Built in 1839, the Lyceum was built in Greek Revival architecture to be Alexandria, Virginia?s venue for lectures, scientific experiments, and other educational activities. From the time of its construction to today, it really has been through a lot. It has been used as a residence, a Civil War hospital, an office building, and even the very first Bicentennial Center of the country. It serves as Alexandria?s official historical museum and as a fund-raising and membership organization from 1985 to present.

Inside the Lyceum museum, visitors can see the long history of the city of Alexandria. It shows how it began from the time that Native Americans still inhabited the area to the founding of the city by colonial forces to what it is today.