Here’s the latest trend — well, maybe not the latest — Art Deco is cool again.
The influential style was introduced in 1925 at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, and it quickly spread around the world — including Louisville.
There’s even a website dedicated to Art Deco in Louisville which catalogs all of the buildings fashioned in the style across Derby City. Here are some of our favorites.
Bowman Field Airport
Louisville’s other airport has its own historic district aimed at preserving its Art Deco buildings. Opened in 1919, Bowman Field saw significant expansion in the 1920s and 1930s — aka the heyday of Art Deco. Today, you can dine in “Roaring 20s” style at Bistro Le Relais, located in the historic terminal.
Courier Journal Building
The gargantuan office building on Broadway is home to Louisville’s 156-year-old newspaper — and it’s currently on the market. Listed for sale last summer, the seven-story building is hitting the auction block in March.
It opened in 1948, housing offices and production facilities for the CJ, The Louisville Times — the evening paper — and WHAS television and radio. Take a look inside.
Ohio Theatre Sign
Unfortunately, not every Art Deco masterpiece lived to see the style’s return to popularity.
There’s not much left of this demolished theater on 4th Street — only the Art Deco marquee remains, with the area surrounding it converted to parking. The small space underneath the sign was most recently a coffee shop.
Bonus: Ever heard of the Bartholomew Plan? Produced in 1931, it was Louisville’s first comprehensive plan — and it re-imagined Louisville in the Art Deco style.
