About the Duluth Armory Arts and Music Center
The revitalized Armory will include working artist studios, an inclusive music education center, a vibrant food hall, and two large community spaces available for public and private events. These spaces will foster collaboration, community, and connection, reflecting the Armory's enduring role as a place where Duluth comes together. Opening planned for late 2027.
Beginning in 1915, the Duluth Armory was the heartbeat of community life: home to the National Guard and the Naval Militia and the backdrop for countless performances, celebrations and shared memories. That spirit endures today.
Buddy Holly performing on our historic stage in 1959.
Music returned to the Armory stage July 2024 for our Reunion Party.
This building not only preserves history.
It creates it.
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Donate today and make a piece of the original historic stage floor yours.
There are limited numbers available so click here to order yours now.
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​"The Duluth Armory has a remarkable legacy, from its 1915 military origins to hosting artists like Rachmaninoff, Duke Ellington, Johnny Cash, and one of Buddy Holly's final performances."
Carolyn Sundquist, President, Armory Arts and Music Center
Patsy
Cline
The
Duluth
Symphony
Orchestra
Waylon
Jennings
Louis
Armstrong
Just some of the performers who have appeared on the historic stage:
The
Beach
Boys
The
Supremes
Hank
Williams
Johnny
Cash
Eleanor
Roosevelt
Liberace
Roy Rogers
and Trigger
The
Titans
Richie
Valens
"I guess I'd have to start with Buddy Holly. Buddy died when I was about eighteen... I had to travel a hundred miles to see him play, and I wasn't disappointed. Something about Buddy Holly seemed permanent, and he filled me with conviction. He was powerful and electrifying and had a commanding presence. I was only six feet away. He was mesmerizing."
Bob Dylan, from his 2016 Nobel Prize lecture, recalling seeing Buddy Holly perform at the Duluth Armory Winter Dance Party in 1959.
Sonny
and Cher
