Modernism Week in Palm Springs 2025

For eleven days, February 13 to 23, 2025, Palm Springs California, comes alive with the sights and sounds of Modernism Week. This annual event, which began in 2006, celebrates the mid-century design and architecture that made the desert oasis a popular destination for Hollywood stars in the 1950s and 60s. From tours of iconic homes to lectures by experts in the field, Modernism Week offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and innovation of mid-century modern design.

TICKETS! Modernism Week

PALM SPRINGS, Modernism Week announced that it has added some exciting new events to its robust program that will be offered to the public at the 20th annual festival, taking place February 13 to 23, 2025 in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. Newly added events include a tour of the Morse House, a Midcentury Sunny Cycle Tour, a talk about Sunnylands exterior artworks, a new Atomic Ranch Talk & Tour program, and many new
compelling talks.

The popular annual 11-day festival will feature more than 400 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, tours of iconic homes in more than 28 neighborhoods and communities, walking tours, and nightly parties. Also offered are a range of architectural double-decker bus tours, several fashion-related events, a classic car show, landscape talks and garden tours, walking and biking tours, and a series of compelling and informative talks with world-class speakers. All events are open to the public and tickets are on sale now at modernismweek.com. Some events sell out quickly due to limited capacity and high demand.

Newly added events include:

Morse House Tour (2/21, $50) The stunning Krisel and Palmer-designed Morse Residence was built in 1961 and was the first home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs to be designated a Class 1 Historic Site. This midcentury modern design gem is considered one of the finest in all of Palm Springs. Guests will enjoy its incredible interior spaces, including its distinctive swim-up bar.

A 1929 Spanish Revival Transformed Into A Modern Marvel (2/20, $45) This tour of a 1929 fully re-imagined home demonstrates how to blend Spanish Revival with modern design elements. Showcased in Architectural Digest, this custom estate in Palm Springs’ prestigious Old Las Palmas enclave boasts extensive grounds and bold colors with a playful energy.

Iwan Baan: Rome – Las Vegas: Bread and Circuses (2/19, $18) Photographer Iwan Baan will present a talk on his latest publication “Rome – Las Vegas Bread and Circuses” (2024, Lars Müller Publishers), which offers a visual comparison of two cities often perceived as architectural opposites. While Rome is known for its ancient and enduring monuments, and Las Vegas for its contemporary spectacle, Baan’s photographs capture striking parallels between the two, exploring themes of power, play, and urban identity. This presentation will showcase Baan’s images from both cities—ranging from aerial perspectives to street-level views. By juxtaposing the perceived authenticity of Rome with the artificiality of Las Vegas, the photographs raise questions about how we interpret and value architecture in different contexts.

FILM: SCHINDLER SPACE ARCHITECT. A New Documentary on Rudolph M. Schindler (2/17, $20) This newly released full-length documentary explores architect R.M. Schindler’s richly complex work, life, and his legacy as a pioneer of modern architecture. Austrian-born and educated, Schindler changed forever the architectural landscape of Los Angeles and laid the foundation for what now is considered the California lifestyle of indoor-outdoor living. The film is narrated by Meryl Streep and Udo Kier and features comments by renown architects Frank Gehry, Steven Holl, Thom Mayne, and Ray Kappe.

Curated Landscape: Monuments, Sculpture, and Other Built Delights on the Grounds of Sunnylands (2/18, $15) Join Anne Rowe, Director of Heritage at Sunnylands, as she shares the intriguing provenance of the sculpture and unique “follies” chosen by Walter and Leonore Annenberg for their estate’s landscape.

Italian Modernism: Carlo Scarpa and the Architecture of Geometry, Water and Light (2/21, $18) In this fascinating talk, Annalisa Capurro delves into the extraordinary work and legacy of Venetian modernist architect, Carlo Scarpa, renowned for his masterful fusion of modernist principles with artisanal techniques. His career was marked by a masterful fusion of modernist principles with artisanal techniques, resulting in buildings that were both functional and poetically evocative.

Expanding the Field: The Preservation of Modernist Homes at World Monuments Fund (2/18, $18) This presentation highlights past World Monuments Fund projects such as the initial assessment work and archival research in the 1990s at the Villa Tugendhat in the Czech Republic designed by Mies van der Rohe, and the preservation and protection of Edward Durell Stone’s A. Conger Goodyear House in the US in the early 2000s.

Boys in the Sand: Horace Gifford and the Architecture of Seduction (2/15, $15) Architect and historian Christopher Rawlins presents a new, expanded edition of his bestselling 2013 book, Fire Island Modernist: Horace Gifford and the Architecture of Seduction.

Contemporary Perspectives on Heritage: The National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2/17, $18) This presentation explores the intersection of public realm programming and the preservation of modernist properties.

The Legacy of Disney’s Monsanto House of the Future (2/14, $18) The House of the Future was an iconic Disneyland attraction that captured the imagination of countless visitors during its 10-year run 1957-1967. This presentation takes attendees on a fascinating journey through the conception, construction, opening and ultimate closure of this groundbreaking exhibit.

Blurring the Lines: Studio AR&D Architects (2/19, $15) This presentation by Sean Lockyer, founder and principal architect of Studio AR&D will explore the studio’s design process of crafting modern desert homes that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating seamless living environments. This presentation will showcase several key projects, highlighting how thoughtful design can enhance the connection between architecture and landscape.

Framing Midcentury Modern: The Visionary Lens of Dan Chavkin (2/21, $100) Go on a Midcentury Modern journey through the lens of celebrated photographer and author Dan Chavkin at The Lautner Compound. Dan will share insights from his 20-year career as an architectural photographer specializing in midcentury modern architecture, showcasing the iconic structures and design principles that define this influential era.

Capturing California Modernism: Photography and the Rise of an Iconic Architectural Style (2/20, $15) ARCHITECT Editor-in-Chief Paul Makovsky will lead a compelling panel discussion on the origins, evolution, and contemporary interpretations of the timeless allure of California Modernism. The panel will explore photography’s role in capturing California Modernism for design publications and the real estate market. Underwriting for this event and complimentary tickets courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors and ARCHITECT Magazine.

Honoring a Local Legacy: Midcentury Modern Inspiration at Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community (2/17, FREE) Once a beloved retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney, the greater Palm Springs area will be the setting for Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney new-home community currently underway in Rancho Mirage. The Cotino community will be a creative oasis energized by the desert’s natural beauty and designed to inspire residents to write the next exciting chapter of their lives. During a collaborative discussion with Disney Imagineers and Pixar artists, learn more about how the rich architectural legacy of Palm Springs influenced different aspects of the Cotino community’s design including the Parr House. Currently under construction, the Parr House is inspired by the superhero family’s stunning midcentury modern home in Pixar Animation Studios’ “Incredibles 2.” Underwriting for this presentation and complimentary admission is generously provided by Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community.

The Lives of a (Modern) Building – The Edith Farnsworth House in Chicago: Architecture, Preservation and Stewardship (2/16, $18) Chicago-based architectural historian and preservationist Professor Michelangelo Sabatino will join Dirk Lohan, the architect grandson of Mies van der Rohe, and discuss the Edith Farnsworth House, a 1951 Modernist masterpiece designed by van der Rohe. The two will share captivating stories about the house’s vibrant cultural history, including the house’s preservation journey and insights into van der Rohe’s design choices and site decisions with his client.

Exhibitions

Trini Lopez Museum (2/13-17 and 2/19-2/23, FREE) This new museum celebrates the life and legacy of the iconic folk-rock musician and Latino cultural trailblazer Trini Lopez. Discover the story of Trini’s remarkable career: his friendships with legends Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, the Beatles, Elvis, and how he became a beloved part of the Palm Springs scene. Be immersed in his colorful world through captivating exhibits of his costumes, guitars, gold records, awards and personal artifacts.

The Art of Herb Alpert–Palm Springs, CA (2/18 and 2/20, $65) Step into the world of Herb Alpert, a legendary musician, 9-time Grammy Award recipient, and artist, whose paintings and sculptures have been created over five decades. “Herb Alpert, Palm Springs,” is an extraordinary art studio dedicated to showcasing a self-curated selection of his art. With its expansive 12,000 sq/ft facility featuring extraordinary exhibition spaces and a stunning outdoor sculpture garden, this destination promises a memorable experience.

TICKETS! Modernism Week

History of Modernism in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has a long history as a popular vacation destination. In the 1920s and 30s, it was known for its hot springs and spas, which attracted a wealthy clientele looking for rest and relaxation. After World War II, however, Palm Springs underwent a transformation. With the rise of the automobile and the expansion of the highway system, the city became more accessible to middle-class Americans. At the same time, the Hollywood film industry was booming, and many movie stars began to build vacation homes in Palm Springs.

These factors combined to create a unique cultural moment in Palm Springs. The city became a hub of mid-century modern design, as architects and designers worked to create homes and public spaces that reflected the optimism and innovation of the postwar era. With its warm climate and stunning natural surroundings, Palm Springs provided the perfect backdrop for this new style of architecture and design.

One of the most famous architects of this era was Richard Neutra, whose work helped define the modernist style. Neutra’s designs were characterized by clean lines, flat roofs, and large expanses of glass that blurred the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. His designs were also highly functional, with an emphasis on simplicity and efficiency.

Other architects who made a mark on Palm Springs during this time included William Krisel, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler. Together, they created a unique architectural landscape that still defines the city today.

Film screenings are also a popular feature of Modernism Week. The event includes screenings of classic mid-century films, as well as documentaries about the architects and designers who shaped Palm Springs during this era.

For those who want to get in on the action themselves, Modernism Week offers a variety of hands-on workshops and classes. Visitors can learn how to create their own mid-century modern artwork, or take a class on modernist landscaping.

Finally, no visit to Modernism Week would be complete without attending one of the many parties and social events that take place throughout the week. From pool parties to cocktail receptions, these events offer visitors a chance to mingle with fellow mid-century modern enthusiasts and celebrate the unique culture of Palm Springs.

Why Modernism Week Matters

Modernism Week is more than just a fun event for fans of mid-century modern design and architecture. It is also an important cultural event that celebrates the history and heritage of Palm Springs. The mid-century modern architecture and design that define the city are a testament to the creativity and innovation of the postwar era, and represent an important chapter in American history.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in mid-century modern design and architecture, and events like Modernism Week have played a key role in this resurgence. By showcasing the beauty and functionality of mid-century modern design, Modernism Week has helped to inspire a new generation of architects, designers, and homeowners to embrace this aesthetic.

But beyond its impact on the world of design and architecture, Modernism Week also has a significant economic impact on Palm Springs and the surrounding area. The event brings in thousands of visitors each year, who spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. This economic activity supports jobs and helps to drive the local economy.

Furthermore, Modernism Week has helped to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the city’s mid-century modern architecture and design. Many of the homes and buildings from this era are now recognized as historic landmarks, and efforts are underway to preserve and restore these structures for future generations.

In this sense, Modernism Week is not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to the future. By celebrating the beauty and innovation of mid-century modern design and architecture, the event helps to ensure that these important cultural artifacts will be preserved and celebrated for years to come.

Tips for Visitors

If you’re planning to attend Modernism Week, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience:

1. Plan ahead: Modernism Week is a popular event, and many of the tours and events sell out quickly. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. Dress appropriately: Palm Springs can be warm in February, so dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes for walking tours, and bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Pace yourself: With so many events and activities taking place throughout the week, it can be tempting to try to do everything. However, be sure to pace yourself and take breaks when needed to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
4. Meet new people: Modernism Week is a great opportunity to meet fellow mid-century modern enthusiasts from around the world. Be sure to attend some of the social events and strike up a conversation with someone new.
5. Explore the city: While Modernism Week is focused on mid-century modern design and architecture, there is much more to see and do in Palm Springs. Take some time to explore the city’s shops, restaurants, and natural attractions to get a deeper sense of what makes this desert oasis so special.

Modernism Week in Palm Springs is a unique and exciting event that celebrates the beauty and innovation of mid-century modern design and architecture. From home tours to lectures and parties, the event offers visitors a chance to experience the culture and history of Palm Springs up close. But beyond its entertainment value, Modernism Week also has a significant cultural and economic impact, helping to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the city’s mid-century modern heritage.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a fun and unique vacation experience, Modernism Week is not to be missed. So mark your calendar for next February and start planning your trip to Palm Springs today!

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