Go to Larger Palm Springs

Began 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 fans from all fifty states and all over the world. And whereas uncommon alternatives to occasion just like the Rat Pack inside properties, together with Frank Sinatra’s legendary Twin Palms property, are scorching ticket objects (the PS ModCom “King of Cool” soiree on the Steve McQueen Residence offered out in six minutes) many insiders take into account the home excursions as one of the crucial thrilling causes to attend.

Modernism Week Celebrates 20 Years

“Based 20 years in the past to honor midcentury and fashionable design and financially help native preservation organizations and historic neighborhoods, it has developed right into a globally acknowledged pageant; in February it attracted over 130,000 guests and generated greater than $68 million for the native economic system,” shares Chairman William Kopelk through an official launch. In celebration of its twentieth anniversary, a powerful collection of excursions, talks and experiences has been curated for 2025. ‘As at all times, we’re introducing new, thrilling applications 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 properties for excursions and might’t wait to share them with our Modernism Week group.’

With over 400 experiences happening throughout 11 days – from academic talks, ebook signings and the possibility to buy classic treasures, to the twentieth Anniversary Opening Evening Extravaganza on the Palm Springs Air Museum and particular dinner theater exhibits by PS UNDERGROUND – these are some instructed 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 middle for contemporary design – the truth is, 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 Fashionable (numerous dates, $130) takes an in-depth have a look at the works of those visionary Modernists and their midcentury heyday. New for 2025, Celebrating a Decade of Palm Springs Fashionable Residing by James Schnepf: A Particular House Tour (February 18, $160) guarantees a uncommon alternative to discover seven properties in 5 neighborhoods designed by legendary midcentury architects as captured in Schnepf’s ebook, Palm Springs Fashionable Residing.

The Kaufman Home © Mitch/Unsplash

The Events

The highlight would not simply shine on Palm Springs throughout Modernism Week however different areas across the Coachella Valley, too, together with The Lautner Compound in Desert Sizzling Springs. Sip cocktails and revel in mild nibbles with house owners Tracy Beckmann and Ryan Trowbridge on a once-a-year tour of the 4 easy concrete, redwood, glass and metal items right here designed by modern architect Lautner (February 14, $100). For its one and solely Retro Martini Get together, The Palm Springs Preservation Basis will current its annual shindig on the Butler Residence, aka the now Instagram-famous ‘Pink Door Home’ in what was then the Canyon Nation Membership (right now the Indian Canyons neighborhood). Costume 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 House Excursions

On the west finish of Tahquitz Canyon, the long-time residence of Albert Frey, Frey Home II, represents an modern adaptation of classical modernist ideas and celebrates nature at each flip. One other property whispered about in reverential tones, additionally hardly ever seen up shut, is The Kaufman Home by Richard Neutra famously immortalized in Slim Aarons’ Poolside Gossip photogrph. Though the inside will not be open to the general public (peeking via the open glass sliding doorways is feasible), a Backyard Tour of the Kaufmann Residence (numerous dates, $75) supplies a unprecedented alternative to expertise the long-lasting structure and panorama design that made this residence a world landmark. 

And initially designed by William Krisel and inbuilt 1960 as a customized residence for profitable developer Robert Alexander and his spouse Helene, the futuristic Home of Tomorrow is the place Elvis and Priscilla Presley famously honeymooned in 1967. Quintessential Palm Springs, it is thought-about a Modernism Week ‘fan favourite,’ the long-lasting residence was just lately reimagined by native inside designer Michelle Boudreau however nonetheless options futuristic architectural components together with a pentagon-shaped pool and open areas that blur the boundaries between indoor and outside residing.

The Home of Tomorrow © Peter Thomas/Unsplash

The Neighborhood Excursions

Architectural excursions span greater than 28 neighborhoods throughout Palm Springs, together with a few of its most historic districts, like The Film Colony. As soon as a non-public refuge of Hollywood Royalty (Cary Grant, Gloria Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe) Stars of The Film Colony: Romantic Palm Springs (February 13, $50) is a scrumptious nostril across the posh Film Colony Neighborhood, which originated within the Thirties with the luxe El Mirador Resort as its middle. Followers of architect William Krisel – or film buffs who need to see the road the place Jack and Alice lived in ‘Do not Fear 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 section (HOA7) is open for a particular tour (February 15, $75)

Canyon View Estates © Go to Larger Palm Springs

And Do not Miss

Also known as ‘Sunnylands,’ the 200-acre Annenberg Property in Rancho Mirage was constructed within the Nineteen 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 website full of artwork and political historical past, it is value including to the must-see listing. Home 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 ebook seats on the Charles Phoenix Tremendous 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