Hops at the History Center: The Life and Death of an Art Deco Landmark

Launched in 1932, decorated by some of the finest Art Deco artists and craftsmen of their day, SS Normandie was the largest and fastest and most luxurious ocean liner of its day. During its maiden voyage in 1935, the ship won the coveted Blue Riband for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing to date, Le Havre to New York in four days, three hours, and two minutes. The technological merits that insured her smooth sailing and speed were matched by the extraordinary design excellence of her interiors accented throughout by wall panels and murals, sculpture, and especially noteworthy glass by René Lalique.

In the next installment of free public lectures by Robert Craig, learn about the noteworthy Art Deco features of this remarkable ship, its short life and death, the fate of its art, and a surprise postscript connecting the subject to Atlanta.