6 & 40 Motel

6 & 40 Motel Print by Marianne Luther

Beautiful textured print of a motel in Idaho Springs, Colorado.  The motel is so named because it’s on Route 6 and Route 40 in Colorado.  The sign itself is an excellent example of Googie architecture.  While I couldn’t find any information on the age of this hotel, based on the design of the sign, it likely dates anywhere from the late 1940’s to the 1960’s.  It was during this time that Googie Architecture flourished.  Also known as popoluxe, it took its cues from car culture and the atomic age.  Note the star motif at the top of the sign!  Googie was often used on roadside establishments such as motels.

Between the subject matter and the unique treatment used in this print, it’s truly a distinct piece of art.