Every year, design enthusiasts, architects, and lovers of mid-century modernism gather for Modernism Week in Palm Springs, California. This vibrant celebration, held each February, is a global phenomenon dedicated to preserving and appreciating mid-century modern architecture, art, design, and culture.
What Is Modernism Week?
Think of Modernism Week as the ultimate playground for design lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone who appreciates a perfectly placed breeze block. What started in 2006 as a modest celebration of Palm Springs' mid-century magic has exploded into a full-blown, 10-day festival packed with over 350 events—each one an open invitation to step inside the golden age of design.
We're talking exclusive home tours of architectural masterpieces (including celebrity hideaways and time-capsule gems), film screenings that dive into the stories behind the style, exhibitions showcasing iconic design elements, and talks led by experts who live and breathe modernism. And, of course, there are the poolside cocktail parties where martinis and mid-century aesthetics go hand in hand.
Thousands of visitors from around the globe flock to Palm Springs for this annual pilgrimage, and for good reason—there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the sleek lines, bold colors, and effortless cool that define mid-century modern living. Whether you're here to marvel at the architecture, geek out over Eames chairs, or just soak up the desert sun in style, Modernism Week is where past meets present in the most stylish way possible.
Signature Events and Highlights of Modernism Week
Modernism Week is more than just a celebration—it’s an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential design movements in history. Whether you’re here to admire iconic architecture, learn from industry experts, or sip a perfectly mixed martini by a vintage poolside, the festival offers a curated lineup of can’t-miss experiences.
Iconic Home Tours
Modernism Week offers a rare opportunity to step inside some of Palm Springs’ most celebrated mid-century homes—architectural icons that are typically off-limits to the public. These guided tours provide an intimate look at the visionary designs, innovative materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor living that define desert modernism. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of mid-century architecture or just discovering its magic, these tours offer an unforgettable deep dive into the work of Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, Donald Wexler, William Krisel, and other legendary architects who helped shape Palm Springs into a modernist mecca.
Modernism Week Architectural Tour Highlights:
The Kaufmann Desert House (Neutra, 1946) – Perhaps the most famous mid-century home in Palm Springs, this glass-and-steel masterpiece perfectly integrates with the desert landscape. Designed for department store magnate Edgar Kaufmann, it remains one of the most photographed homes in the world.
The Frey House II (Frey, 1964) – A hillside retreat like no other, Albert Frey’s personal residence blends steel, glass, and natural boulders into a striking minimalist structure that practically disappears into the mountainside. The panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows? Unmatched.
Steel Development Houses (Wexler, 1961) – Wexler’s visionary prefabricated steel homes were designed as a futuristic solution to desert living—ultra-durable, effortlessly modern, and shockingly affordable (at the time). Today, these homes are coveted works of art, proving that great design truly stands the test of time.
Twin Palms Estate (E. Stewart Williams, 1947) – Frank Sinatra’s former home and the birthplace of Hollywood’s love affair with Palm Springs. Complete with a piano-shaped pool, built-in cocktail bar, and breezy, open-concept living spaces, this estate is mid-century glamour at its finest.
The House of Tomorrow (William Krisel, 1960) – Also known as the "Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway," this futuristic, pod-like home was where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon. Designed by William Krisel, it’s a time capsule of space-age modernism.
These are just a few of the incredible homes featured during Modernism Week’s exclusive architectural tours. Each one tells a story—not just of the era’s groundbreaking design, but of the Hollywood legends, pioneering architects, and visionary homeowners who helped define Palm Springs’ unique aesthetic.
Whether you’re soaking in the crisp lines of a Neutra, admiring the organic integration of a Frey, or fantasizing about sipping martinis poolside in a Sinatra-era dream home, Modernism Week’s architectural tours are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience mid-century modernism at its peak.
Parties and Social Events
Lectures and Panels
Exhibitions and Installations
Why Palm Springs?
Palm Springs isn’t just a city—it’s a living museum of mid-century modern design. With its unparalleled concentration of modernist homes, iconic commercial buildings, and visionary public spaces, it has rightfully earned its reputation as the epicenter of mid-century modern architecture.
So, why did this desert oasis become a mecca for modernism? The answer lies in its perfect storm of climate, culture, and creativity.
A Playground for Modernist Architects
In the post-war era, architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, Donald Wexler, and William Krisel found themselves drawn to Palm Springs. With vast open spaces, a stunning mountain backdrop, and year-round sunshine, the desert provided the ultimate blank canvas for experimentation. Here, modernist principles—clean lines, open floor plans, and seamless indoor-outdoor living—weren’t just an aesthetic choice; they were a practical response to the landscape.
Hollywood’s Desert Escape
A Commitment to Preservation
A Living Legacy
The Broader Impact
Modernism Week has become more than a celebration of design; it’s a movement. The event has inspired a renewed interest in mid-century modernism, influencing contemporary architecture, furniture design, and lifestyle trends. It also underscores the importance of sustainable building practices, demonstrating how mid-century principles—like efficient use of materials and integration with the environment—remain relevant today.
How to Get Involved
Early planning is essential when tickets for Modernism Week events often sell out quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to modern design, Modernism Week offers an unforgettable experience, blending education, inspiration, and entertainment in the heart of Palm Springs.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit the official Modernism Week website and start planning your journey into the world of mid-century modernism.
Comentarios