Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre

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The Prince of Wales Armouries is home to the City of Edmonton Archives and everyone is welcome to visit the public spaces of the 100 year old building for free.

Visiting the Armouries

The Prince of Wales Armouries and the City of Edmonton Archives have put some adjustments in place for the health and safety of our staff and visitors. Please call in advance to make an appointment for your visit to the Archives. The appointment will have a specific time for you to enter the building to allow us time to pull the materials you want to view. Plan your visit accordingly.

Hours

Mon - Fri	8:30am-4:30pm
Sat - Sun	Closed
Holidays	Closed

Location

10440 108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

Parking

While parking is free, it's also limited. Fortunately, we're only a short distance south of the Kingsway/Royal Alex LRT Station and Transit Centre.

Parking Lot Entrance

The Prince of Wales Armouries parking lot can only be accessed from west of 105 Street along 108 Avenue.

Several roads around the building are permanently closed:

104 Street is closed between Kingsway Avenue and 108 Avenue
105 Street is closed between 108 and 107 Avenue
108 Avenue is closed between 104 and 105 Street

Entering the Building

The entrance to the Prince of Wales Armouries is locked. There is a doorbell to the right of the door to request access. The door will be opened remotely.

Exhibits

Archives Exhibits

The City of Edmonton Archives has small exhibits on the concourse of POWA and in the Archives (second floor).

Accessibility

Most of Prince of Wales is wheelchair accessible.

Facility Rentals

Find out about our rental opportunities.

City of Edmonton Archives

A building within a building, located within the former drill hall of the Prince of Wales Armouries.

Edmonton Historical Board

See how the Edmonton Historical Board (EHB) advocates on behalf of Edmonton’s history.

History

Completed in 1915, the Edmonton Drill Hall was a military training site for the Department of National Defence until 1977. Over the years it was home to several regiments, including the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, as well as a number of corps including signal men and medical personnel.

Ownership of the Prince of Wales Armouries (as it was re-named in 1921) was transferred to the City of Edmonton in 1982 and it hosted a variety of organizations and community groups like the Cadets and the Edmonton Food Bank. After much consideration of its future, the City began renovations to create a new home for the City of Edmonton Archives inside the old drill hall.

Exterior of the Prince of Wales Armouries ca. 1915 [EA-29-166]
Military Drill ca. 1930 [EA-29-168]
Memorial Services – King George V. January 27, 1936 [EA-160-458]
Capital City Kennel Club annual show at the Prince of Wales Armouries. March 29, 1948 [EA-600-945a]
Construction of the archives inside the Prince of Wales Armouries, “a building within a building.” ca. 1991 [EA-746-29]
Prince of Wales Armouries ca. 1991 [EA-746-21]

Organizations in the Armouries

The Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre is home to the City of Edmonton Archives as well as the:

Edmonton Arts Council - supporting and promoting the arts community in Edmonton
Edmonton Heritage Council - raising the profile and place of heritage in all aspects of community life in the Edmonton Capital Region
Edmonton Historical Board - encourages, promotes and advocates for the preservation and safeguarding of historical properties, resources, communities and documentary heritage
Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum - preserving the military heritage of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and other units in central and northern Alberta
South Alberta Light Horse Regiment Foundation

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