Experience art deco Leeton

Art deco was a popular design movement of the 1920s and ’30s, which developed into a major style in western Europe and the United States during the 1930s.

The trend originated from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes—a world fair held in Paris in 1925—which showcased new and upcoming architecture, interior decoration and fashion. Characterised by sleek geometric forms and anti-traditional elegance, the movement symbolised the new spirit of the 20th Century. It represented increasing freedom in design, especially for women.

Much of the Leeton township was constructed during the two world wars, leaving a legacy of many beautiful deco-style buildings. Touches of the art deco era can be seen throughout the town, such as ornate parapets across shopfronts, stepped entranceways, patterned tiles, pressed metal on ceilings, glazed windows, and wooden linings. The historical Hydro Hotel (1919) and Roxy Theatre (1930) are classic examples of Leeton’s stunning Art Deco architecture.

Today, Leeton is home to Australia’s largest Art Deco Festival. Held annually in July, the festival celebrates the town’s stunning art deco architecture and features an extensive program of exhibitions, markets, music, workshops, and more. Not staying for the festival but still love deco? Visit the iconic Roxy Theatre (link), the picturesque Mountford Park or take Leeton’s self-guided Art Deco Heritage tour (link) to uncover the stories behind the period buildings that make up Leeton’s deco landscape. For more about Leeton’s art deco heritage, see www.visitleeton.com.au

Interested in Rooms of Renown’s art deco influence? Find out more about our beautiful building’s heritage here.