The Dar al-Makina (an Arabic adaptation of the word "machine") was established by Sultan Moulay Hassan in 1885–86 with the help of Italian officers.

[1] The arms factory was an early attempt at industrialization in Fez and was part of the sultan's efforts to modernize the Moroccan army to compete with European powers, though they did not have enormous effect.

The building occupies the western side of the New Mechouar square near the Dar al-Makhzen (Royal Palace) in Fes el-Jdid.

It is entered by a gateway, Bab al-Makina, in an Italianate architectural style opening on the west side of the square.

[1] Inside, the Dar al-Makina consists of a vast series of vaulted chambers, similar to the architecture of the Heri as-Swani, the royal granaries of Moulay Ismail in Meknes.