ABOUT GADSBY'S TAVERN MUSEUM

Since the mid 1700's travelers have come to the tavern buildings adjoining the Market Square in Alexandria first as customers and guests of the tavern and hotel and now as visitors to these historic buildings.

Gadsby's Tavern consists of two buildings, the 1770 Georgian tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. Today the buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1806. Mr. Gadsby's establishment was a center of political, business and social life in early Alexandria.

Since Gadsby's Tavern was the largest gathering place for the 18th Century residents of Alexandria it hosted many types of events including:

• dancing assemblies

• theatrical and musical performances

• meetings of local organizations

• merchants selling their wares

• traveling dentists treating patients

• entertainers of all descriptions

Today the buildings house both the Gadsby's Tavern Museum and the privately run, historically accurate Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant.  (Mouse over the picture above to identify the doorways.)  To see more about the history of the museum go to

• Alexandria's Official Museum Website

• Tavern Trivia

• GTMS Speakers Bureau

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314


Phone: 703.838.4242
Fax: 703.838.4270

For Hours of Operation and Current Event Information, please check visit the Tavern's Official web site.