From Feb 15-25th, 2024, Palm Springs will celebrate all things midcentury during the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week event. I’ve experienced a number of āmini-Modernism Weeksā in October. It is a sneak peek at what is to come – and the midcentury architecture, art, design, and cultural celebration will be fabulous in February.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2023 Overview
The 11-day Modernism Week event encompasses notable homes, including Frey House II, Sunnylands, and residences formerly owned by Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas. Modernism Week highlights include the Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour, Modern Garden Tour, and walking tours.
Tickets to the popular event go on sale on November 1, 2023. You can view the 2024 Palm Springs Modernism Week information online and purchase tickets as soon as possible.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2024 – Signature Events
Opening Party
For the Modernism Week Opening Night Party on Thursday, Feb, 15th, the Palm Springs Air Museum will be transformed into a 197s disco club. Abundant dancing, diner stations, cocktails (& mocktails), plus live music will kick off Modernism Week 2024. Pull out your vintage disco attire or 70s chic and dance the night away in the velvet-rope-entry club.
Signature Home Tours
The three to four-hour-long self-drive Signature Home Tours feature some of the most significant residences in the Coachella Valley. These popular Palm Springs Signature Home Tours are offered on February 18 and February 25.
Modernism Week 2024 features two Signature Home Tours on February 19, where you can meet the architect and February 23, where you can meet the design team.
Featured Home Tours
In 2024, Modernism Week will present two Featured Home Tours – Wexler ’54 and The Shag House.
Wexler ’54, located in Deepwell Estates, is a stunning example of architectural preservation where the best of the midcentury is retained while creating a home suited to today’s lifestyle.
The Shag House is named after the artist Shag, who reimagined a midcentury modern home to make people feel like they are inside a life-size Shag painting, complete with a swanky party lounge. Yoasis is a new Modernism Week Feature Home and is named after its location on Yosemite Drive and Oasis.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2024 – New Events
There are numerous new events planned for the 2024 Modernism Week in Palm Springs. I have only highlighted a few – please visit the Palm Springs Modernism schedule for a detailed list.
House of Tomorrow
Visit the recently renovated Alexander Estate, known as the House of Tomorrow, where Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967. Designed by architect William Krisel, the house is a series of four interconnected circular pods. Guests can view many of the dramatic features, including restored terrazzo flooring, windows and ceiling-mounted fireplaces. A twilight tour and bubbly for a limited number of guests 21 and over are available every evening.
Sunnylands Historic House Tour
Join a small group tour of the former 25,000-square-foot residence of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Tours of this midcentury showpiece will sell out.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2024 – Returning Events
Modernism Week regulars will be happy to hear that their favourite events will return in February 2024. And they will be better than ever due to numerous enhancements.
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours
One of my favourite events, the 2.5-hour Premium Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour will in back in February 2024! Sit back and enjoy the tour of civic, commercial, and residential buildings throughout Palm Springs. From the top level of the bus, you can see into the backyards of many homes.
Frey House II
The self-guided tour of Frey House II, the residence of modernist architect, Albert Frey, returns once again. This popular tour is hosted by the Palm Springs Art Museum and allows visitors to use their ticket for complimentary admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum and Architecture and Design Center. If you are over 21, you might enjoy booking a twilight tour and cocktail reception at Frey II. Frey House II is not ADA accessible.
Modern Garden Tour
Explore five private modern gardens in Palm Springs on the 14th annual Modern Garden Tour. The modern gardens feature drought-tolerant and desert-friendly plants. This activity is family-friendly.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2024 – Good To Know
- Palm Springs, California, is located a few hours from Los Angeles by car, or you can fly to the traveller-friendly Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).
- Check out these fantastic things to do in Palm Springs if you are traveling with kids and teenagers.
- Visit the Greater Palm Springs website for information on where to stay, eat, and play in the Palm Springs desert oasis.
Cover photo credit Caroline Greyshock.
I’ve attended the Modernism Week preview as a media guest. As always, I reserve the right to write what I want. If I don’t love an experience or destination, I won’t recommend it.
