69th Regiment Armory

The 69th Regiment Armory is a military installation in Manhattan that occupies an entire city block. The structure comprises a three-story administrative building alongside a spacious drill hall designed for troop exercises and large gatherings.

Construction took place from 1904 to 1906, marking a shift in how military installations were designed in the city. It became the first armory in New York to break away from fortress-like aesthetics in favor of contemporary design.

The building became a gathering place for artists and cultural figures seeking to showcase experimental work to broader audiences. It continues to serve as a venue where contemporary events unfold across its vast interior spaces.

The site sits at Lexington Avenue with good public transit access and features expansive interior spaces for events. Visitors should check ahead since the facility maintains active military operations and public access depends on scheduled programming.

The interior uses innovative steel framing that eliminates internal support columns, allowing the entire space to remain unobstructed. This engineering approach was remarkable for its time and continues to enable flexible use of the vast hall.

Location: Manhattan

Architects: Richard Howland Hunt

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Website: http://sixtyninth.net/armory.html

GPS coordinates: 40.74139,-73.98417

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:00