The Best Museums to Visit in Alexandria, Virginia

Are you planning to explore some of the rich history of Alexandria, Virginia? There are a number of museums, in addition to free historic sites, to visit in Alexandria suitable for the entire family. Some may choose to unlock the fun using Alexandria's Key to the City Museum Pass, making popular museums and attractions more affordable.

Learn about the best museums in Alexandria in a city that honors its past.

Popular Local Alexandria Museums

Residents and visitors alike will enjoy learning more about Alexandria and the many historical events that have taken place over the years. A number of local museums offer hands-on activities and can be a great way to introduce children to the history and culture of Alexandria, VA.

Those interested in the history of the American Civil War can spend time exploring the exhibits and well-preserved fort and batteries at the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site. Alexandria was a vital Union Army crossroads and much can be learned about the life of the soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. Living history activities, Civil War re-enactments and educational and interpretive programs are available at this site where they were able to reconstruct the Northwest bastion and preserve the majority of the fort's earthwork walls. The museum and site are located within Fort Ward Park at 4301 West Braddock Road.

Support the artifacts of Alexandria's past when visiting the Alexandria Archeology Museum at 105 N. Union Street #327 in Alexandria. At this museum, City archeologists, students, volunteers, residents, and developers work together to manage and study local archeological resources.

Popular Museum Exhibits

Hands-on activities are part of the exhibits that currently include, Archeologists at Work: The Lee Street Site, highlighting a city block from a bygone era. Learn more about the Archeological Discoveries on the Waterfront and make a donation to the Save Our Ship Conservation Fund to preserve a historic ship that sunk more than 200 years ago. Sign up for lectures, Summer Camp, Family Dig Days and more.

Visitors interested in learning more about the contributions of Black America can head down to Alexandria Black History Museum on 902 Wythe Street. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am–4pm, this museum was once the segregated library for the African American residents of Alexandria.

These are some of the most popular museums in the area. However, with many free and low-cost museums and attractions in Alexandria, it is possible to plan a fun day out on a budget.

Explore Alexandria's Past Today

Spend a day learning more about the important events and people that have made Alexandria what it is today. There is no time like the present to start exploring the best museums in Alexandria today.