The Armory Portland

See live theater in the Pearl District at The Armory Portland.

The Armory is home to Portland's largest theater company, the Portland Center Stage.

It's located north of downtown in the bustling Pearl District (128 NW Eleventh Avenue).

Catch a show at The Armory, then enjoy all the fantastic restaurants and cafes at the Pearl afterwards.

Check shows and ticket prices. 

10 best things about The Armory Portland

1. It's located in the beautiful old Armory building, constructed in 1891 for the Oregon National Guard.

2. It had a $36 million renovation in 2006, before becoming the home of Portland's largest theater company (Portland Center Stage).

3. The Armory houses two stunning theaters. The Main Stage Theater seats 590 people, and the more intimate Ellyn Bye Studio is two floors below with 199 seats. 

4. The Armory averages 160,000 visitors each year.

5. Each season (September to June) has an average of 10 to 12 new productions, with 400 shows.

6. The shows at The Armory span the full spectrum from contemporary to classic. Examples include West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, A Christmas Carol, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Howards End, The Color Purple, Great Expectations, and Sense and Sensibility

7. The cheapest seats are on matinees or weeknights.  

8. The Armory has a fun bar and cafe for pre-performance drinks and snacks.

9. You can do a walking tour of The Armory to learn about its unique history. Check tours.

10. The Armory is the only LEED certified performing arts space in America, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.  There are unique heating, ventilation and filtration systems that have enabled it to achieve this certification, and you can learn about these on the walking tour.

History of The Armory Portland

The Armory was constructed in 1891 for the Oregon National Guard, and was initially used for drills and underground shooting practice.   

From the mid 1890's to 1917 this massive space was additionally utilized as a meeting, convention and performance space, and a moving pictures theater.  The space was rudimentary with only wooden benches, but could seat up to 5,000 people. 

In 1918 the more functional Keller Auditorium opened in downtown Portland, displacing The Armory.  The Armory fell into disrepair until it was renovated in 2006 and re-launched as a theater company.

Know before you go

• Prices & shows: Check shows and ticket prices.  The cheapest seats are on matinees or weeknights.  
• Bar:  yes.
• Address:  128 NW Eleventh Avenue, Portland 97209 (located in the bustling Pearl District north of downtown, with restaurants and shops).