Latchis Hotel and Theatre
An Art Deco landmark in Vermont, this 1938 building combines hotel, theatre, and cultural spaces adorned with Greek mythology murals—a memorial to an immigrant entrepreneur’s legacy.
At a glance
The Latchis Hotel and Theatre stands as one of only two extant Art Deco buildings in Vermont. Originally conceived as a memorial to Demetrius P. Latchis, a Greek immigrant and New England theatre magnate, the structure houses a hotel, theatre, ballroom, restaurant, and bar under a single art deco envelope. Today it operates under the stewardship of the Brattleboro Arts Initiative, a local non-profit dedicated to its preservation.
History
Demetrius P. Latchis arrived as a Greek immigrant and built a remarkable business empire, eventually controlling fourteen theatres across New England. His sons commissioned the Latchis Memorial Building in 1938 to honor their father’s achievements and continue his theatrical legacy.
The building thrived through the 1960s but declined during the following decade. In 1985, two of the original brothers’ children revitalized operations. The structure changed hands in 2003 when the Brattleboro Arts Initiative purchased it for $1.3 million, funded through local and federal grants. Hurricane Irene inflicted severe damage in 2011; restoration and reopening followed that same year. A subsequent 2013 restoration campaign raised an additional half-million dollars.
What you see
Architect S. Wesley Haynes designed an integrated complex of distinctive Art Deco character. Hungarian muralist Lajos “Louis” Jámbor created interior murals and artwork celebrating Greek mythology throughout the spaces. Terrazzo flooring complements the decorative scheme. The building’s multipurpose design—accommodating theatre, hospitality, dining, and social functions—reflects 1930s modernist planning principles.
Cultural significance
The Latchis represents a rare surviving example of Art Deco architecture in Vermont and documents the cultural contributions of Greek immigrants to New England commerce and entertainment. Its murals and design testify to mid-twentieth-century artistic patronage and the integration of immigrant enterprise into American civic life.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Brattleboro, Vermont
- Completed: 1938
- Architect: S. Wesley Haynes
- Interior murals by: Lajos “Louis” Jámbor
- Coordinates: 42.85126, -72.5578
- Current operator: Brattleboro Arts Initiative (non-profit)
Practical information & getting there
The Latchis Hotel and Theatre operates as an active hotel and performance venue in downtown Brattleboro. Visit the Brattleboro Arts Initiative website or contact the building directly for current hours, event schedules, and accommodation information.
Sources & resources
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