Did you know that the Athenaeum in Alexandria is more than just a pretty building? It is a living piece of history. It stands as one of only two surviving examples of Greek Revival neo-classical architecture open to the public in Alexandria.
The Athenaeum’s story began long before its construction in 1852. The land it occupies was surveyed by none other than George Washington. Initially, the building served as the Bank of the Old Dominion. Robert E. Lee himself kept an account here.
Imagine this bank bustling with activity. Prominent figures from the area conducted their financial business within these very walls. But this period of prosperity was short-lived.
The Civil War brought upheaval. Union forces occupied Alexandria. The Bank of the Old Dominion was repurposed as the Chief Commissary Office for the Union Army. The bank closed its doors in 1862.
However, the building’s story did not end there. In 1870, it reopened as the First Virginia Bank. Later, in 1907, the pharmaceutical firm Leadbeater and Sons purchased it. They used it as a factory until 1925.
The Free Methodist Church of North America then acquired the building. It served as their place of worship until 1964. That year, the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association acquired the property. They transformed it into the Athenaeum that we know today.
The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association lovingly restored the building. They dedicated it to the perpetuation and preservation of fine arts. The name “Athenaeum” comes from the Greek word Athenaion, meaning a temple of Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom.
Step inside the Athenaeum and marvel at its elegant rooms. Notice the 24-foot high coved ceilings. Admire the enormous windows and the beautiful woodwork. Outside, four soaring Doric columns grace the portico. The walls are stucco over stone and brick.
Today, the Athenaeum hosts art exhibits, lectures, and demonstrations. You can also attend performing arts events. They even offer yoga, ballet, and other dance classes. The gallery is free to enter.
The Athenaeum relies on community donations for its survival. It is the only historic building in Old Town that is open to the public free of charge. It is not owned by a government.
As you leave the Athenaeum, remember its rich and varied past. It is a bank, a military office, a factory, a church, and now a vibrant arts center. The Athenaeum stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and community.