The John W. Higgins Armory can host weddings, galas, corporate events and private parties, with a Great Hall that holds up to 450 guests. The building stands at 100 Barber Avenue in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the middle of the state. Three spaces can be rented: the Great Hall, the Quest Room and an auditorium.
Seminars and company events
The venue describes itself as suited to personal and corporate needs. The auditorium is named for business conferences and magic shows, while the Quest Room can be rented by the hour as a meeting room. The official site does not give a seat count for either room, so ask for layouts and numbers when you plan a seminar. The Great Hall suits a gala dinner or a large company reception, with a floor of 9,500 square feet.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings are the main message of the home page. The Great Hall is V-shaped, which lets one wing serve the ceremony while the other is prepared for the reception, with open floor for dancing between them. The same room can therefore host ceremony and reception without moving guests to another site. The hall has high ceilings and stained glass windows. The Quest Room is rented for smaller occasions such as baby showers and birthday parties.
Rooms and capacities
- Great Hall: 9,500 square feet, up to 450 guests, ceremony and reception in the same space.
- Quest Room: painted in a Renaissance style, rented by the hour for parties, paint nights, game nights and meetings.
- Auditorium: offered for business conferences and shows, capacity not stated.
Accommodation
The official pages do not mention bedrooms. Plan lodging in Worcester separately.
Catering
The official pages do not describe catering or caterer rules. Ask the venue what is included before you plan a dinner.
History and setting
The building was completed in 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It once housed an armor collection and was designed with a Renaissance look, with the Great Hall modeled on Hohenwerfen Castle in Austria. Today the site is run as an event venue and also leases space to other businesses, including dance studios, florists, yoga studios, art galleries, photographers and a winery. Expect other tenants to be in the building on event days.
Getting there
The venue lies close to three major interstate highways and the Boston and Maine rail line, according to its own site. The address is 100 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606. Ask the venue about parking for large groups.
