The Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim is a visitor's first stop before strolling through the grounds. It provides introductory information, explaining this site's historical significance to the Civil War. It features exhibition spaces and a classroom, which are available for event rental.
Visitors will find two preserved buildings, Blenheim and Grandma's Cottage, each portraying 19th century life and culture. Every year, on May 7, the center hosts a Civil War reenactment of Ulysses S. Grant's confrontation with Robert E. Lee in 1864.
Bardwell Conservation offers repair services for damaged paintings. Meetings are by appointment only and the company accepts cash or personal check. Bardwell Conservation's offices are located on Park Drive.
Northstar Productions is a small film-editing and production company located in Fairfax. The company's primary ventures include independent films and the editing and production of these small-scale projects.
Erae Art Studio boasts a wide range of art that includes sculptures, landscape paintings, photos and various paintings. This family operated store specializes in restoration and conservation of many art forms.
The Patriot Center at George Mason University's Fairfax campus boasts a lineup of big-name bands, performers and sports events. Easily the biggest venue in the immediate Fairfax City area, Patriot Center tickets run anywhere from free (usually for students) to $150 and up. Click here to see this season's schedule.
Music & Arts at Providence offers a diverse array of highest quality sacred and secular vocal and instrumental classical music programs from September to June each year. The Providence Presbyterian Church sanctuary, featuring the Lively-Fulcher tracker pipe organ and superb acoustics, serves as the concert stage. Most performances are followed by a complimentary Meet the Artist reception. Now in its fifth season, the Concert Series has hosted or produced such notable performances as Puccini's La Bohème, Mendelssohn's Elijah oratorio, the U.S. Army Chorus, the National Brass, pianist Thomas Pandolfi in recital, the Chorales of George Mason and James Madison Universities and the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble. For ticketing information, please visit the church website or contact the Providence Presbyterian Church office at the provided telephone number.
Cinema Arts is a movie theater that features gourmet concessions, including sandwiches, smoothies, ice cream bars, gourmet candy bars and popcorn. The Film Club meets on Sundays to critique independent films.
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center is located on Main Street in the former Fairfax Elementary School building built in 1873. The museum features exhibits exploring Fairfax's history and citizens. Tourists can receive advice about local attractions, historic sites and special events around the city at the Visitor Center.
University Mall Theatres shows first-run movies for no more than $4 a ticket. It offers group deals; accepts the local university's "Mason Money"; and all tickets are just $2 on Tuesdays. It is currently forming a film club, which will have Friday midnight showings followed by a discussion.
Art Gallery 101 specializes in conservation and restoration work for sculptures, paintings, photos, frames and documents. It also appraises fine art, sells original art and prints, commissions custom paintings and portraits and does custom framing.
The National Firearms Museum is located on the ground floor of the National Rifle Associations headquarters. The focus of the museum is the evolution of guns throughout American history and to promote gun collecting. Featured guns on display include Berettas, Ruger, Savage Arms, Colts and many more. A new lineup of "Hollywood Guns," which are guns seen in movies, are now on display.
The George W. Johnson Center is home to a variety of resources and facilities to serve students. The center features a library, dance studio, movie theater, food court, restaurant, bookstore, meeting room, computer store, copy center, bank and credit union and more. The building is also home to the offices of Student Government, Student Academic Affairs, Admission, African American Studies, Alumni Affairs, WGMU Radio and others.
The Justinian gallery offers an eclectic range of art. Pieces include landscape paintings and small sculptures. The gallery is located in a small space tucked off an alleyway in old-town Fairfax.
Constructed in 1900 by Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and Ambassador to Spain, Joseph E. Willard, the Old Town Hall is a historic building located on University Drive in Fairfax. The building features an art gallery and library, open Monday through Thursday. For hall rental information, call Old Town Hall during regular business hours.
The Patriot Center at George Mason University is a 10,000-seat arena that hosts all types of events and shows, including George Mason basketball games, concerts, family shows, trade shows and commencement ceremonies. The arena offers patrons a wide range of amenities, including numerous food and beverage stands like Paisano's Pizza and Chick Fil-A, as well as ATM machines, smoking areas and handicapped accessible seating areas. Among the notable performances throughout are the Ringling Bros. circus, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Bob Dylan, Enrique Iglesias and Disney on Ice, among many more. Visit the website for ticket and seating information, as well as a schedule of upcoming events.