Wow What a transformation This building before you the Mosesian Center for the Arts wasn’t always this vibrant hub. It started life in 1894 as a manufacturing shop part of the US Army’s Watertown Arsenal. Imagine soldiers marching past not artists creating.
The Mosesian Center for the Arts occupies a significant place in Watertown’s history. It’s housed in building 321 a former part of the Army Materials Technology Laboratory. This building itself has a fascinating past. It’s a Superfund site a testament to the area’s industrial history. Yet here it stands transformed.
For years people dreamed of an art center here. The initial plans in the 1970s fell short due to insufficient funding. It wasn’t until 1998 that Watertown Arts on the Charles WATCH reignited the project. A market study showed Watertown needed a versatile arts venue. O’Neill Properties played a pivotal role. They donated space and a million dollars. Community support was crucial too with Watertown itself donating a million dollars. Local entrepreneur Charles Mosesian’s generous one million dollar contribution is memorialized in the center’s main theater’s name. This incredible support brought the total cost to around 7.5 million dollars far exceeding the initial estimates.
The Mosesian Center for the Arts finally opened in 2005. In 2013 it merged with the Watertown Children’s Theatre strengthening its commitment to arts education. Six years later it got its current name honoring the continued support of the Mosesian Family Foundation. The center recently underwent renovations updating the entrance and lobby. This renovation blended the building’s military past with a modern design. Gunmetal finishes reclaimed wood and industrial elements all pay homage to its history. The minimalist design though showcases the art itself.
Today the Mosesian Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary venue. It boasts a main stage theater a black box theater galleries classrooms and studios. It hosts professional performances comedy exhibitions discussions and classes for all ages. The New Repertory Theatre was a long-term partner until its recent closure creating an opportunity for new resident companies. The Watertown Children’s Theatre remains a vital part of the center’s programming offering classes and performances for young audiences. The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a place of creativity a testament to the power of community support and a vibrant jewel in the crown of Watertown.