Beautiful Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition in Alexandria VA

Updated on February 21, 2024 by Julie McCool

The Needlework Exhibition at historic Woodlawn is an annual celebration of the needle arts featuring contemporary needlework from around the country. Visitors have the chance to view and purchase extraordinary needlework creations. Plus, a small cafe offers lunch onsite.

The 2024 Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition is open daily except Tuesday from 10:00 – 4:00, March 1 – 31.

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Woodlawn was originally part of George Washington's vast Mount Vernon estate. In fact, Washington personally selected the site as a home for his nephew Lawrence Lewis and his bride, Martha's granddaughter Nelly. Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis Lewis excelled at needlework and considered it a particular point of pride.

The Needlework Exhibition is a judged show that includes entries in 10 different needle arts categories, from beadwork to smocking. The annual event is organized and run by Nelly's Needlers. The volunteer group supports and raises funds for Woodlawn through this exhibit and additional programming.

The works' quality and complexity are impressive. Pieces range from beautiful to quaint, to eerie. Even though we are not needlework devotees, my friend and I were fascinated with the collection.

Works are hung throughout both the upstairs and downstairs rooms of the house, so you get a chance to explore this historic site while viewing the art.

The Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition is held in Alexandria Virginia every March
Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition
Extend your visit with our guide to fun things to do in and near Alexandria.

2024 Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition

The 2024 Needlework Exhibition theme is “Needlework in Everyday Life.” The theme highlights the use of needlework to embellish, restore, and reuse everyday clothing and household objects. This is the 61st annual needleworks show at Woodlawn.

The 2024 Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition is open daily except Tuesday from 10:00 – 4:00, March 1 – 31. Purchase tickets online in advance or at the door. Tickets are $18 for adults, $6 for students K-12, 5 and under free, and allow entry at any time during the day.

The ticket price includes demonstrations, special exhibits, talks by local craft artists, and the chance to shop at the needle arts gift shop. Some workshops and events require reservations and an additional ticket.

Woodlawn historic house in Alexandria VA
Historic Woodlawn

Nelly's Cafe returns with a pop-up cafe serving a sit-down lunch of sandwiches, salads, quiche, and other light fare in the beautiful Underwood Room. The Cafe is open from 11:30 – 2:00 and you can reserve a table for groups of 8. The exhibition and lunch make a wonderful day out with Mom or friends.

After lunch, stop in the gift shop to purchase needlework items and delicious ginger cookies made with Martha Washington's recipe. Proceeds from lunch, tips, and cookie sales all go toward preserving history at Woodlawn.

Visit the Woodlawn events website for more information about the exhibitions and special onsite and virtual programs.

The gift shop is open during the Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition
Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition Gift Shop

Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighy House

The Needlework Exhibit is not the only reason to visit Woodlawn. During your visit, allow time for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House. The house is a fascinating example of Wright's Usonian design and is well worth visiting.

Pope-Leighy House Tours are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and active military, $7.50 for K to 12, 5 and under free. If you don't have time for a tour you can walk around the outside of the house and get a feel for Wright's beautiful design.

Like Woodlawn, the Pope-Leighy House is open from 10:00 to 4:00 daily except Tuesdays throughout March.

See Fallingwater and more on a Frank Lloyd Wright Road Trip to Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighy House in Alexandria Virginia
Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House

Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighy House are at 9000 Richmond Highway in Alexandria, Virginia. Both properties are managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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