The world-famous Torpedo Factory Art Center, located on the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, is nationally recognized as one of America’s Top ArtPlaces, with a “backbone of creative culture…[that is] exceptionally successful at combining art, artists, and venues for creativity and expression…to make vibrant neighborhoods.”
Built in 1918, this former naval munitions plant once created torpedoes during WWII before converting to storage for things like congressional documents, Smithsonian dinosaur bones, and Nazi trial records. In 1974, the complex transformed. It is now home to the nation’s largest number of publicly accessible artists’ studios under one roof. Visit all three floors to find 72 studios, ten galleries, and 150 juried artists working in a diversity of media, from painting to ceramics and from fiber to printmaking. Managed by the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts, the Torpedo Factory Art Center continues to be a must-see cultural icon for Alexandria.
Meet artists at work and find one-of-a-kind keepsakes and statement pieces to take home. Among the seven galleries located throughout the building, is Target Gallery, the Torpedo Factory’s own exhibition space, which rotates exhibitions featuring national and international work. Meet up-and-coming artists in the Post-MFA Residency Studio and find work by under-represented voices in the New Project Studio. The Torpedo Factory is also home to The Art League’s premier school and gallery and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.
Check out the art center’s lineup of events to enjoy. The Torpedo Factory is also available for private rentals, providing a creative flair to any wedding, business gathering, or special celebration.
For directions, hours of operations, and more, visit torpedofactory.org.
