Visit

Our Museums and Galleries

Institutional History Museum

In 2018, the University committed to create an Institutional History Museum to serve as an educational resource for the W&L community and the broader public. The comprehensive, modern museum located steps from Lexington’s historic downtown will share Washington and Lee’s complete history while highlighting the university’s connections to American history for the campus community and public. 

The museum will display many of the university’s notable collections and historical works of art, of which many have never been previously displayed.

Fundraising is currently underway for the new facility, which will be built on the university’s front campus near the intersection of Jefferson St. and Washington St.

University Chapel and Galleries

Open Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

• While we strive to have attendants on hand whenever University Chapel is open, it is not always possible due to inclement weather and scheduling conflicts. However, visitors are always welcome to take self-guided tours during normal operating hours if the building is open.
• Access may also be subject to unexpected restriction due to its use as a campus event space. Please consult the university calendar ahead of your visit to note any potential conflicts.

Washington Hall Galleries

Open Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 8 am to 5 pm

• Washington Hall Galleries are closed on all university holidays and access may be subject to unexpected restriction due to its location within an academic and administrative building.

Locations and Directions

Parking

• The University Chapel parking lot is accessible to all IHMG sites and is free to visitors. It is located at 100 North Jefferson Street.
• The University Chapel parking lot is not designed to hold large vehicles or motor coaches. Those vehicles should proceed to the Lexington Visitor Center to find proper parking.

Travel from North, South, or East

• Travel interstate 81 to Exit 188-B
• Exit onto Route 60 West
• Follow 60W into Lexington (approximately 3 miles)
• Turn right onto Main Street
• Turn left onto Henry Street
• Cross Jefferson Street and pull into the Chapel parking lot

From the West

• Travel interstate 64 to Exit 55
• Turn right onto Route 11 South
• After you cross the Maury River bridge, Route 11 will split. Bear right onto Route 11 Business
• After passing Virginia Military Institute, turn right into the Chapel parking lot through the brick columns at the intersection of Henry Street and Jefferson Street

Policies

• Attire: The university’s stated practice has been, and continues to be, that individuals or groups not affiliated with the university may not use our campus as a platform for their own personal or political displays or statements. This includes, but is not limited to, historical or replica uniforms.
• Security Measures: All visitors to campus must comply with the University weapons policy, which prohibits the use, possession and storage of all firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives, or other dangerous articles on all properties owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Washington and Lee University. Law enforcement officers duly authorized to carry such instruments are excepted.
  • Public Safety Officers are on duty at the University Chapel. Visitors will be required to walk through metal detectors and have all bags searched upon entry to the Chapel.
• Flags: University policy does not allow flags on campus.
• Photography/Videography: Guests may take photographs without flash in the galleries. Videography is not allowed at any time. 

Group Tours

Group tours (youth and adults) of the University Chapel and Galleries are available with advanced notice and are dependent upon staff availability. To request a group visit, please send us an email historymuseum@wlu.edu.

The Washington Hall Galleries are a self-guided space. We do not offer group tours of the Washington Hall Galleries.