From Feb 16-26th, 2023, Palm Springs will celebrate all things midcentury during the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week event. I experienced “mini-Modernism Week” in October 2022, a sneak peek at what is to come – and the upcoming midcentury architecture, art, design, and cultural celebration is going to be fabulous.
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, 2022. You can preview the 2023 Palm Springs Modernism Week information on Oct. 25th, 2022. Plan to browse the event schedule in advance, so you are ready to purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale on November 1, 2022.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2023 – Signature Events
Opening Party
For the Modernism Week Opening Night Party on Thursday, Feb, 16th, Indian Canyons Clubhouse will be transformed into Studio 74, inspired by dance-all-night disco clubs from the 1970s. Abundant dancing, dining, cocktails, and live music, along with celebrity sightings, are guaranteed. Pull out your vintage disco attire or 70s chic; otherwise, you may not get behind Studio 74’s velvet ropes.
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. Modernism Week 2023 features a new Palm Desert Signature Home Tour on February 21, as well as the Palm Springs Signature Home Tour offered on February 19 and February 26.
Featured Home Tours
In 2023, Modernism week will present three Featured Home Tours – The Shag House, Yoasis, and Hi-Sun. 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. Yoasis is a 1965 vacation home with a midcentury design that blends Bohemian and Hollywood Regency styles. Designed by Charles Du Bois and built by the Alexander Construction Company in 1963, Hi-Sun features Hawaiian influences and original midcentury modern design.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2023 – New Events
There are numerous new events planned for the 2023 Modernism Week in Palm Springs. I have only highlighted a few – please visit the Palm Springs Modernism schedule for a detailed list.
Frank Sinatra’s Villa Maggio
For a unique experience, reserve tickets to tour Frank Sinatra’s “Villa Maggio,” never before open to the public. Named after the character that earned Frank Sinatra an Oscar for his performance as Cpl. Angelo Maggio, in the movie From Here to Eternity, “Villa Maggio” was reportedly one of his favorite homes. Located above Palm Desert, the midcentury-lodge style home is situated on 7.5 acres and includes a primary residence, a 3-bedroom guest house, a 1-bedroom pool house, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a helipad and parking for 24 vehicles. On February 18, 2023, you can tour the “Villa Maggio.” A poolside cocktail party is scheduled for February 17, 2023.
Joshua Tree Retreat Center – Lloyd Wright Walking Tour
Join a walking tour of the largest collection of Llyod Wright buildings in the world at the secluded Institute of Mentalphysics property in Joshua Tree on February 19 and 20, 2023.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2023 – Returning Events
Modernism Week regulars will be happy to hear that their favourite events will return in February 2023. And they will be better than ever due to numerous enhancements.
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours
The 2.5-hour Premium Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour will be back in February 2023! 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 12th annual Modern Garden Tour. The modern gardens feature drought-tolerant and desert-friendly plants. This activity is family-friendly.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2023 – 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.
- The Hyatt Palm Springs is Modernism Week’s host hotel. Special rates are available for a limited time. Use Hyatt Group code G-10MO at Hyatt.com.
- 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 attended the mini 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.
