Go to Higher 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 singular 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 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 sizzling 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 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 advanced right into a globally acknowledged competition; 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 packages to be loved for the primary time whereas bringing again a few of our hottest dwelling excursions from previous years,’ provides Modernism Week CEO Lisa Vossler Smith. ‘We’re particularly grateful to the numerous owners who’re generously collaborating by donating their houses for excursions and may’t wait to share them with our Modernism Week neighborhood.’
With over 400 experiences going down throughout 11 days – from academic talks, guide signings and the prospect to buy classic treasures, to the twentieth Anniversary Opening Night time 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 – actually, 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 Trendy (numerous 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 Trendy Residing by James Schnepf: A Particular Dwelling 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 guide, Palm Springs Trendy Residing.
The Kaufman Home © Mitch/Unsplash
The Events
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 Scorching Springs. Sip cocktails and luxuriate 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 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). Gown in classic apparel for a photograph in entrance of the Hollywood Regency-style dwelling’s famed entrance door, poolside or elsewhere throughout the manicured resort-style grounds – martini in hand in fact.
The Dwelling Excursions
On the west finish of Tahquitz Canyon, the long-time residence of Albert Frey, Frey Home II, represents an revolutionary adaptation of classical modernist rules 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 by the open glass sliding doorways is feasible), a Backyard Tour of the Kaufmann Residence (numerous dates, $75) supplies a unprecedented 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 dwelling 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 of a Modernism Week ‘fan favourite,’ the enduring residence was 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 personal 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 wish 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 dwelling neighborhood, the ultimate part (HOA7) is open for a particular tour (February 15, $75)
Canyon View Estates © Go to Higher 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 web site crammed with 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 guide 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
