Art Galleries, Live Music and More
Named a Travel + Leisure “Top 5 Best City in the U.S. 2025” and within eyesight of Washington, D.C., Alexandria welcomes visitors to experience world-class arts offerings from galleries to live music and beyond. See our Arts Calendar or plan ahead with our yearly signature events.
Art Galleries in Alexandria
The famous Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former World War II munitions factory converted into more than 70 artist studios and six galleries, is the nation’s largest collection of working artist studios under one roof. Keep browsing international artwork at Kyo Gallery or Contemporary Realism works at King Street’s Principle Gallery. Built in the neo-classical Greek revival style, The Athenaeum hosts Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association’s gallery, while along Mount Vernon Avenue, Del Ray Artisans displays visual and functional arts with monthly exhibits.
Can't-Miss Torpedo Factory Studios
Find one-of-a-kind pieces from creators including Dejan Studio Jewelry for custom rings, GalleriaGeorgiAna for cloisonné enamel jewelry and Fantastical Glass, showcasing colorful kinetic sculptures.
Performing Arts Groups
Be swept away by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s suites and sonatas in stunning venues including the Schlesinger Concert Hall and George Washington Masonic National Memorial, with programming that features a mix of classical and contemporary music. The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association offers free concerts throughout the summer at The Lyceum, while the Alexandria Singers are the region’s premier pops chorus performing a repertoire of all types of popular American genres. For the dramatic arts, head to the storied Little Theatre of Alexandria, which has brought live theater to the heart of Old Town for more than 90 years.
The Birchmere Legendary Music Hall
The Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood boasts The Birchmere, a storied supper club music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in country, folk and rock, from Ray Charles to Linda Rondstat.
Public Art and Murals Around Alexandria
In addition to being an architecture lover’s dream destination, Alexandria boasts eye-catching murals throughout Old Town, Del Ray and citywide. While you stroll, soak in the city’s robust public art scene. As the Alexandria’s designated Arts & Cultural District, Old Town North is the site of The Art League, with studio classes and a gallery, and the future MetroStage theater. Follow the Old Town North Art & Culture Walk to view surprising sculptures, murals and more around the neighborhood. Then, visit Waterfront Park to see the latest piece in the annual Site/See: New Views in Old Town public art series along the Potomac River.
Featured Arts Activities
All Art and Culture Activities
Makers’ Spaces, Workshops & Classes
Roll up your sleeves with workshops at beloved boutiques and makers’ spaces including AR Workshop, Shop Made in VA, Made in ALX, Fiscus Glassworks, Artistic Artifacts, Wear Ever Jewelry and many more.
Voices of Alexandria’s Arts Scene
“Being part of the arts scene in Alexandria means more than just creating—it’s about teaching, restoring, and sharing the craft. At Fiscus Glassworks, I get to connect with a community that values hands-on creativity, where artistry and collaboration go hand in hand.”
– Brad and Mare Fiscus, Owners, Fiscus Glassworks
“As a public art manager, it’s a privilege to work collaboratively with residents, artists, City agencies, and partners to bring art into Alexandria’s public spaces—from City buildings to neighborhood parks and streets. Alexandrians care deeply about creativity and community, and that passion can be seen in innovative projects throughout the city. Those shared values help make our public spaces places for play, beauty, conversation, and connection.”
– Meika Daus, Public Art Senior Manager, City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts
“Alexandria is a vibrant, humming arts community where the history of our great town, its storied past, fuels the creativity of a living present and the vision of an unexpected future. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra offers emotional comings-together around music that moves, stories that tell, for a community that cares about something a little beyond the crushing daily news feed. We do connection, in a town that is uniquely open to cross-pollination and collaboration.”
– Maestro Jim Ross, Music Director, Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
