Photo by Joel Shprentz
Brattleboro is a funky little community in southern Vermont that has made a name for itself as an arts magnet.
The Latchis Hotel and Theatre, an art deco gem built in 1938, is at the hub of a cultural renaissance overtaking Brattleboro. The Latchis is located at the center of downtown Brattleboro, just across the bridge from the famous Brattleboro Food Coop. There are boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, art galleries and a biweekly farmer’s market right there.
We got to spend a night at the Latchis, and see a movie in one of the four theatres in the building. How cool is that?
In addition to the theatres, the complex at the corner of Flat and Main includes a pub, micro-brewery, restaurant space, and retail storefronts.
The Latchis was built in the Greco Deco tradition, and elements of Greek mythology can be found throughout. Zodiac symbols are built in to the terracotta floor in the theatre’s main lobby, and adorn the ceiling in the main theatre.
In 2003, in partnership with the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Latchis Arts purchased the building from the Latchis family, with the intent of preserving the complex as a community resource. Since that time, Latchis Arts has invested $1.8 million in repairs, upgrades, and restorations. There are lots of fun ways to get involved!
The main theatre is currently undergoing a complete renovation to restore it to its former glory, and Latchis Arts recently conducted a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds.
Our third floor room had a beautiful view of the Wantastiquet Mountain and the Connecticut River.
The room, known as the purple room, was enormous with plenty of space for our family to spread out. Blood orange scented bath salts entice you to stretch out in the original six-foot bathtub.
If you like funky and art deco you will love the Latchis!
Holy crapoly! Those murals!
This place is a kick!