Fairfax Museum

Fairfax Museum

Start your visit to Fairfax City here! The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center is conveniently located near historic and charming Old Town Fairfax and is a Virginia certified tourist information center.

Connect with the Past

Explore The Fairfax Story exhibit, which follows the arc of Fairfax’s history, from Native American cultures to our local astronaut who orbited the earth aboard three Space Shuttle missions. The gallery is bursting with interesting local stories, and you can view everything in about an hour! The museum hosts traveling and special exhibits on a wide range of Virginia and American history topics so you will want to make return visits.

Historic Schoolhouse

The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center is housed in the former Fairfax Elementary School. Built in 1873, this was the first two-story brick school in Fairfax County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See the photo of students here in the 1880s and then take a selfie under the original arched doorway.

Visitor Center

Welcoming staff and volunteers will provide information about local attractions and events for your Fairfax visit and also for other sites in Virginia and nearby Washington, D.C. Looking for lodging, restaurants, transportation, historic and natural attractions, our staff is ready to help you. The Visitor Center is stocked with brochures, travel guides, and maps. Ask us about the array of special events in and around Fairfax City!

To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call 703-385-8414.

Events

View all history & heritage events 

Museum Explorers

Wednesday, September 03, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

5 more dates

A fun, history-filled program where participants will explore one object from our exhibits or collections and do an activity and/or game, sing a song, do a craft and read a story—all connected to the featured object or it’s related themes.

Registration is required. All registered participants must be accompanied by an adult.

The link to registration will be made available in the coming weeks.

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St.,  22030

Tagged as: , History & Heritage

World War II: Voices of Service

Thursday, August 07, 2025 | 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM

1 more date

This traveling banner exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History explores major war events through everyday Americans' photographs, letters, and oral histories. From the attack on Pearl Harbor through the GI Bill, it provides an overview of important events on the battlefield and the home front.

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main Street,  22030

Tagged as: , History & Heritage

Gift Shop

Take Fairfax City home with you! Shop for children's toys and games, replica items, history books (many titles by local authors), gifts, and souvenirs to remember your visit to Fairfax City.

Old Town Fairfax Awaits

Leave your car parked; put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore Historic Old Town Fairfax, a National Register Historic District. A self-guided walking tour will envelop you in history as you stroll past 19th and early 20th century buildings. Refuel with a tasty meal at one of the city’s popular restaurants. Or take a break, grab an ice cream cone, and enjoy the Kitty Pozer Memorial Garden. Still energy to burn? Walk over the family-friendly Ratcliffe Park, located adjacent to the Museum and Visitor Center, where you will meet Fairfax the Fox and other charmingly carved woodland friends.

Explore volunteer opportunities

Location

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center,  10209 Main St,  Fairfax, VA 22030  View Map

Google Map

About Us

Type

  • Historic Resources

Contact for school, scout, and adult tours

Sean Redmiles
sean.redmiles@fairfaxva.gov

Hours

Wednesday- Monday
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays

Holiday Closures
New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and select other holidays. Call 703-385-8414 to check for other closures.

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