Northern Virginia is home to a variety of must-see museums and acclaimed galleries. Not sure where to start? I have rounded up the best exhibitions happening this fall. Read on to discover more and grab your tickets!
George Washington’s Mount Vernon ($28 Admission)
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Scots at Mount Vernon
On display now, Scotland at Mount Vernon offers a deep dive into George Washington’s Scottish connections, both historic and modern. Visitors can explore Scottish food traditions, discover the art of whiskey-making, create their own tartan, and hear stories from “James Anderson,” Washington’s Scottish farm manager, and “Dr. James Craik,” his trusted physician.
Date: December 7-8, 2024 – 9a.m. – 4p.m.
Price: Free
Winter Glow
Commemorating the 225th anniversary of George Washington’s death, explore his life, leadership, and lasting impact through exhibits, talks, and interactive activities that highlight his enduring legacy.
Date: December 23, 2024
Price: $35-54
National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center (Free)
14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy
Stargazing at the Udvar-Hazy Center
Experience the wonders of the night sky with Stargazing at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Join museum staff and the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club as they guide you through views of planets, stars, and the Moon. Knowledgeable astronomers will provide telescopes and insights for a truly memorable celestial journey. Held outdoors, this event invites you to connect with the universe above.
December 14, 2024 | 5:30 – 7:30pm
Price: Free
Soar Together Family Day
Explosions play a crucial role in air and space, powering rocket engines and driving aerospace innovation. Join us for a family-friendly day as we explore the science behind these exciting bursts of energy and their impact on aerospace!
December 14, 2024
Price: Free
The National Museum of the United States Army (Free)
1775 Liberty Dr
Army-Navy Game Watch Party
West Point vs. Naval Academy Watch Party returns to the Museum, bringing fans together for an exciting indoor viewing experience. Cheer on the cadets from West Point as they go head-to-head with the midshipmen of the Naval Academy. The Museum Café will offer game-day food and drink specials, fueling the excitement through every play until the final whistle, all in a lively setting that celebrates this storied rivalry.
December 14, 2024
Price: Free
Workhouse Prison Museum at Lorton (Free)
9518 Workhouse Way
10th Annual Glass International
The 10th Annual Glass International at Workhouse Arts Center showcases the vast range of contemporary glass art, from functional pieces to striking sculptures. Celebrating a decade of glass exhibitions, this year’s show expands to include international artists alongside U.S. creators, offering a dynamic, global perspective on modern glass artistry.
November 2, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Price: Free
Pieces of Us
This evocative exhibition delves into the essential elements of growth and life that shape our experiences. Featuring works that explore memory and sensory triggers, it invites viewers to consider how sight can evoke a scent or taste. Birds’ nests, symbolizing emotions and memories, highlight our capacity for connection, while decaying wood elements mark the passage of time, encouraging reflection. Birdhouses woven into the pieces prompt us to consider what we collect to create spaces we feel connected enough to call home.
November 9, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Price: Free
Fairfax Museum & Visitors Center (Free)
10209 Main St.
Gano Gallery
This traveling exhibition uses large-scale reproductions of historic maps, photos, and explanatory text to show how America looked before the journey of Lewis and Clark, and what it looked like after.
Oct. 18, 2024 – Jan. 22, 2025
Price: Free
