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 also for other sites in Virginia and nearby Washington, D.C. 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 And Special Exhibits

View all History & Heritage Events

Museum Explorers

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

1 more date

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 its related themes.

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

Click here to get to the page with registration link.

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

Tagged as: , History & Heritage

Founding Frenemies

Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM

35 more dates

Virginians were among Alexander Hamilton's most influential allies and his worst enemies. Hamilton’s relationships with these Virginians helped shape the character of the United States, its founding institutions, and patterns of civil discourse still felt today.

This traveling exhibit will be located at the Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center from October 29 - December 8.

Tagged as: , History & Heritage

Kids and Crafts: Hamilton!

Monday, November 03, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Come to the “room where it happens” at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center for fun activities and crafts revolving around Alexander Hamilton! No registration required.

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

Tagged as: , History & Heritage

The Cold War

Monday, December 08, 2025 | 12:00 AM

27 more dates

This traveling exhibit from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History examines some of the major events of the Cold War. Between 1945 and 1991, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics (also known as the USSR) battled for global dominance. The exhibit will be open from December 8th through January 9th at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center.

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., 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

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About Us

Type

Historic Resources

Contact for school, scout, and adult tours

Sean Redmiles

703-385-8414

sean.redmiles@fairfaxva.gov

Hours

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

Holiday Closures
New Year's Day, Easter, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day and select other holidays.

Call 703-385-8414 to check for other closures.