WEST VILLAGE ORIGINALS

The West Village, affectionately dubbed "Little Bohemia," has served as a vibrant refuge for creatives and activists since 1916. Its historic 19th-century homes transformed into apartments, fostering a community rich in artistic expression. The area buzzed with life through jazz clubs, coffee shops, and bookstores, offering an escape from societal constraints. It also became notable for the establishment of Westbeth Artists Housing and as the site of the Stonewall riots, pivotal events that ignited the gay rights movement.