A Thomaston committee has recommended changes to ceiling artwork at the town’s historic Opera House following growing attention from residents, advocacy groups, and local news outlets over the presence of swastika symbols in the theater’s ceiling.

While some residents have defended the artwork as a historical design that predates its appropriation by the Nazi regime, others have voiced concern about the presence of swastikas in a public cultural space.

The issue was most recently discussed at the August 1st meeting of the Thomaston Opera House Building Committee. During the meeting, members reviewed information from Evergreene Architectural Arts, the firm that conducted the ceiling restoration, along with two letters included in the committee’s minutes—one from a resident and another from the Alliance for Jewish Theatre—urging the removal of the symbols.

Committee members also reviewed cost estimates for potential changes. The initial estimate to modify the ceiling was estimated at $16,500, though the final price may be lower depending on the approach.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee voted unanimously to request that the Opera House Commission consider changing the ceiling symbols to “something different,” according to the meeting minutes. The Commission, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, oversees the building which houses the theater. Its next meeting is scheduled for August 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 of Town Hall.

Minutes from the August 1 meeting, including the submitted letters, are available on the town website.