Modernism Week in Palm Springs is a captivating celebration, a vibrant homage to Mid-Century Modern design, architecture, and the leisurely lifestyle that defines this iconic era. Nestled in the sun-drenched oasis of Palm Springs, this event is more than just a showcase; it’s an immersive journey through time and creativity, where the sleek lines of Modernist architecture meet the boundless spirit of mid-20th-century optimism.

As you stroll through Palm Springs during Modernism Week, you are transported into a world where design and architecture are not mere forms of expression but a way of living. The city, renowned for its rich concentration of impeccably preserved mid-century modern structures, has become a living museum. Each building, from the iconic homes to the commercial structures, tells a story of a time when simplicity, functionality, and harmony with the surrounding landscape were paramount. Architects of the era, like Richard Neutra, John Lautner, E. Stewart Williams, and more, are celebrated for their visionary works and for crafting a legacy that profoundly shaped modern living.

Iconic Architectural Home Tours

The event’s tours, whether self-guided or expert-led, offer a rare opportunity to step inside private residences and landmark buildings that are usually hidden from public view. Imagine walking through these classic mid-century modern homes, where the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces exemplifies leisure living. Take a twilight tour of the Frey House II, perched on a hillside, where the use of glass and space blurs the line between the home and the rugged desert landscape. Head to the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood for a tour of the newly renovated Alexander Estate. This incredible property is known as the House of Tomorrow and was the oh-so-stunning hideaway where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon in 1967. Next, it’s over to the Deepwell neighborhood, where you can tour one of the first homes built in 1954 by architects Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison of the notable Wexler & Harrison architecture firm.

Talks, Lectures and Books Signings

Modernism Week brings multiple speakers and presentations on various subjects from Bar Keeps: A Collection of California’s Best Vintage Cocktail Napkins, Essential City: A Futuristic Exploration of Desert Cities, Preserving the Bauhaus Legacy on Cape Cod: Saving Marcel Breuer’s Summer Home, John Wayne, Hollywood and the American West to The Direction of Sculptural Ceramics in Architecture by legendary Stan Bitters.

Albert Frey: The Aluminaire House

The event is a gathering point for aficionados and experts, where discussions and lectures ignite a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. These conversations often delve into the principles of simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature that are as relevant today as they were decades ago. Learn out about the architects who helped save Albert Frey and Lawrence Kocher’s Aluminaire House. The colorful history of this groundbreaking structure exemplifies the love for preservation and the ultimate gifting of this prized piece of architectural history to the Palm Springs Art Museum, where it is being reassembled and will permanently live on the museum grounds.

The Modernism Show and Sale

Design is celebrated in every aspect of Modernism Week. It’s not just in the architecture but in the vintage furniture, the vibrant graphic designs, and the evocative art pieces that adorn the spaces. The Modernism Show is the perfect place to view and purchase that special piece to add to your collection. Who wouldn’t love a Jean Royére Ours Polaire sofa in their open-plan living room?

Vintage Car and Trailer Show

This year’s vintage car show celebrates “Bikini’s and Bucket Seats,” showcasing California’s love of automobiles and muscle cars; this event is a tribute to the carefree fun in the sun culture of the 1960s. Additionally, the vintage travel trailer show is back with a curated collection of vintage buses, RVs, and trailers celebrating the wanderlust many of us have for travel and on-the-road experiences.

Palm Springs Modernism Week is more than just an exploration of design and architecture; it’s a celebration of a lifestyle. The event captures the essence of leisure living that was at the heart of the mid-century ethos. Cocktail parties and soirees are held in historic venues, where attendees dressed in vintage attire can sip classic martinis and dance to period music, reliving the glamour and sophistication of the era. Moreover, Modernism Week serves as a source of inspiration and education to gain insights into the timeless appeal of Mid-Century Modern design. It provides a unique platform for exchanging ideas, discovering new trends, and understanding how the principles of the past can inform and enrich contemporary practices. Get your tickets to all of the Modernism events here!

For more on living with style and intention, visit DESIGNED LIVING, showcasing Distinctive Designers, inspiring Artists, and Statement-Making pieces for creating your own sanctuary.