Shortly after World War I, construction began on a series of buildings that became the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station. For the next five years, torpedoes were made and maintained at this facility. In 1945, production at the Torpedo Factory halted, and the buildings became a government storage facility. In 1969, the city of Alexandria bought the buildings and renovated them into working studio spaces for artists and craftspeople. Today, it is one of the largest and most successful visual arts centers in the country. Visitors can see the artists at work and purchase display pieces.
See the work of local artists and artisans showcased at Del Ray Artisans. Get a sense of local culture by viewing local art in a variety of mediums. Approximately once a month, there are new exhibits, and you'll find a great deal of diversity in the pieces being shown. The gallery is open to the public and admission is free.
Closed now
Closed now
The Art League Gallery is a membership gallery located on the first floor of the landmark Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria. With nearly 2,000 square feet of exhibit space and over 1,000 members; visitors are guaranteed a chance to see the best visual art in the mid-Atlantic region. As a non-profit 501(c)(3), The Art League Gallery provides opportunities for local artists to have their work juried by visual arts professionals from area museums, galleries and universities. In addition to monthly juried group exhibits, artists with a strong, cohesive, exciting body of work are selected for solo shows.
Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is a historical landmark in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. It was built in 1851 in the Greek Revival architectural style and served as the Bank of the Old Dominion. Home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association, this building hosts an array of art exhibitions, music concerts and cultural programs by emerging and established artists on the regional scene. In addition, this venue offers excellent facilities for organizing weddings and private events.
