Rendering courtesy of Wolf Trap
The Virginian at Wolf Trap will open in November.
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced Thursday that they are expanding The Barns at Wolf Trap by adding a third beautifully restored historic structure that will enrich the visitor experience while preserving the venue’s distinctive character.
Opening in November 2026, the Virginian Barn marks the latest investment in Wolf Trap's commitment to enhancing the patron experience. The project was made possible by the many donors who supported The Campaign for Wolf Trap: Our Next Chapter, most notably Wolf Trap Foundation Board Chairman Dan D'Aniello and his wife, Gayle.
The Virginian Barn adds approximately 2,500 square feet of flexible space for pre-show dining, post-show gatherings, special events, and private rentals. The project also includes expanded restrooms, upgraded kitchen facilities, and additional storage, improving comfort and accessibility for pre-show audiences and private gatherings, while supporting Wolf Trap's growing year-round operations.
The Virginian Barn has a rich origin story. Constructed in the early 1900s, the barn was located on River Farm in Loudoun County, home to longtime Wolf Trap donors Karen and Fred Schaufeld. Plans to widen Route 15 in 2025 threatened its future. Knowing Wolf Trap Foundation was seeking to add another historic structure to The Barns, the Schaufelds offered to donate their barn.
"We are so pleased that this remarkable historic structure will live on in a meaningful way. Wolf Trap is the perfect home for the Virginian [Barn] because it shares our appreciation for preservation, community, and bringing people together. We are honored to see this barn begin its next chapter as part of such a vibrant venue," Karen and Fred Schaufeld said.
In spring 2026, the barn was carefully disassembled, reconditioned and reconstructed by Lancaster Timber Framers, which is nationally recognized for restoring historic timber-frame structures. GrizForm Architects leads the architectural design, with L.F. Jennings serving as the project’s general contractor.
"The Barns at Wolf Trap has long offered audiences an intimate connection to world-class artists in a setting unlike any other. The addition of the Virginian Barn allows us to build on that legacy by creating more opportunities for our patrons to gather, celebrate, and connect before and after performances while preserving the historic character that makes this place so special,” said Arvind Manocha, president and CEO of Wolf Trap Foundation.
By blending historic preservation with thoughtful modernization, the Virginian Barn (1900)—along with the Scottish (1791–1792) and German (1725) Barns— strengthens The Barns at Wolf Trap as a destination for audiences to enjoy unique and memorable performances, while dining and gathering with family, friends, and community.
