Visit Greater Palm Springs
Started in 2006 to parallel an annual design expo exploring mid-century structure and design, Modernism Week in Palm Springs has grown right into a landmark bi-annual occasion that gives a novel glimpse into the postwar architectural glamour and innovation epitomized by the cinematic California metropolis. Its eagerly anticipated poolside events and talks by notable historians and preservationists draw classic design and structure lovers from all fifty states and world wide. And whereas uncommon alternatives to social gathering just like the Rat Pack inside houses, together with Frank Sinatra’s legendary Twin Palms property, are scorching ticket gadgets (the PS ModCom “King of Cool” soiree on the Steve McQueen Residence bought out in six minutes) many insiders contemplate the home excursions as probably the most thrilling causes to attend.
Modernism Week Celebrates 20 Years
“Founded 20 years ago to honor midcentury and modern design and financially support local preservation organizations and historic neighborhoods, it has evolved into a globally recognized festival; in February it attracted over 130,000 visitors and generated more than $68 million for the local economy,” shares Chairman William Kopelk through an official launch. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, a powerful collection of excursions, talks and experiences has been curated for 2025. ‘As at all times, we’re introducing new, thrilling packages to be loved for the primary time whereas bringing again a few of our hottest residence excursions from previous years,’ provides Modernism Week CEO Lisa Vossler Smith. ‘We’re particularly grateful to the various householders who’re generously taking part by donating their houses for excursions and may’t wait to share them with our Modernism Week group.’
With over 400 experiences happening throughout 11 days – from instructional talks, e-book signings and the prospect to buy classic treasures, to the 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza on the Palm Springs Air Museum and particular dinner theater exhibits by PS UNDERGROUND – these are some advised highlights.
Notable and New
Desert Modernist architects, together with Richard Neutra, William Krisel, and Albert Frey, helped set up Palm Springs as a world-recognized heart for contemporary design – in truth, this 12 months’s keynote speaker is Dr. Raymond Neutra, the Austrian-American architect’s youngest son – and for an informative dive into their now worldwide well-known legacy, led by revered native information Trevor O’Donnell, Ten Architects Who Made Palm Springs Modern (varied dates, $130) takes an in-depth take a look at the works of those visionary Modernists and their midcentury heyday. New for 2025, Celebrating a Decade of Palm Springs Modern Living by James Schnepf: A Special Home Tour (February 18, $160) guarantees a uncommon alternative to discover seven houses in 5 neighborhoods designed by legendary midcentury architects as captured in Schnepf’s e-book, Palm Springs Modern Living.
The Kaufman House © Mitch/Unsplash
The Parties
The highlight does not simply shine on Palm Springs throughout Modernism Week however different areas across the Coachella Valley, too, together with The Lautner Compound in Desert Hot Springs. Sip cocktails and revel in gentle nibbles with homeowners Tracy Beckmann and Ryan Trowbridge on a once-a-year tour of the 4 easy concrete, redwood, glass and metal models right here designed by revolutionary architect Lautner (February 14, $100). For its one and solely Retro Martini Party, The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will current its annual shindig on the Butler Residence, aka the now Instagram-famous ‘Pink Door House’ in what was then the Canyon Country Club (immediately the Indian Canyons neighborhood). Dress in classic apparel for a photograph in entrance of the Hollywood Regency-style residence’s famed entrance door, poolside or elsewhere throughout the manicured resort-style grounds – martini in hand in fact.
The Home Tours
At the west finish of Tahquitz Canyon, the long-time residence of Albert Frey, Frey House II, represents an revolutionary adaptation of classical modernist rules and celebrates nature at each flip. Another property whispered about in reverential tones, additionally hardly ever seen up shut, is The Kaufman House by Richard Neutra famously immortalized in Slim Aarons’ Poolside Gossip photogrph. Although the inside will not be open to the general public (peeking by the open glass sliding doorways is feasible), a Garden Tour of the Kaufmann Residence (varied dates, $75) gives a rare alternative to expertise the enduring structure and panorama design that made this residence a world landmark.
And initially designed by William Krisel and in-built 1960 as a customized residence for profitable developer Robert Alexander and his spouse Helene, the futuristic House of Tomorrow is the place Elvis and Priscilla Presley famously honeymooned in 1967. Quintessential Palm Springs, it is thought of a Modernism Week ‘fan favourite,’ the enduring residence was not too long ago reimagined by native inside designer Michelle Boudreau however nonetheless options futuristic architectural parts together with a pentagon-shaped pool and open areas that blur the boundaries between indoor and out of doors dwelling.
The House of Tomorrow © Peter Thomas/Unsplash
The Neighborhood Tours
Architectural excursions span greater than 28 neighborhoods throughout Palm Springs, together with a few of its most historic districts, like The Movie Colony. Once a non-public refuge of Hollywood Royalty (Cary Grant, Gloria Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe) Stars of The Movie Colony: Romantic Palm Springs (February 13, $50) is a scrumptious nostril across the posh Movie Colony Neighborhood, which originated within the Thirties with the luxe El Mirador Hotel as its heart. Fans of architect William Krisel – or film buffs who wish to see the road the place Jack and Alice lived in ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ – ought to head to the Canyon View Estates neighborhood in South Palm Springs. Designed in 1962 as California’s first trip residence group, the ultimate part (HOA7) is open for a particular tour (February 15, $75)
Canyon View Estates © Visit Greater Palm Springs
And Don’t Miss
Often known as ‘Sunnylands,’ the 200-acre Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage was constructed within the Sixties by philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg and has hosted quite a few heads of state, U.S. presidents, and influential world figures. A captivating historic web site stuffed with artwork and political historical past, it is price including to the must-see record. House tour tickets go on sale on the fifteenth of every month, however throughout Modernism Week, alternatives are extra plentiful. And to expertise midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs with a retro popular culture humorist, then e-book seats on the Charles Phoenix Super Duper Double Decker Bus Tour (choose dates, $160), who leads a well-narrated journey round city. Modernism Week runs February 13-23; and a ‘fall preview’ week will run in October. modernismweek.com
The 2025 Modernism Week commemorative poster by Shag
