Lexington's Lee Chapel and Museum is a Virginia National Historic Landmark

The centerpiece of the handsome campus of Washington and Lee University in the college town of Lexington, Lee Chapel and Museum has played an important role in university life since its completion in 1868, when the 4-year private liberal arts school was known simply as Washington University.

Construction of the chapel was proposed by then-president of the university, Robert E. Lee, who served as the school's leader from 1865 to 1870. However, his son, George Washington Custis Lee, is credited with ideas for the design, assisted by fellow Virginia Military Institute engineering professor, Colonel Thomas Williamson.

Materials for the chapel came from the local area, including brick and Virginia limestone. The simple architectural style of Lee Chapel and Museum is best described as Victorian Gothic, sometimes known as Gothic Revival. This style of architecture was often used on university campuses throughout the 19th century and is characterized by arches, leaded-glass windows, and other features found primarily in cathedrals and castles of the middle ages.

Lee attended daily worship services at the chapel as did the university students. When he died in 1870, his body was buried beneath the chapel, and in 1883, a Lee family crypt was part of a building addition constructed that year. The crypt contains the remains of several family members, and a memorial statue of Lee, designed by Edward Valentine, sits near the interment site.

The lower level of Lee Chapel, which originally housed Lee's office, the treasurer's office, and the student center, became a museum in 1928 and remains open to the general public. Visitors should expect to see Robert E. Lee's office in its original 1870 condition as well as exhibits outlining the history of Washington and Lee University, a portrait gallery featuring works donated by the Washington-Custis-Lee families, and a museum store offering books, apparel, toys, and framed prints.

Lee Chapel and Museum became a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and subsequently underwent extensive restoration for two years following the designation. For the celebration of the university's 250th anniversary in 1999, the museum also enjoyed an extensive refurbishing project.

Today, Lee Chapel and Museum is an integral part of the community, hosting not only services for students and Lexington residents and visitors but also providing an excellent venue for concerts and lectures, accommodating about 500 audience members in its main auditorium. Numerous weddings also take place at the chapel throughout the year and use of the chapel for marriage ceremonies is open to the general public as availability dictates.