Park Avenue Armory

Park Avenue Armory, a unique structure that is part American palace and part industrial shed, was built between 1877 and 1881. The Armory was constructed by the Seventh Regiment of the National Guard, the first volunteer militia to respond to President Lincoln's call to arms during the Civil War in 1861. The building, which served both as a military facility and a social club, was lauded by architects upon its construction and is today recognized by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for its important historical and cultural legacy. In 2007, more than a century after its founding, the Armory opened its doors to visual and performing artists requiring non-traditional spaces to fully realize their unconventional works of art. These projects span media, style, and form, but are united in their shared spirit of bold experimentation. Today, in addition to its expansive arts programming, performances and exhibition space, the Arts Education programming is vibrant and unparalleled. From its School Partnership Initiative to its Armory Youth Corps, the program's goal is to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to experience the Armory's space, engage in-school arts programming, and obtain mentorships.