Owned by the members of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association, it offers exhibits of paintings, photography, and fine crafts such as rare antique rugs and handmade quilts. The Gallery is open between Easter and the end of October, showing work by area artists and from area collections. The Athenaeum is also home to the Alexandria Ballet, a small, professional, classical ballet company specializing in original ballets aimed at educating and entertaining young children. There is also a dance school with classes for all ages and levels of ability which runs year round. Members are invited to social activities as well.
New members are welcome.
The only stone Georgian Palladian-style mansion in Alexandria. The Carlyle House Historic Park, complete with period furnishings, is interpreted to the life and times of one of Alexandria's founders and first landowners, John Carlyle. Guided tours explore the topics of merchants, slavery and servants, town property, and family life of the colonial Virginia aristocracy. Grounds include an extensive 18 th century style garden. Christ Episcopal Church was the first church in Alexandria and has been serving its congregation as a place of worship since it was completed in 1773.