If you’ve ever walked past the fortress-like stone walls of the First Regiment Armory Annex and wondered what secrets lay behind that 1891 Romanesque exterior, consider this your formal invitation to step through the portal. While it once hosted amateur boxing matches and speeches by Teddy Roosevelt, Portland Center Stage at The Armory has blossomed into a breathtaking, LEED Platinum-certified sanctuary for the arts.
Candlelight, Strings, and Summer Nights
This summer, the magic turns multi-sensory. Imagine, if you can, a darkened 500-seat theater illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of thousands of candles. From ’90s nostalgia to movie soundtracks performed by a live string quartet, it’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to classical music through a modern lens.
A Stunning Transformation
The moment you cross the threshold, the “fortress” melts away. You’re greeted by soaring ceilings, radiant-heat concrete floors, and a rustic-industrial vibe that feels quintessentially Pacific Northwest. With two theaters and two art galleries tucked inside, there is a literal sense of “stretching out” into the art. Whether you’re catching a reimagined classic on the U.S. Bank Main Stage or a daring world premiere in the intimate Ellyn Bye Studio Theater, the energy here is electric
Arrive early to grab a local craft brew at The Armory Bar and wander through the PGE Gallery. Turn your experience into an evening out and give yourself the chance to fully absorb the beautiful architecture. Head over to pcs.org to learn more about Portland Center Stage at The Armory.
