Torpedo Factory Art Center

What a great place to see some amazing art. I felt so inspired being in this building. I can't wait to come back, though on the complete opposite Coast from me. But I'll be back and plan to purchase great art!

It was a great warm place to meet before the Harbor boat light parade. Lots of vendors inside selling their wares. Very family friendly place - great location and the have limited parking.

A nice building at a gorgeous river front location in Alexandria, VA. Spacious, with a lot of cozy boutiques and art shops, creative studios and workshops. The only thing that is missing there is a talent. And this is a must for any art center. But it is definitely a positive influence, more like a community gallery and public exhibition space.

There’s 3 floors to explore inside the Torpedo. There’s different exhibition on each floors and the arts are for sale as well. The 3rd floor is like a little museum that showcases the history of Toledo factory, African American Waterfront Heritage Trail and some Archaeological stuff was on display too. You will enjoy visiting if you love artwork. Parking garage and street parking is available. No tickets needed for entry.

Love going here and viewing all the local artist stands. Three floors of beautiful art. How do you choose.🙂

Service in atmosphere was on point food was nice and all you can eat for brunch. Great views, great customer service and under direction of Chris from housewives of Potomac. This place has a few good reasons why you should check it out I’m glad I did. PS be on a diet coming here. Paid parking below

I have been going here for 25 years. I love it. Lots of bathrooms. Good air conditioning. Fun shops nearby. You have to see the glass aquariums the print studios and the views from the studios around the elevators are fantastic. We met the current president Edward Mccluney. The sun print artist has items that say torpedo factory that make good gifts.

It’s free! There are three floors full of little shops displaying art work of various kinds taking up this whole building! We enjoyed how you can see the arts work space and watch them create. There’s a huge variety, but almost everything was very expensive in all the shops. Needless to say, but we didn’t buy anything but still had a good time walking and taking in all the artists and their work. Would recommend if you’re looking for an art piece or just killing time.

Looking for art? Real, honest, made by a local artist kind of art? Paintings, sculpture, and photographs. This is it.

3 floors of art studios, and many welcoming artists! This is a great place to get out of the summer heat, and there's free admission! While it's open daily from 10am to 6pm, the amount of studios closed/opened varies. I feel that there's more open on Fridays and through the weekend. There's a great variety in art here, and I'm sure everyone can find a new favorite artist!

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia, is a vibrant creative hub housed in a historic World War I-era torpedo factory. Visitors can explore three floors of open studios, meet artists, and watch them at work across diverse mediums like painting, sculpture, photography, and jewelry. The space's rich history and artistic energy make it an inspiring destination to discover original art and spark creativity.I had a great afternoon strolling through the art center and highly recommend if you're in the Old Town Alexandria area!

We always take our friends to visit when we explore Alexandria. There are a lot of art studios to walk through and often when the artist is there, you can talk to them about what they're making. They also have seats and bathrooms so it makes for a great place to stop by and take a break.

This is a fun, unique place to visit and you won't find many places like this so it's worth stopping by. You don't have to be an artist or an art aficionado to appreciate Torpedo Factory Art Center. There is something for everyone here and it's very family friendly. They have events throughout the year and there is an art school on site as well. Tip: The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is in this building on the 3rd floor and it's free! It's small but there are some neat artifacts there and it's kid-friendly. There are many items for purchase throughout, from original artwork to gift items and professional, framed photography.

We know from Wikipedia that the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the largest number of publicly accessible working artist studios in the U.S. This is a perfect destination for aspiring artists and fans of all manner of the corporeal arts - enamels, fibers, photographs, collages, the list goes on - collectively the arts shine along with their artists. My grandkids love the full-size deactivated torpedo, and we'll spend an easy and inexpensive Sunday afternoon (the Center does not charge an admission fee) wandering around admiring the working spaces maintained by the artists in residence. The Center is adjacent to the Potomac Water Taxi and several classic Old Town restaurants, including Vola's Dockside, a family favorite. You can take the free Old Town Trolley from the King Street Metro station; the Center is at the Trolley's last stop.

The perfect weekend stop & inspiration one needs to immerse themselves into....when looking for that special piece of art for the home. I came here with unassuming expectations while looking for artwork for my home, but left with such high regards and respect for the artists and works being created here. This history of this place and artworks being produced is amazing--quite impressive to say the least. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a vibrant hub for creativity and artistic expression. Once the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station and industrial factory where torpedos and munitions were manufactured and stored during World War I, this 100 year old building is now a converted space for all things art. Located in the historic Torpedo Factory building, it's a dynamic space where artists and visitors come together. You can explore a diverse range of art forms, from paintings and sculptures to photography and jewelry. Artists earn studios through a multi-phase competitive jury process. Meet them as you visit all three floors. The open studios allow you to watch artists at work and even engage in conversations with them. It's a unique and inspiring place to immerse yourself in the world of art, and it's a gem in the heart of Alexandria, Virginia. So take advantage of a nice day and go see this place. Bring home some original art, too. It's the perfect place to spark your creative spirit by watching them work or get art ideas for the type of art you have been looking for to spruce up that special space in your home.

The Torpedo Factory was so much fun! There are so many artists and different types of art. It was fascinating to watch the create live and talk to them about their process and inspiration. There were also some workshops and art classes going on when we went. It's close by to Metro, water taxi, and several parking garages so there's plenty of ways to get there. I did pick up a few art pieces to bring home and I have them hanging around my house. I'd love to go back.

Cool place ! Lots of local artists. On the waterfront with great views. Plenty of things to do!

Highly recommend stopping by this amazing art center where you can see artists working in their studios creating a wide range of art including prints, jewelry, painting, fiber/paper, sculpture, and you can find a lot of great gifts. It's an actual torpedo factory over 100 years old located on the waterfront in a scenic part of Alexandria. I particularly liked the jewelry studio of HyunJung Kim, who is making freshwater pearl and stone jewelry, as well as ornate hammered metalwork which includes delicate crowns and framed images of poems and famous quoted decorated with Braille inscriptions which are set in pearls. Very creative! You can see her work on Instagram @hjkimstudio.

What a cool space! Two floors of packed studio spaces of all different kinds of artists. There were painters, weavers, sculptors, printmakers, and so many more! I wanted to stop by every space and look at every single piece. Places like this just make my heart sing. Unfortunately, I can tell by the dulled expressions on my mother and brother's faces that they were bored the instant we walked through the entrance. So I wasn't allotted the time for any in depth exploration. If you are an art fan, then this is a must while visiting the Old Town Alexandria area.

Great venue that brings local artists together under one roof. There's three floors full of small shops with lots of different styles of art from portraits to pottery. With the event that was taking place when we were there, you had the opportunity to see and be interactive. Drawing, paper mache and even video interaction with some of the exhibits. Definitely worth the trip. We even enjoyed music served up by the local DJ. I danced all over like no one was watching!

Very cool art gallery where you can see the artists working in real time. I can't tell you how many times I've passed by and never gone in, but went today and was so glad I did! There are three floors of galleries and studios and tons of art on sale. Lots of different mediums and some types of art I'd never seen before. You could easily spend a long while here, looking around each of the galleries.

This space is fantastic - right on the waterfront, floors of artist studios to explore, and free! All different kinds of media represented here, and I really enjoyed getting to chat with the artists that make their home here. There's great history of the building in the building itself, clean bathrooms, and super engaging throughout. This would be a great date night paired with a waterfront walk and drink, OR a great way to spend time with the family while enjoying the strip of Alexandria. Worth a stop to shop if you're in the area!

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a great place to visit any time of year. Whether you are a resident of the D.C. area or visiting from out of town, you are sure to find a piece of art (or wearable art) as there is a great variety of media and styles. As you have probably read, it located in what started out as a U.S. Torpedo Naval munitions factory that was opened in 1918. The factory remained fully operational until 1945 which marked the end of WWII. Fortunately, the building was sold to the city of Alexandria and eventually became what it is today. On our recent visit, we purchased a lovely piece by Pedro Ledesma III who is located in space 7. Pedro is a very gifted photographer who has a gallery with photos of subjects including ones of nature and people. We also had the honor of meeting him on the day of our visit and purchase. Pedro's gallery and the Old Torpedo Factory are definitely worth visiting while in the area.

Been to the waterfront area couple times but first time at this art center! I love how big this place is with a wide range of galleries featuring different media and art genres! Artists were all generally friendly and some places have workshops too. The archeology museum on the top floor was also really cool with some interesting local Alexandria history. I think this is a great place to visit on a date, family outing, or solo trip! Lots of things to see and it's conveniently next to the waterfront

So much to see here in this waterfront hodgepodge of studios and galleries. 80 some artists work and display here using every medium imaginable. We spent over an hour walking from gallery to gallery and probably didn't see half of everything. Hesitant to take pictures cause artists don't give it away. See the history of the Torpedo Factory displayed on the walls, beginning in the mid 70s. A great way to spend a couple of hours in Old Town, on the waterfront

Visited the torpedo factory for the cherry blossom participants. Though there weren't many cherry blossom items, I so enjoyed seeing different artists works. Anything from photography to pottery to glass sculptures. If you have friends or family in town would be a great way to get a momento and support a local artist.

This place was so cool and unique. You walk into artist working on their craft which was amazing to see. When you first walk into the main door from the street (multiple entrances) there's a board to see you which gallery is open for you to walk in and explore more or talk to the artist. You can also buy any artwork from an open studio/gallery. Such a cool and unique experience for all art lovers/collectors.

This was a great unexpected visit. An art museum/shopping mall where you walk through many personal art studios. It's huge and free to enter and it's art of all kinds. Very cool.

This is a pretty cool place for the public to visit, interact and purchase pieces from working artists. There are paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and even a cool metal shop. The floral sculpture on the first floor is a real eye catcher. There are 3 floors to visit. We visited on the day after Christmas, so half of the shops were closed. Check it out the next time you're in Old Town Alexandria.

I came by here with a couple of friends after we had lunch, and it was really cool. There are different artists displaying their work and you can talk to them and see what inspired them or what their work is about. It's also right by the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, so I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area.

I LOVED my experience at the Torpedo Factory Art Center! My visit far exceeded my expectations as I didn't really have any lol. The parking is fairly simple. You may have to ride on side streets to get street parking. If you prefer a parking garage, there are some nearby. Upon arrival, you can get a convenient information area to help you navigate your way around the building. I mostly visited the first floor where I saw some beautiful art from jewelry to sculpture to clothing! The talented artists are worth the visit. One in particular made jewelry from pearls and had a wall full of the phrase love in various languages. Along with the pearls in form of braille. Her story about coming from Korea is touching and was the highlight of my trip. There is also areas to read about the history of the building and it's connections to the military. I would recommend this place for an art lover, history buff, date day, or just a family trip. Torpedo Factory is the perfect place for all ages!

A historical torpedo factory which the buildings is repurposed as nation's largest community of working artists. 3 stories building filled with the exhibits of torpedo factory historic, the art school, an archaeology museum and different types of arts studios and if you're lucky you'll meet the artists yourself. Each level has their own restrooms area, which all of them are very clean! You'll find hand sanitizer almost in every entrance/ exit area. Parking garage are all in walking perimeter around, starting $2.50/ hour or $10 max on weekdays and $5 max on weekends.

I really love the concept more than the execution. The idea is great having artist working in the back and their work for sale in their calories out front. It's a brilliant approach to helping to demystified the art process and also help artists connect more directly to their audience. I think they need to update the space a bit and polish it up...

This was a pretty cool place my sister and I visited while my son was at a swim camp in Maryland! It is a historical place that used to make torpedoes for the war and it was converted into an art coop! There were many different artists' studios there as well as some exhibits that would tell you about the factory back in the day. We perused through many of the shops and bought a couple of metal ornaments. I would recommend coming here for sure! You can learn a little about history and also see and purchase some art!

In scientist factory Art Center is situated many little artists and shops and separate stalls and Door. There's a second floor and third floor as well. Which one of these has a little shop against the hallways here. Even the stairwells have art integrated into the side rails and between the stairs. You're a Missile torpedoes along the hallways in the different sections and floods of this art center. It's also dog friendly indoors. There's even a scale, in case you wanna know how much you gained during your vacation. Definitely a center to spend a couple of hours browsing all of the shops inside.

Just MY personal opinion but the Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC) is not only the best within the DMV area but for one who has traveled and worked inside many art centers, including New York, this one offers the most under one roof--for all. TFAC has been around for about 50 years now! A honorable landmark for local and even global artists. It boasts being an area of main attraction that hosts approximately 500,000 visitors annually (mic drop)! With a roll call of about 80+ artists at all times, one can find a plethora of different art mediums at your fingertips (painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, stained glass, fiber, printmaking, and sculpture). The amount of art to view and even purchase is overwhelming but luckily each "gallery" is open and the artist is there to explain and curate. Very cool to be able to conduct meet and greets upon your purchase of original art pieces! This is what I adore most about TFAC--You get to experience the artist's creative process and become completely inspired! If you fall in love and find it hard to leave, you can rent their space for your next event! They have three areas that they rent out (Main Hall, Mezzanine, and the Third Floor). In addition, TFAC is pleasantly located on the riverfront within walking distance of some of the best bakeries, boutiques, restaurants, cigar bars and cocktail bars in the DMV area. It is most definitely worth a visit!

3 floors of art space - workshops, shops and studios. I like an idea of revitalising old factory buildings.

Great space to view several artists works! Buy directly from the artist! Beautiful location right on the waterfront of Old Town Alexandria. Restrooms on all 3 floors. Water bottle refill stations too! Support local artists!

Beautiful art for sale and even old torpedos on display! I kind of wanted to jump on one and snap my photo, but I was worried it wasn't that kind of place. They should have a torpedo that's open to take pictures on!

Rude staff, subpar art, time to rethink this center. museums, stores, restaurants. This is prime property that isn't being used for It's potential.

Three floors of art created in any imaginable medium and style. There is something for everyone and for any occasion. I visit the center when I search for a gift and I always find one. E joy your time with the artists.

As an artist, it is so important for artists to be given the space and framework to create. There is a unique relationship between art and the real world. At Torpedo Factory the artist's mind is nurtured with the perfect atmosphere for all creative endeavors. It isn't just limited to fine art. All of the Arts are welcome. To be able to experience artist working on their craft, in their studio while they work is amazing. It creates such an informative, open relationship. There are 3 floors of sectioned workspaces. Each with its own talented artist, working, promoting, or creating. You can inquire, purchase or simply observe. You'll be so happy you went. There is an entire historical story that is told. It's a great visit for the family, a date, or alone. As they say, Art imitates Life.

Such a fun place to visit and browse. I've also taken several art classes and they were all fantastic. Deirdre Saunder was my favorite teacher.

This is one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in old town Alexandria! Its such a great place to walk thru, and to enjoy so many unique styles, medias, and different art being made. I love the opportunity to engage with the artists and to see the rotation of studios that come and go. There's a map at the front entrance that is updated daily to reflect the studios that are open, and a lot of information about the history of the building on the 2nd floor. I usually start my walking tour on the third floor and then work my way down.

I had such a lovely afternoon at the Torpedo factory! The variety of the artwork, the friendly artists, and the opportunity to buy some trinkets made this a very enjoyable and relaxing experience. The Torpedo company is set up so that there are various artists who feature their work in studios, side by side. It is free to walk around at your leisure! You are able to enter most of the studios and look at the work they are showcasing. Pros: Beautiful artwork: The artwork inside is diverse and moving! There are arts from many different medias and categories, from water colors to acrylics, to abstract modern sculptures of clay, to traditional paintings of royal pets. There really is a little bit of everything here, and you will certainly be entertained and amazed! Able to see the artists in action: Many of the artists were in their studios, working. I was able to watch one artist paint very narrow strokes in a landscape painting of a California forrest, and was able to observe another artist on a pottery wheel. It was awesome to be able to watch these talented folks at work. Scenic location: Views of the waterfront: As you walk between the exhibit, you are able to see views of the waterfront through the windows that face out that way. It is a beautiful view and adds to the warm and peaceful atmosphere. Relaxed atmosphere/ not too crowded: Overall, there were not too many folks walking around. Many of the artists had their dogs in the studio, which was cool to see, and added to the friendly and casual vibe. There were older folks walking around, as well as some younger people on dates, and also some families with young kids. It was pretty quiet, and everyone seemed to be behaving well. Covid safe: I felt that the environment was conducive to social distancing. Mask wearing is enforced. I that Covid precautious were taken seriously here. There was also a hand sanitizer in front of some of the studios, that artists put out. Ability to purchase art/trinkets: You can purchase art from the artists in the studios-- I think some of the bigger pieces require more of a conversation/ arrangement, but there are opportunities to walk in and buy the art as well. I saw costs of $45- $4,500 on various pieces throughout. If you are more on a budget, many of the artists sell post card relics of their paintings-- I saw those going for about $15, so I think that would be a budget-friendly souvenir! Tip: Note that in some of the studios, photography or video taking is not allowed-- in most, it is permitted! No cons here-- this was a really lovely experience and is a great and unconventional place to bring parents or friends who are visiting DC for a weekend. I highly recommend

located next to the waterfront in old town alexandria...building housing a collective of mini-art galleries, workspaces and shops...3 stories tall and airy center space...a former torpedo factory with few torpedos on display...not really a space for little children...more for mature audiences looking for unique pieces of art...watching the children run up and down, and making sure nothing on display is touched...some pieces looking fragile...quickly taking them out to the waterfront where there is nothing for them to destroy...still an interesting space for art lovers...

The Torpedo Factory is the most unique, one of a kind place you will ever visit. It's a place where art is alive and you can see it being made, appreciate it, understand how it's created, and see, watch, or speak to the actual artist. Artists have various spaces and you can purchase their creations. The first time I came here was on a school trip with my art class. We were were learning about a clay and making bowls and stuff. We visited the Torpedo Factory and saw a work station for an artist making the most elaborate, beautiful creations!! It was so cool. I came here recently to meet a friend that makes handmade beaded jewelry, and also knits. She shares the space with other artists as well. I would highly recommend a visit to the Torpedo Factory to see art from a new perspective, or if you want to purchase art, or even small, one of a kind creations. This is such a cool place!! Don't forget to step on the huge scale at the main entrance.

Torpedo Factory Art Center is something the entire family can do in Old Town Alexandria. It's an old torpedo factory right on the waterfront that's now used as an art center. Local artists rent out studios to do their work and then sell their items on weekends when visitors are welcome. Every weekend, they open their doors for visitors to wander through the three floors of art galleries. You can find paintings, jewelry, modern art, etc. They also usually have live music and events. It's definitely worth visiting once if not many times!

This is a great conglomerate of individual artists. If you are looking for something special for your own art collection or as a gift, you won't walk away empty handed. Something for everyone!

We did a little exploring here after dining around the corner, and came away pleasantly surprised! This is a nice community of artist's galleries and workshops. Very eccletic! We will be back!

It's a delightful jumble, a bit crowded, the arrangement definitely more factory than gallery (I know they don't really make torpedos here anymore). The best part is the conversation with the artists, and watching them work. My only disappointment is their gallery which is meant to be this multi-sensory event. Not as much thought put into the experience, just music played to video. They could do so much more with this concept. But really, a great place for a lazy afternoon meandering through.

I was here during a rainy Saturday so my friend and I went in to look around and warm up. The studio is large with a first and second floor. There are small studios for each artist with a medium sized gallery displaying projects and exhibits. Masks are required and there were sanitation stations throughout. There were only a few folks in their studios as most have appointment only due to COVID restrictions. But we were able to walk around the first and second floors. Bathrooms were open, and they even have a mini exhibit on the DMV area and artists recovered from dig sites. I definitely want to return post COVID and either take a class or attend an event.

Wonderful art colony right on the Alexandria waterfront. I first visited here many years ago and had the opportunity to come back recently. This place is three floors of dozens of small art studios where you can see and meet the artists at work. Part of the fun is walking through the maze of passageways discovering all the creations, which encompasses many varied media forms. Also in the building is the small but fascinating Alexandria archaeology museum, with local artifacts unearthed during the development of the city. Also, as this is, in fact, a former torpedo factory, you can learn much about this facility's history importance in the defense of the nation. This a must-see destination in Alexandria.

Cannot believe that after living in the DMV for many years that today was my first visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center. I really enjoyed exploring.

Great place to appreciate all types of art. Artist are very friendly and will answer any question about their work.

You've experienced the wonders of Alexandria when you walk through the doors of this exhibition gallery. There's so much art to be seen on display (three floors worth to be exact). All of the artifacts are quite unique and some are historic. Make sure you check out the giant torpedo on the first floor. (Hint: it looks like a torpedo). It's perfect for a date or to sightsee with friends or by yourself. The artists will stop and chat with you if they catch you admiring their work. They are pleasant and describe how they came up with the idea for the work piece. Inspires me to be an artist even though I have no idea how to draw. The location has lots to do after/before visiting here. It's on the waterfront part of Old Town which gives a nice view of the lake. You can also visit the many shops and restaurants/bars surrounding the factory; so many good ones! They are open late on Thursday in case you want to extend your visit. And believe me, you will!

A great collection of artists! I really enjoyed meeting and talking with them about their work!