Worcester, Massachusetts isn’t exactly the first place on earth you’d expect to find a collection of medieval armor - Worcester, England, maybe… but Massachusetts?

But thanks to John Woodman Higgins, an area industrialist and passionate collector, you don’t have to go to Europe, Africa or Asia to see one of the largest collections of armor in the western hemisphere.

The Higgins Armory Museum contains over 4,600 pieces in its permanent collection, many dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, but housed in a 1929 ultra-unusual building a short hop from downtown Worcester in Massachusetts.

Since 1984 two major fund-raising efforts have resulted in extensive renovations to the historical building to provide modern facilities and climate-contol benefits to the pieces on display.

The museum’s extensive collection is spread out over 4 floors in gothic settings including the magnificent great medieval hall. Exhibits at the museum include: Hunting Gallery, Tournament Wing, Combat Wing, and a section on the craft of making armor.

The history of armor is depicted in displays that range from the great ages of Roman and Greek conquests to the age of Jousting Tournaments, and the amazing and ingenious concoctions for protecting dogs and horses in sport and battle.

This is a great museum to spend a rainy or winter afternoon, and of course it’s a delight for kids to visit. Children’s birthday parties can be accommodated, and they always love to visit the Museum Shop – yes, they do sell real swords and helmets.

In a town better known for its colleges and universities than attractions, this is one destination worth a special trip.

The Higgins Armory Museum is at 100 Barber Avenue in Worcester, and open 10:00am-4:00pm Tuesday –Saturday, and noon-4:00pm on Sundays. Admission is $9 adults, and $7 ages 6-15.

Directions: Take I-90 East/Mass Pike to Exit 10, I-290 East. Take I-290 East to Exit 19, I-190 North. Take I-190 North to Exit 1, Rt. 12 North. Follow Rt. 12 North for ¼ mile, Greendale Mall will be on the right. Stay in right lane over the green railroad bridge.Take first right after bridge onto Barber Avenue (no street sign). Travel less than ¼ mile to the Museum, a tall glass and steel building with pennants on the roof.

For more information call 508 853-6015 or visit their web site at http://www.higgins.org/

Massachusetts is chock full of many destinations and attractions to entertain and delight all ages, and for more ideas and suggestions be sure to check out my special Massachusetts vacations guide by clicking here.

Look out for information here in a few days on a special event happening in Boston this weekend.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director,
Attractions of New England Guide