Why You Should Go...

At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, visitors—whether on a guided tour or exploring on their own—encounter diverse stories from America’s founding era seen through a local lens. The site includes two taverns, built just seven years apart, that reflect the rapid changes of a young nation.

In spaces like these, debates over the Constitution and the location of the capital unfolded. Named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808, the tavern businesses were central to Alexandria’s port-based economy.

A large enslaved labor force made Gadsby’s renowned hospitality possible. Everyone from Founding Fathers to everyday travelers came to eat, drink, sleep and influence history.

Exhibits and tours explore enduring questions of power—political, economic, and social—and their relevance today. Visitors can sit in the taproom, lie on a bed, and discover for themselves the history of early American life.

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Why You Should Go...

At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, visitors—whether on a guided tour or exploring on their own—encounter diverse stories from America’s founding era seen through a local lens. The site includes two taverns, built just seven years apart, that reflect the rapid changes of a young nation.

In spaces like these, debates over the Constitution and the location of the capital unfolded. Named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808, the tavern businesses were central to Alexandria’s port-based economy.

A large enslaved labor force made Gadsby’s renowned hospitality possible. Everyone from Founding Fathers to everyday travelers came to eat, drink, sleep and influence history.

Exhibits and tours explore enduring questions of power—political, economic, and social—and their relevance today. Visitors can sit in the taproom, lie on a bed, and discover for themselves the history of early American life.

What You Should Know...

Open: Year-Round; Closed on: Wednesday

Hours: Closed Today. Opens Thu

Sunday: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Monday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Tuesday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Saturday: 11:00am - 5:00pm

Cost: Less than $25

Payment: Cash, MC, Visa, AMEX, Discover, Debit

Discounts: Groups, AAA Members, Military

Access: Wheelchair, Public Transportation, Service Animals, Bicycle

Parking: Street, Bus

Available: Self-Guided Tour, Guided Tour, Kids Activities, Wi-fi, Gift Shop

Insider Info

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum has a lot of stairs, however there are places to sit and rest in almost every room. Plus pick up a fun family scavenger hunt  – just ask at the front desk. Every child receives a prize at the end.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is one of eight museums that are part of the Office of Historic Alexandria. From a fort to firehouse, apothecary to archaeology - visit them all to learn about the city’s centuries of history!

Don’t miss visiting the ice well at the corner of Royal and Cameron Streets.  An important historic feature, it provided the tavern with a ready supply of ice to cool beverages or help make the new dessert of the day, ice cream.

Fun Facts

George, Tom, and Gilbert partied here! Washington celebrated his birthday in 1798 and 1799, Jefferson his inaugural dinner in 1801, and the marquee de Lafayette during his Farewell Tour in 1824.

Gadsby in the Big Apple? The orginial ballroom woodwork is actually at the MET in NYC. They purchased it in 1917 and installed it in the American Wing where you can still see it today.

Taverns hosted all kinds of entertainment, including Toby, the Wonderful PIG of knowledge! Take your picture with Toby during your visit.