Old Schwamb Mill

06/13/2026

Every corner tells a story…

06/06/2026

05/30/2026

Ever wondered what lies beneath the Old Schwamb Mill?

Join us for one of our special Behind the Scenes Tours and explore a part of the Mill that is normally closed to visitors. Descend below the workshop floor to discover the hidden world of the Mill’s water-powered past, including the remains of the wheel pit where an 18-foot water wheel once turned beneath the building and the remarkable water turbine that powered the Mill in the late 1800s.

These tours offer a rare chance to see the machinery, engineering, and spaces that most visitors never experience. Because of the unique nature of the basement, we only offer them a few times each year.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to visit the Mill, this is it!

05/27/2026

The Old Schwamb Mill is pleased to welcome the Monday Art Collective for its Summer 2026 exhibition with an exhibit titled “Driven By Abstraction.” The exhibition will open with a public reception on Saturday, June 6, from 2:00-4:00 PM in the Mill’s second-floor gallery spaces. Check out the link in our bio to learn more!

05/22/2026

See it for yourself every Tuesday and Saturday!

05/19/2026

We had a very successful Saturday at the Old Schwamb Mill! We hosted GO FISH! with ArtsArlington and closed the “panAFRICAproject” with a gallery talk from photographer Lou Jones! A special thank you to everyone who joined us!

05/12/2026

Join us at the Old Schwamb Mill on Saturday, May 16 from 2:00–3:30 PM for the closing celebration of panAFRICAproject and a special artist gallery talk with photographer Lou Jones.

Over the past several weeks, visitors have explored Jones’ powerful photographs capturing everyday life across Africa through themes of community, creativity, resilience, and hope. As the exhibition comes to a close, this is a final opportunity to experience the work and hear directly from the artist about his travels, process, and the stories behind the images.

The talk will take place inside the historic Old Schwamb Mill and will include time for questions and conversation.

We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring afternoon of photography, storytelling, and discussion.

05/05/2026

Framing memories, one piece at a time.

05/02/2026

Join us for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at art conservation and historic framing!

On May 9, 2:00–3:30 PM, the Old Schwamb Mill welcomes conservationist Allison Jackson of the Harvard Art Museums for a special talk on historic reproduction framing.

Jackson will share her work on reframing La Rose de l’Infante by Ford Madox Brown—a project that brought new life and context to the painting after the loss of its original frame. Learn how archival research, Pre-Raphaelite scholarship, and hands-on craftsmanship come together to recreate a historically appropriate frame, and hear about the creative decisions and technical challenges along the way.

Space is limited (about 45 seats, plus standing room), so plan to arrive early!

04/29/2026

We’re excited to partner with Mystic Open Studios right here in Arlington! Together, we’re celebrating the power of art to connect communities and spark new perspectives.

At the Old Schwamb Mill, photographer Lou Jones presents selections from his panAFRICAproject, the result of years spent traveling across Africa. His work captures everyday life through a lens of respect, curiosity, and celebration—revealing a vibrant, modern continent full of creativity, innovation, and hope. On view through May 16, with an artist talk on May 16 at 2 PM.

Meanwhile, over at Mystic Open Studios (785 Mass Ave), artists and makers have responded to Jones’ vision, creating work that invites us to see with fresh eyes and connect across cultures, histories, and experiences.

Come experience both exhibitions and be part of the conversation.