University Chapel and Galleries

University Chapel

Completed in 1868 at the request of Washington College President Robert E. Lee, University Chapel (first known as “the College Chapel”) has been a gathering place for the campus community since its inception. The building, which originally included an auditorium for weekday worship services as well as the president’s and treasurer’s offices and the YMCA headquarters, has evolved over more than 150 years to incorporate historical gallery spaces and the Lee Family crypt. It continues to be used for university events.

University Chapel & Galleries is part of the Museums at Washington and Lee, which also include the Washington Hall Galleries, the Reeves Museum of Ceramics, the Watson Galleries and the McCarthy Gallery. Works from the ceramics, art and history collections are also on view in several campus buildings. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

Museum Open Hours

• Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• University Chapel is closed on all university holidays.
• While we strive to have docents 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.

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: Visitors will be asked to open large bags or purses for inspection by the Public Safety Officer on duty. Additionally, 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.

Flags: University policy does not allow flags on campus.

Photography: The Museums staff wants to insure you enjoy your visit to the Chapel and share the experience with your friends. In order to make it a pleasant experience for all our visitors and to protect the parts of our collection that are under copyright, the photography policy must be observed.

Group Tours

All tours are free of charge. While we strive to have docents on hand whenever University Chapel is open, it is not always possible due to inclement weather and scheduling conflicts. However, groups are always welcome to take self-guided tours during normal operating hours.

If you are traveling by motor coach, there is no available parking at the University Chapel. Riders may be discharged on Jefferson St. in front of the entrance and handicapped individuals may be let off on Letcher Avenue, but in both cases, the bus will need to park elsewhere until the tour is over. Please contact the Lexington Visitor Center for suggested bus parking.

Street Address

The address for the University Chapel parking lot is 100 North Jefferson Street.

Directions

From the 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 you pass the VMI campus, turn into the Chapel parking lot through the brick columns on the right at the intersection of Henry Street and Jefferson Street.