Mission and Vision:

Given that artistic expression elevates a civil society, Arts at the Armory seeks to galvanize the creative spirit by providing a space where working artists and the community can come together.

Recognizing that art can bridge cultural, class and generational divides, Arts at the Armory showcases a wide range of visual arts, dance, theater and musical performances. It also provides studio spaces for artists, a cafe, galleries, two live/work artists units, two performance spaces, and offices for arts organizations. We are pleased to also offer adult art education classes as well as arts afterschool programs for children and youth.

History:

The Armory was built in 1903 by George A. Moore to house the Somerville Light Infantry of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. For nearly seventy years after that, it also housed the Massachusetts National Guard. For the last thirty years, the building was used for some community events but largely sat vacant until the State of Massachusetts decided to sell the building in 2004.

The historic armory was purchased by Joseph and Nabil Sater, in collaboration with Highland Realty Trust, in April 2004 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for $2.6 million. Owners of the successful Middle East music club in Central Square and patrons of the arts, the Sater brothers successfully embarked upon a vision to create a community arts center for the City of Somerville. Joined later by partner, Alan Carrier, they contracted with Single Speed Design who served as award winning architects for the project.

Since 2004, the Armory has been completely restored and brought up to code. Many of the Armory's historic elements have been preserved such as the Armory's drill hall, stairwells, turrets, and other important architectural elements.