A one-of-a-kind holiday shopping with a bit of history.
On the Potomac River waterfront in suburban Alexandria is The Torpedo Factory Art Center. The center is, yes, a former torpedo factory.
The day after World War I ended (1918), the U.S. Navy began construction on the U.S. Naval torpedo station in suburban Alexandria, VA. Designed to build torpedoes launched from both submarines and aircraft, the factory housed torpedo manufacturing facilities for five years after World War I. During the next 18 years of peace, the factory was used as munitions storage depot. (Can you imagine munitions being stored like that today, so close to a major metropolitan area?)
After the start of World War II, the factory shifted to around-the-clock torpedo production. Defense plant workers manufacturing torpedoes were so critical the war effort, that they were only given two days off per year.
After the war, the factory was used as a government storage facility for everything from Congressional records to dinosaur bones for the Smithsonian and German war films and records for the Department of War (now the Dept. of Defense).
In the mid-1970s, the space was converted into an artist’s studio and showcase, yet there are still memorabilia from its origin as a factory, including two torpedoes.
Today, the 3-level center holds 82 artist studios used by more than 165 artists, plus 6 galleries and workshops.
The art created in the center runs the full gamut, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and stained glass, fiber and printmaking. From classic landscapes to whimsical pieces, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, is a combined gallery, workshop, and piece of U.S. history. It’s a great place to find a unique gift.
On most days there are numerous patron-friendly artists actively working. Visitors are welcome to observe, ask questions and interact with the artists as they watch creativity in progress.
All of the original art on display is for sale. And not all of it is overly expensive.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 North Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission - free
Hours - Open daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. Thursdays until 9:00 p.m. through 12/21.
Nearest Metro subway station – King Street - Blue or Yellow line, then a 15-minute walk down King Street to the waterfront, or take the #2 or #5 DASH bus to within two blocks of the factory.
Parking - Two-hour metered street parking (and free spots if you’re willing to walk a bit) is available, as well as free two-hour parking on close by Union Street.
Photo credits: All photos courtesy of The Torpedo Factory Art Center.
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