The Armory | Somerville

The Armory is a historic building located in Somerville, Massachusetts, USA.

This structure served as a military training facility and later as a community arts center.

Visual Characteristics

The Armory is a large, rectangular brick building with a pitched roof. Its exterior features red brick construction with white trim around the windows and doorways. The building has multiple stories and a prominent clock tower. Architectural style is primarily Romanesque Revival, characterized by rounded arches and heavy stone detailing around entrances.

Location & Access Logistics

The Armory is situated at 191 Highland Avenue in Somerville, MA. It is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) east of the Somerville city center. On-site parking is available in a dedicated lot to the south of the building. Public transport options include the MBTA bus route 87, which stops directly in front of the Armory on Highland Avenue.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of The Armory was completed in 1904. It was designed by the architectural firm of Winslow & Bigelow. The original purpose was to serve as a National Guard armory for the 101st Field Artillery Regiment.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can attend scheduled events such as concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions. The building houses multiple studios and performance spaces. Public access is generally limited to event times or specific open house dates.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the building, primarily in common areas and near event spaces. Some areas offer limited shade from the building's overhang. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the building. Food vendors are typically present during scheduled events; otherwise, dining options are located off-site.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during scheduled public events. For photography of the exterior, late afternoon provides favorable lighting conditions due to the building's orientation. There are no specific tidal or seasonal requirements for visiting.

Facts & Legends

During its military use, the Armory was a central hub for local militia training. A lesser-known fact is that the building's foundation was designed to support significant weight, anticipating the storage of artillery and equipment.

Nearby Landmarks

• Davis Square (1.5km West)
• Somerville Theatre (1.8km West)
• Tufts University (2.5km Northwest)
• Assembly Row (3.0km East)
• Museum of Science (4.5km Southeast)