Alexandria Launches Car-Free Museum Passport Challenge
New mobility guide encourages residents and visitors to explore all eight Historic Alexandria museums using transit, bikes, scooters, and walking—with a prize waiting at the finish line.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria residents and visitors can now experience the city’s rich history without ever getting behind the wheel.
The City of Alexandria has launched the Historic Alexandria Museum Explorer Passport, a new program that combines sustainable transportation with local history, encouraging participants to visit all eight Historic Alexandria museums while using transit, biking, walking, or other car-free options.
The passport serves as both a transportation guide and a museum challenge. Participants collect a stamp at each museum they visit and, after completing all eight stops, can redeem their completed passport for a special customized prize at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum.
“Explore and Earn!” is the theme of the initiative, which was designed to make Alexandria’s museums more accessible while promoting environmentally friendly transportation choices.
A Guide to Getting Around Without a Car
The comprehensive mobility guide highlights multiple transportation options available throughout the city, including:
- Free DASH buses
- The free King Street Trolley
- Metrorail and Metrobus connections
- Capital Bikeshare stations
- E-bikes and scooters
- Walking routes
A detailed map identifies museum locations, nearby bus stops, and bike stations, making it easier for visitors to plan a full day—or several days—of museum exploration without needing a personal vehicle.
The guide also reminds users that DASH buses and the King Street Trolley are free to ride, while Metrorail and Metrobus provide convenient connections throughout the city.
Eight Museums, One Adventure
Participants can collect stamps from all eight Historic Alexandria museums:
- Alexandria Archaeology Museum
- Alexandria Black History Museum
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
- Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
- Freedom House Museum
- Friendship Firehouse Museum
- Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
- Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences online using the hashtag #ALXMuseumExplorer.
Funded Through Transportation Grant
The project was funded through a Rideshare Enhancements Grant, supported by RSTP/Federal Highway Administration funds and administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
According to the city, the goal is to create and distribute a mobility guide that promotes both sustainable transportation and engagement with Alexandria’s museums and historic sites.
Where to Get a Passport
The Historic Alexandria Museum Explorer Passport is available free of charge at Alexandria museums, recreation centers, libraries, and other city facilities. Participants can also print a copy at home.
Museum hours vary by location. For more information, visit the Historic Alexandria museums website and Alexandria’s GO Alex transportation resources.
