Museums are an essential part of our collective culture and one of the best ways for us to experience local arts and history outside of a traditional classroom setting. With interactive programs, exhibitions, and activities, these are only a few of the great museums that Fairfax County has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a history lesson or a fun activity, check out one of Fairfax’s many museums!
Artinsights Gallery of Film and Contemporary Art
If you’re looking for a local art museum that will inspire you to create and express yourself, Artinsights Gallery of Film and Contemporary Art is a great place to visit.
Artinsights is a nonprofit art gallery located on the grounds of Reston’s Town Center in Northern Virginia. The gallery features films from around the world and original artwork from local artists. The gallery also hosts an annual film festival, which includes films by directors such as Spike Lee, Wes Anderson, and Spike Jonze. If you want to experience art in all its forms, Artinsights is a great place to start.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is one of America’s most popular historic sites. The estate includes outbuildings, gardens, farmland, and a distillery and gristmill. The plantation was home to the first president and his family, and today it is a museum that seeks to educate visitors about the 18th-century way of life.
George Mason Gunston Hall
It is a historic house museum once Patriot George Mason’s home in Lorton, VA. The estate includes historic structures, gardens, outbuildings, and a working farm. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities such as candle-making and blacksmithing or stroll through the grounds.
Lucy Burns Museum
The Lucy Burns Museum in Lorton, VA, is dedicated to the life and work of suffragist Lucy Burns. Lucy Burns Museum tells the story of the women’s suffrage movement through exhibits, educational programs, and special events. Visitors can explore the historic house, gardens, and outbuildings or participate in various hands-on activities.
National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army was a 2021 ArtsFairfax Arts Awards honoree of the Jinx Hazel Award. It is the only museum in the world that tells the story of the army from its beginnings to the present day. The museum, located in Fort Belvoir, features exhibits on the history of warfare, interactive displays, and hands-on activities. Visitors can also explore the grounds, which include a parade ground, gardens, and a monument to the Unknown Soldier.
Torpedo Factory Artists @ Mosaic
Mosaic Local Arts Museum is a nonprofit contemporary art gallery and community space located on the grounds of the former Fairfax County Courthouse in Fairfax, VA. With a focus on education and community engagement, Torpedo Factory Artists aims to provide opportunities for artists to create work and engage with their community while providing educational resources that support the development of local artists.
The museum focuses on exhibitions exploring local themes and themes from around the world, including exhibitions focusing on war photography, peace activism, environmental sustainability efforts, and more.
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