Miller; furniture made by Charles Koones and the Green family business; original documents including many personal and business papers; tools representing a variety of skilled and unskilled trades and agricultural activities; photographs made by noted 19th-century photographers Mathew Brady, Andrew Russell, and Alexander Gardner.

Location: 201 South Washington St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: 703-838-4994

Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm
Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas

ADMISSION: $2.00

DIRECTIONS:

The Lyceum is located in Old Town Alexandria, near many shops, restaurants, and other museums and historic sites. Alexandria is half-way between Washington, D.C. and Mount Vernon.

From Washington, D.C., and National Airport
Take the George Washington Parkway south, past the airport, into Alexandria . The Parkway becomes Washington Street in the City. After you cross King and Prince Street (about one mile), the Lyceum will be on your right.

From I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway)
Take the US Route 1 North exit (first exit on the Virginia side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge). Follow Route 1 (Patrick Street) about one mile. Turn right on Prince Street; turn right on South Washington Street. The Lyceum on your right.

By Metro
Take the yellow or blue line to King Street station. Cross the parking lot and turn left, one half block to Prince Street. Turn left (east) on Prince Street and walk about one mile to Washington Street. Turn right, and the Lyceum will be on your right. Or take the Dash Bus to King and Washington Streets, turn right and walk one block past Prince Street. Call (703) 370-DASH for bus schedules and information, or check the schedules posted at the station.

By Train
Take Amtrak or Virginia Railway Express to Alexandria's Union Station (across the tracks from King Street Metro station). Upon exiting the train station, walk to your right to King Street and follow directions from Metro.

PARKING:

Free parking in lot adjacent to The Lyceum while visiting The Lyceum and other nearby museums.

ACCESSIBILITY:

The museum is wheel-chair accessible. The City of Alexandria complies with the terms of ADA. An individual with a disability who wishes to request a reasonable accommodation may contact the Museum at 703-838-4994.