WORKHOUSE

ARTS CENTER

Ignite Your Creativity - Explore the Arts

Visit us!

  • Looking for a Scary Good Time? Check out WAC's Production of Evil Dead the Musical!

    Get your Ticket!

  • Want to join us for a terrifying night of fun? Join us at Haunt Apokalypse: Kingdom of Shadows!

    Click Here...or else

  • Looking for a Perfect Way to Spend Date Night? Take one of our Try Me! Classes

    Take A Try Me! Class

  • Want to enjoy some AMAZING local art? Check out our Monthly Feautured Artist Exhibits!

    Check out our Artists

CHECK OUT

Haunt Apocalypse Kingdom of Shadows logo with red and white text on a black background.

Step into the darkness at Workhouse this Halloween! Brave haunted trails, eerie games, and spine-chilling experiences—or join the nightly Groove-yard Party with live DJs, bands, drinks, food, and more!

Get your scare on

Your October Itinerary Awaits

Check out our upcoming events

“Evil Dead the Musical

achieves Helen Hayes

Recommended status from

Theater Washington”

Actors perform on stage in a horror scene with colorful dramatic lighting, including a zombie-like figure and a man with a chainsaw, in a rustic room with wooden walls and a window.
Learn more

Here’s Why You Will Fall in Love with the Workhouse.

Icon of an artist's palette with a paintbrush.
Explore Classes
Icon of a framed picture with two stanchions and velvet ropes in front, representing an art exhibit or gallery.
View Exhibits
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Upcoming Events
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Available Rentals

165,000+

Visitors Per Year

800+

Events, Performances, & Classes

70+

Artists & Instructors

58

Resident Artist Studios

10

Unique Event Rental Spaces

9

Gallery and Museum Experiences

Indulge in our Past, Present, and Future

Bring the Family

and visit these engaging attractions!

Golf hole with flag, golf ball on tee, and a circle representing the hole on a black background.

Masterpiece Mini Golf

Who says art can’t be playful? Challenge your friends to a round!

Tee-off here
Black background with two white theatrical masks, one with a sad expression and one with a happy expression, representing comedy and tragedy.

Performing Arts

Grab your family and come enjoy one of our theatre performances! We have a show for everyone.

theatre performances
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Museums & Tours

Check out our museum and walking tours to immerse yourself in the WAC history!

historic tours
Silhouette of a paintbrush.

TryMe! Classes

Quick, fun intro sessions — perfect for the whole family.

TryMe!
Close-up of a person shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel, with hands covered in clay.

So, what exactly is the

Workhouse Arts Center?

Explore these FAQ’S to discover all we have in store

  • What is the Workhouse Arts Center? 
    The Workhouse Arts Center is a vibrant arts campus housed in a former historic prison. We offer art classes, exhibitions, performances, history tours, and family-friendly experiences. 

    Is the Workhouse Arts Center a non-profit organization? 
    Yes! WAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to arts education, cultural enrichment, and community engagement. 

    Where is the Workhouse located? 
    It sits on the historic grounds of the former D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory complex—now a beautifully restored, 55‑acre arts campus in Lorton. 

    What are your hours of operation? 

    Wednesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
    2nd Saturdays: 11 AM - 9PM
    Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
    Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

  • Can artists rent studio space at the Workhouse? Absolutely! We offer studio spaces for both emerging and professional artists. Apply here or contact us for details. 

    How can I exhibit my work at WAC? We hold rotating exhibitions and juried shows. Check our Exhibit Opportunities page to learn more. 

    Are there teaching opportunities for artists? Yes! We're always looking for talented teaching artists. Fill out an interest form or send us your resume. 

  • Are your programs family-friendly? 
    Definitely! From mini golf to theater to hands-on classes, there's something for every age. 

    Do I need to register in advance for TryMe! Classes, events, exhibits or performances? 
    For classes, advance registration is required to ensure your spot and help our instructors prepare. For performances, purchasing tickets ahead of time is strongly encouraged—but if seats are available, you can sometimes buy tickets at the door. For events and exhibitions, pre-registration is usually not necessary unless otherwise noted. Walk-ins are always welcome!! 

    Is there an admission fee? 
    General admission to the campus is free! Some performances, classes, and special events may have a fee. 

  • How can I volunteer at the Workhouse? We love our volunteers! Learn how to get involved and help with events, exhibitions, and more on our Volunteer Page.

    Can I rent your space for a private event? Yes! We have beautiful, flexible spaces available for weddings, meetings, and special occasions. Visit our Rentals Page to learn more. 

    How do I stay updated on what’s happening? Join our email and SMS list and follow us on social media @workhousearts to get the latest on events, classes, and exhibitions. 

Over 165,000 visitors

Choose to spend their time here each year — and here’s why.

A mobile screen displaying a quote about the workhouse arts center. The quote is attributed to Holly and reads: 'The workhouse arts center is a jewel in our area. The exhibits are beautifully curated and provide a wide variety of works. The artists are welcoming and highly accomplished.'
Screenshot of a text message praising a family's participation in WMAI classes and their appreciation for the program and the arts shared by students David, Wendy, and Mia.
A screenshot of a message from Francine sharing her positive experience at an art campus, mentioning surprises at the gift shop and looking forward to artist visits.

Any Questions?

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to our team—we’re here to help and would love to hear from you!

Stay Up To Date

Join our email list to stay inspired and connected—be the first to hear about upcoming exhibitions, community events, workshops, and ways to support local artists!

STAY UPDATED

Visit Us

Your next favorite spot is just a visit away.

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