Noctua Emporium invites you to enter a magical place where treasure hunters explore vintage finds, rare collectables, local artistry, and so much more. The beloved Talcott Building supports Noctua’s timeless atmosphere. “It was vacant a long time and we wanted to do it justice,” explains L’Wren Alexa, owner. It is now home to a highly curated collection of antiques, locally crafted wares, jewelry, and so many pieces it is challenging to name them all. “There’s a bit of everything for everyone,” she says.
The business opened last October and continues to evolve with refurbishing and additions. L’Wren works around the clock to organize and curate a shopping mecca. The upstairs features numerous vendors who have fashioned their own spaces in the rooms and hallways that were once the Talcott Apartments. One wall displays historic photographs from the Talcott family. “We celebrate the beauty of the past while embracing intentional, sustainable living.” Original wallpaper is another nod to the past. The building is nearly 150 years old.
Noctua Emporium attracted vendors who could create “impeccable spaces,” says L’Wren. Shoppers can amble from room to room to discover that each area has its own vibe and offerings. For example, one woman sells clothes that are 100 years old. “She’s an era expert.” Items have tags with specific information about the pieces. Vendors replenish selections, as items are often sold quickly. That means that every visit offers new treasures.
A room upstairs is available for classes such as painting, terrarium building, and for making fascinators, which are ornate, lightweight headpieces that typically have feathers, flowers, beads and netting that are attached to a band, comb or clip. The space can also be used to screen movies.
Downstairs visitors can enter the vault, once used to hold the jewelry store’s more valuable pieces. Prices at the Emporium are intentionally affordable, and L’Wren notes they are better than prices online. It’s about shopping locally and supporting local artists and businesses.
Have an adventure examining finds from the turn of the century to mid-century with quirky and one-of-a kind objects that offer a treasure hunt with the quality of a boutique.
Noctua Emporium
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BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS