Athenaeum

The Athenaeum is an art gallery in Old Town Alexandria located at the intersection of Lee and Prince streets, featuring classical columns and a symmetrical Greek Revival design. Inside are several exhibition spaces where artworks are displayed in an intimate setting.

The building served as the Bank of the Old Dominion from 1851 to 1862 and later became a Union Army headquarters during the Civil War occupation of Alexandria. This transformation shows how buildings in the city were repurposed during the conflict.

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association runs this gallery and presents contemporary art shows, performances, and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors can watch how the space brings together artists and art enthusiasts from the surrounding area.

The gallery welcomes visitors from Thursday through Sunday between noon and four PM, offering free admission to regular exhibitions and selected special events. The interior is easy to navigate, with exhibition spaces arranged across multiple levels.

This building remains one of the few properties in Alexandria that stays privately owned while remaining open to the public. This rare combination allows visitors to experience how a privately managed cultural space operates.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1964

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Operator: Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association

Website: https://athenaeum.business.site

GPS coordinates: 38.80530,-77.04190

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22