Every February, Palm Springs turns into a playground for creativity and style during Modernism Week. Design lovers and curious newcomers all gather to celebrate the unmistakable vibe of mid-century architecture and art.
Modernism Week opens up rare opportunities to tour iconic homes, catch exclusive exhibitions, and join talks that reveal the history and influence of Desert Modernism.
I joined the throngs eager to soak up the festival’s 20th anniversary. The city buzzed with guided tours, lively parties, and inspiring lectures at every turn.
If you’re even a little interested in architecture, design, or the vibrant Palm Springs scene, this celebration puts the spotlight on everything that makes the area magnetic.
My own Modernism Week adventure let me get up close with legendary buildings and see why mid-century design still feels so fresh. Every day brought something new and memorable—a real window into a unique and beautiful world.
What Is Modernism Week? An Architectural Phenomenon
Modernism Week stands out as Palm Springs’ signature event for midcentury modern architecture, culture, and preservation. I quickly realized this annual festival draws people from all over who want to admire design, explore unique buildings, and learn about historical restoration.
Origins and History of Modernism Week
Modernism Week kicked off in 2006 as a small set of events designed to shine a light on Palm Springs’ modernist architecture. Those first gatherings offered talks, house tours, and film screenings.
It didn’t take long for the event to grow. Now, Modernism Week stretches over ten days each February.
Hundreds of tours, lectures, and exhibitions fill the schedule. The festival has helped put Palm Springs on the map for anyone who loves midcentury design.
Interest in midcentury modern style exploded worldwide, and Modernism Week rode that wave. The schedule mixes classic favorites like vintage car shows with new highlights every year.
I noticed how the event now ranks among the biggest and most influential design festivals in the country.
Core Values: Preservation and Midcentury Modern Design
Modernism Week is all about preserving and celebrating midcentury modern architecture. The festival champions education on why it’s important to protect historic buildings and neighborhoods.
Many activities dig into how preservation safeguards Palm Springs’ one-of-a-kind look and spirit.
Key values? Here’s what stands out:
- Preserving historic buildings
- Encouraging innovative design
- Teaching about midcentury modern styles
Organizers team up with local and national preservation groups to restore and highlight important properties. I really appreciated the emphasis on sustainable restoration, so future generations get to enjoy these places too.
Design talks and home tours break down the features and history of the mid-century modern approach—think open floor plans, glass, steel, and concrete.
Through all these events, you start to see just how much midcentury modern architecture shapes Palm Springs’ cultural identity.
Spotlight on Palm Springs as a Modernist Hub
Palm Springs boasts one of the world’s largest collections of mid-century modern homes and buildings. The city gets famous for its desert modernism—sharp lines, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and materials that make sense for the desert.
I wandered through neighborhoods packed with these iconic structures.
Everywhere I turned in Greater Palm Springs, I spotted homes and public spaces crafted by legends like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and William Krisel. Their work takes center stage during Modernism Week, with tours that let you peek inside landmark spots.
The city’s culture thrives on its design legacy. Hotels, shops, and galleries all wear mid-century modern flair.
Modernism Week brings everyone together—locals and visitors alike—to celebrate and support ongoing preservation.
After seeing these buildings up close, I totally get why Palm Springs ranks as a global capital for mid-century modern architecture.
Unforgettable Events and Signature Experiences
Modernism Week in Palm Springs isn’t just about architecture. I found myself swept up in design showcases, behind-the-scenes tours, lively talks, and social events that made every day feel different.
Palm Springs Modernism Show & Opening Night Extravaganza
You can’t miss the Palm Springs Modernism Show. This exhibition gathers collectors, designers, and vintage fans under one roof.
More than 85 exhibitors display high-end furniture, art, textiles, and lighting—basically, everything midcentury modern.
Opening Night on Friday sets the mood. I sipped signature cocktails, listened to live music, and got a sneak peek at the exhibits before the crowds.
The atmosphere felt festive but never stuffy, and everyone there seemed genuinely excited about design. Unique installations and special highlights made it stand out.
Tours of Iconic Homes and Guided Experiences
Home tours are a big draw. I walked through legendary midcentury houses that usually stay off-limits to the public.
Many tours share stories about the architects and original owners. The Double-Decker Bus Tours made it easy to see different neighborhoods, with guides pointing out landmarks and sharing fun facts along the way.
I joined smaller group tours too, like the “PS Underground” experiences, which took us to quirky, lesser-known spots. If you want to really dig into Palm Springs design, these tours are a must.
Lectures, Documentary Screenings, and Live Entertainment
Every day brought talks with architects, historians, and artists. I sat in on lectures about everything from sustainable design to Eames chairs.
The speakers kept things easy to follow, so no one felt left behind.
Film screenings showcased documentaries about design icons and architectural history. Some nights, live jazz and performances livened things up.
Panel discussions drew big crowds, mixing fun with learning and giving me a richer sense of the culture behind the buildings.
Nightly Parties and Social Gatherings
Modernism Week’s parties brought extra energy. I found myself at cocktail parties in restored homes, retro dance nights, and casual pop-up gatherings.
The “King of Cool” Soiree served up vintage style, classic cars, and music, while other nights meant poolside fun under the stars.
Each party became a chance to meet locals, designers, and fellow fans. Some gatherings went all-in on themed décor or dress codes, but the mood always felt relaxed and stylish.
Social events like these balanced out the learning with plenty of laughs and conversation.
Architectural Icons and Must-See Designs
Palm Springs is packed with some of the world’s most celebrated modernist buildings and neighborhoods. During Modernism Week, I explored works from legendary architects and got a real taste of authentic midcentury design.
Frey House II and Albert Frey’s Legacy
Albert Frey’s influence runs deep in Palm Springs. His Frey House II, perched on a hillside from the early ‘60s, practically melts into the rocky landscape.
He used glass and steel to capture mountain views and desert light.
Inside, giant boulders form part of the walls—nature literally becomes the architecture. Frey’s clever, understated designs pop up all over town, from city hall to hotels.
This Desert Modernism—simple lines, natural materials, and blending indoors with outdoors—owes so much to Frey.
Tours of Frey House II don’t happen often, but Modernism Week opens doors that usually stay shut. Seeing it in person made me appreciate Frey’s vision for desert living.
Masterpieces by Richard Neutra, William Krisel, and William Cody
Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann Desert House is a must-see. Its flat roofs, open rooms, and minimalist style scream modernism.
While you can’t always tour the inside, it’s impossible to miss its elegance from the street.
William Krisel left his mark with neighborhoods like Twin Palms and Canyon View Estates. His homes stand out for their butterfly roofs and open layouts.
William Cody designed resorts and homes all over Palm Springs. I checked out several, including the Del Marcos Hotel and L’Horizon Resort.
Cody’s buildings catch your eye with their clean lines and bold glass-and-stone combos.
The Signature Home Tour often features preserved and updated homes from these architects. Every stop gives you a sense of how modernist design shaped desert living.
Exploring John Lautner’s Lautner Compound
John Lautner’s designs are bold and dramatic, with concrete and glass shapes that almost defy gravity.
His Lautner Compound in South Palm Springs is a hidden gem—private most of the year, but sometimes open during the festival.
Walking through, I noticed curving walls and roofs that seem to hover over the desert. Lautner loved experimenting with materials, and every room felt open and at one with nature.
Even the utility spaces showed off his attention to detail. When the compound opens, it’s a rare peek into a key chapter of Palm Springs modernism.
Palm Springs’ Iconic Midcentury Modern Neighborhoods
Wandering neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas, Twin Palms, and Canyon View Estates is a Modernism Week highlight. These areas show off the city’s unique architectural DNA.
I joined the Midcentury Sunny Cycle Tour and pedaled past rows of colorful homes, each with angled roofs and breeze-block walls.
Vista Las Palmas is packed with homes once owned by Hollywood stars. In Twin Palms and Canyon View Estates, architects like Stan Sackley and Krisel left their mark on almost every street.
Each neighborhood feels like a living museum, with styles ranging from glamorous estates to clever family homes. If you love modernist architecture, walking or biking these streets is essential.
Design Tours: From Biking to Bus and Beyond
Modernism Week serves up all kinds of guided tours to help visitors get close to Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury designs. I picked up everything from local trivia to architectural insights by hopping on different tours, each with its own flavor.
Walking Tours and Immersive Neighborhood Walks
I kicked things off with a walking tour led by a local guide who really knew their stuff.
Small groups wandered through quiet neighborhoods, the desert breeze making things comfortable.
Guides pointed out details I would’ve missed—breeze blocks, butterfly roofs, original touches from famous designers.
We explored a few neighborhoods, learning about their history and how they took shape. Some walks even included stops inside private homes or hidden courtyards.
I liked that there was time for questions and plenty of photos.
Walking let me see the little details up close. These tours felt relaxed and informative—a good pick if you want to slow down and really take in the surroundings.
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour
The double decker bus tour draws big crowds for a reason. Sitting up top, I got a sweeping view of Palm Springs’ most iconic buildings and landscapes.
The 2.5-hour ride, led by an architectural historian, brought the city’s story to life as we rolled by.
We passed famous commercial and civic buildings, plus historic “leisure lifestyle” communities in South Palm Springs.
The guide shared stories about the architects who shaped the city’s look and how their ideas influenced design far beyond the desert.
There were plenty of chances for photos from the upper deck.
I liked being able to see so many sights without trekking all over town. The tour was comfy, accessible, and packed with big-picture history.
Sunny Cycle and Guided Bicycle Tours
For something more active, I jumped on a guided bicycle tour—the “Midcentury Sunny Cycle Tour.” They provided bikes and helmets, and a local guide kept everyone safe as we cruised between landmarks.
The pace was easy, perfect for casual riders.
Riding through the neighborhoods gave me a fresh feel for the city. We stopped at must-see homes and public spaces, with the guide sharing stories and fun facts at every turn.
There was time to rest, snap photos, and ask questions.
Bicycle tours are a fantastic way to discover both famous and hidden midcentury gems. I loved mixing outdoor activity with expert insights on what makes each place special.
Palm Springs’ Vibrant Culture: Art, Interiors, and Social Life
Palm Springs comes alive with creativity during Modernism Week. I found art-filled galleries, eye-catching interiors, and people who genuinely love midcentury style—whether on the streets, at parties, or at every event I wandered into.
Art Exhibitions and Palm Springs Art Museum
Exploring the Palm Springs art scene took me to way more than a couple of places. The Palm Springs Art Museum really stood out, thanks to its thoughtful exhibits on design, painting, and sculpture.
They love to highlight midcentury themes, which just fits the city’s vibe perfectly. Walking through, I kept thinking about how the past still shapes the present here.
Right outside, I wandered into the Backstreet Arts District. Smaller galleries lined the street, each one with its own personality.
Local artists showed off their latest pieces, and a few even chatted with me about their creative process. I loved that most galleries let you in for free—no pressure, just time to take it all in.
Then there’s Modernism Week. The city fills up with pop-up shows, vintage posters, and prints from artists like Shag.
The displays really celebrate that iconic midcentury look. It’s wild how much those bold colors and funky patterns still influence Palm Springs today.
Midcentury Interior Design and California Lifestyle
Stepping into homes during the showcase tours, I saw midcentury modern design come to life. The style focuses on function, but there’s nothing boring about it.
Clean lines, geometric shapes, and those massive glass windows—sunlight just pours in. It’s almost impossible not to feel energized.
Everywhere I turned, I spotted atomic ranch details, open floor plans, and splashes of bold, happy color. Some houses had classic Eames or Saarinen pieces, and somehow they made comfort look so cool.
These spaces didn’t just look good—they actually felt good to be in. There’s something inviting about them.
Living in Palm Springs isn’t just about appearances. People here really embrace the California lifestyle.
Indoor and outdoor spaces blend together, which makes relaxing and socializing a breeze. I couldn’t help but admire how nature, art, and design all seem to work together in these homes.
Classic Car Show, Garden Tours, and Lifestyle Events
Modernism Week? It was buzzing. The classic car show drew in a huge crowd.
Vintage convertibles and those old-school station wagons just lined the streets, all gleaming in the desert sun. I wandered around, and the owners—such characters—loved chatting about their cars’ history and the wild restoration stories behind each one.
Garden tours stole the show for me. I peeked into private landscapes packed with native plants and some seriously clever landscape design ideas.
Designers got creative with cacti, succulents, rocks, and little water features. The result? Outdoor spaces that feel both chill and modern, ready for a sunset gathering or just a quiet afternoon.
Palm Springs really knows how to celebrate its lifestyle. Poolside parties popped up everywhere, with live music drifting through the air.
Meetups happened at the Architecture and Design Center or inside some jaw-dropping modernist homes. Every gathering felt easy and open—honestly, that laid-back, welcoming vibe is just part of the Palm Springs charm.
