November 14, 2026 | Barber Ave.
Another cold, rainy day in Worcester, but the figure perched high above the historic Higgins Armory appears unfazed by the weather.
Photographer Antonio Pastor captured the scene at 100 Barber Ave., home to one of the city’s most unusual architectural landmarks.
Built between 1929 and 1931 for industrialist and collector John Woodman Higgins, the four-story Art Deco building was designed by architect Joseph Daniels Leland. Its striking combination of steel, glass and medieval-inspired architecture made it a fitting home for Higgins’ extraordinary collection of arms and armor.
The Higgins Armory Museum opened in 1931 and became a beloved Worcester attraction, drawing generations of visitors fascinated by knights, swords and medieval history.
The museum closed in December 2013, and its collection was transferred to the Worcester Art Museum, where it remains an important part of the institution’s holdings.
Today, the former armory serves as a venue for private events and other commercial uses, while its distinctive architecture continues to stand out in Worcester’s landscape.
And high above Barber Avenue, its watchful figure remains on duty — even when the weather is anything but welcoming.
(photo credit: Antonio Pastor)
About the photographer: Antonio Pastor is a technology business executive who has called Worcester home since 2005. An avid cyclist and photographer, he combines his passions to capture distinctive images of Worcester and the surrounding communities during his daily bike rides.
About the series: “This Is Worcester” is a Worcester Guardian photography series celebrating the people, places and everyday scenes of Central Massachusetts. Readers are invited to submit photographs for consideration to carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org. Please include a brief description, location and photographer credit.
