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Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA (Old Town)
703-838-4565
Website
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Ranked #1 of 4 shopping in Alexandria
Type: Art Galleries
Activities: Shopping
Traveler Description: This 3-story industrial-looking building was a Naval torpedo factory during World War II.  It has now been converted into one of the largest... more »
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63 reviews from our community

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Minneapolis, MN
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 11, 2013

This was a great gathering of artists’ studios in a repurposed building that used to be a Torpedo Factory. Most media of art were represented, as well as many price ranges. Most of the artists were very friendly and it was fun to be able to wander in and out of the studios and see many of them at work.... More

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See 3 more reviews by divinghkns for Alexandria
Yorkshire Dales
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 7, 2013

Our daughter lives in Washington DC and every time we visit this place is on our must revisit list and we always buy! The centre is open all year and there are lots of artists displaying their treasures! Alexandria is easy to get to from DC on the metro and is a great place to explore the Old Torpedo Factory... More

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tucson,arizona
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 4, 2013

I didn't want to go to the Torpedo Factory Art Center, but once I got inside, I was SO glad I did! It's just plain interesting and has a lot to offer in terms of what it used to be and what it is now. Multi-level art studios you can see into and even talk with the artists and of... More

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Ypsilanti, Michigan
Top Contributor
103 reviews 103 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 28, 2013

The Torpedo Factory Art Center says it all in the name. It's a former torpedo factory now converted into a three-story building housing roughly 90 art studios where artists both produce and sell their creations. The Torpedo Factory is located at the Potomac end of Alexandria's historic King Street. If you're strolling along King Street, you can get here by... More

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See 2 more reviews by Marty F for Alexandria
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 28, 2013

Once a torpedo factory, this historic warehouse on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria is now home to an eccentric collection of artists. Ranging from one of a kind jewelry ( including wedding bands), folk art, textiles and wearable art including gorgeous belts, to contemporary art and sculptures, the individually leased shops also provide an opportunity to watch the artists... More

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Victoria, TX
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2013

The entry walls tell the story of the building when it was indeed a torpedo factory employing 5,000-6,000 people. The art is as varied as the artist. A nice way to walk off some calories after eating at the nearby Chart House. One can purchase cards from $5-$25 and the upper end cost for art is the sky. Worth a... More

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Chicago, Illinois
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

Located by the waterfront-take the freee trolley from the METRO station-and you are surrounded by 82 artist studios. The factory built torpedoes in WW2,but it has been modernized. No charge for admission, but there are several artists there, and they will speak freely with you.

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Vancouver, BC
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2013

I'm so glad we visited the torpedo factory. Seeing artists open their doors to looky-loo's was a real treat. Some of the work is simply amazing and unique. Everything's pricey though, which is expected, as these artist's are talented and do quality work.

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Baltimore, Maryland
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 5, 2013

The Torpedo Factory is a converted factory that feels very industrial. All three levels are very light, bright and open. It's basically a way for artists to rent a studio space to work, but also exhibit their crafts. All types of media can be seen here - water color, oils, metal work, glass work, clay. There is no fee, clean... More

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See 2 more reviews by Groovina B for Alexandria
Bethany Beach, DE
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
48 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 30, 2013

One of the largest visual arts centers I have ever encountered, and extremely well organized and deliciously presented to the public. With well over 100 visual artists in residence, this community creates quality products and it is simply fabulous to just browse around for hours. Plus there is an onsite archaeology museum, a school and galleries galore. I fell in... More

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