What is The Armory known for?

The Armory is a historic building in San Francisco's Mission District known for its castle-like Moorish Revival design. It was originally built between 1912 and 1914 as an arsenal and armory for the United States National Guard.

What is the building used for now?

It is currently operated as a venue for large-scale events, activations, and interactive exhibitions through Skylight at The Armory. Recent events have included Netflix’s Stranger Things: The Experience and the Levi's 501 Experience.

What is the history of the building?

Completed in 1914 to replace a structure destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, it served the U.S. National Guard until 1976. It was a rallying point during the 1934 San Francisco General Strike ("Bloody Thursday") and was later owned by Kink.com from 2006 to 2018 before being sold to SF Armory LLC.

Is it a historic landmark?

Yes, the building was registered as a Class 2 historical landmark in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

What are the architectural features of the building?

The building features a Moorish Revival style with a castle-like appearance. It is particularly noted for its former drill court, which provides open spaces and unparalleled ceiling heights.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

The Armory in San Francisco

The Armory

A massive Moorish Revival fortress in the Mission District, this former National Guard arsenal has evolved from a military stronghold into a provocative adult studio and now a premier large-scale event venue.

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What to know

The San Francisco Armory is a striking architectural landmark in the Mission District, designed with a castle-like appearance in the Moorish Revival style. Constructed between 1912 and 1914, it served as an armory and arsenal for the United States National Guard, replacing a previous structure that was destroyed during the 1906 earthquake and fire. Throughout the early 20th century, the building played a central role in city tensions and entertainment. The National Guard utilized the interior Drill Court for public boxing events from the 1920s through the 1940s. More somberly, the Armory acted as a stronghold and rallying point for the National Guard during the suppression of the 1934 San Francisco General Strike, an event remembered as Bloody Thursday. After the National Guard vacated the premises in 1976, the building remained largely unused for three decades. This dormancy ended in late 2006 when Kink.com purchased the site for $14.5 million, transforming the historic space into a producer of BDSM pornography that offered public tours and workshops. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, ensuring its architectural legacy despite its eclectic uses. In January 2018, the property was sold for $65 million to SF Armory LLC, an affiliate of AJ Capital Partners. Today, the venue is operated as Skylight at The Armory, focusing on the former Drill Court's massive open spaces and high ceilings. It now hosts high-profile activations, including experiences for Netflix’s Stranger Things and the Levi's 501 Experience.

Visitor tips

Walk around the perimeter to appreciate the Moorish Revival castle details from the street.
Check the official Skylight at The Armory website to see if a public activation or exhibition is currently open to the public.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the building is located in the heart of the walkable Mission District.

Nearby context

Situated in the Mission District, The Armory serves as a massive anchor of historic architecture amidst a neighborhood known for its vibrant murals, diverse eateries, and ongoing economic revitalization.

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