The Armory of the First Corp. of Cadets

This historic property was originally an Armory for the First Corp. of Cadets of Massachusetts. Designed by famed architect William Gibbons Preston and completed in 1897, the impressive structure is built of masonry granite and steel. Its distinctive features include a six-story hexagonal tower, numerous turrets, a drawbridge, a moat, and beautiful touches including a carved, winged dragon.

Ideally situated in Boston’s Back Bay, the property unites beauty and history with city convenience. The location offers quick access to hotels, shopping, convention centers, public transit, and more than 6,000 parking spaces.

A designated National Historic Landmark, the property now features two distinct event venues

  • The Tower: Spanning four floors, the Tower accommodates parties of 30 to 500 guests.
  • The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza: A spacious, wide-open 15,000 sq.ft. venue for events, exhibitions, conferences, performances, and much more.

The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza

The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza is a celebrated destination for Special Events, Exhibitions, Conferences and much more. With 15,000 square feet of event space, the venue is spacious and versatile with soaring ceiling height and an open plan. Brick and wrought iron detail provide an elegant backdrop, as well as a blank slate for build-outs, design and branding.

The Castle has hosted many high-caliber events of local, national, and international importance. For example, in 2019 Downton Abbey: The Exhibition received more than 80,000 visitors during its acclaimed run at the Castle. Click to view news coverage and photos.

The property is currently home to Lighthouse ArtSpace Boston, an amazing innovative art venue that has featured the works of Frida Kahlo, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, and many more. Learn more about Lighthouse ArtSpace and find information on current shows.

Floor Plans & Capacity

The Castle’s approved capacities are as follows, pending final floor plan approval:

530

Seated Dinner Style

1,000

Reception Style

1,000

Trade-Show Style

1,242

Theater Style, with stage

Please note that the above numbers are subject to floor plan approval and are maximum capacities inclusive of all people onsite.)

Features & Services

The Saunders Castle has hosted a wide variety of celebrated events, exhibitions and performances. A few key details are below. For more information about hosting an event at the Castle, contact us any time. We are happy to discuss all the possibilities this amazing venue has to offer.

Professional Event Manager and Porter services are required for all events and are provided by the Licensor. Terms are available upon request.

Outside security is required for all events and is provided by the Licensor. Terms are available upon request.

The Saunders Castle is ADA Accessible, with one ADA entrance & exit on the southwest side of the building. ADA accessible restrooms are available on the main floor.

The Saunders Castle is in walking distance from a number of fine hotels, including Boston Park Plaza, Revere Hotel, The Newbury Boston, Four Seasons Hotel and W Hotel.

The neighborhood offers more than 6,000 local parking spots. In addition, the venue is licensed for valet parking.

The venue features dimmable lighting overhead. Throughout the space, extensive rigging points allow for the hanging of custom lighting, truss, audio and décor.

Guest restrooms are located on the lower level of the venue, in addition to two ADA accessible restrooms on the main level.

Complimentary wireless internet service is available for guests to the Saunders Castle (capacity of approx. 500 users or devices).

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