Your Essential Guide to Modernism Week: Highlights, Tours, and Safety Tips
Following a month of virtual events in February, Modernism Week returns with safe, socially distanced in-person experiences from April 8-18.
This year's lineup features a diverse array of events, including cocktail classes, fashion shows, designer home tours, and a classic car show.
While programming is limited, there's ample opportunity for midcentury modern enthusiasts. Prepare your retro attire, mask, and dive into a weekend of architectural marvels and cultural highlights.
As one of Southern California's premier events, Modernism Week draws large crowds—secure your tickets early at www.modernismweek.com.
Here's your comprehensive guide to maximizing your Modernism Week experience.
What to Expect
Organizers prioritize safety, with all events aligned to CDC protocols. Expect mask requirements, social distancing, abundant hand sanitizer, and temperature checks at entry.
Designer home tours, for instance, limit participants per time slot to ensure ample space. Embrace the retro vibe—many attendees don era-inspired fashion for added fun.
What's New
Modernism Week shines with fresh tours and experiences each year. Highlights include:
"The Lazy Sunday Afternoon … High Desert Driving Tour," a self-guided two-hour journey through Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Pioneertown, and Pipes Canyon, showcasing stunning scenery and unique architecture.
"Lines of Movement, Lines of Modernism: Butler-Jaffe House Tour," blending a 1971 architectural gem with storytelling, song, dance, and light refreshments.
"Viva Las Vegas!"—an outdoor event with "Sin City" cocktails, popcorn, vintage movie clips, and Las Vegas slideshows from the 1900s to 1970s. Bring your own chair.
Featured Home Tours
Iconic home tours offer exclusive glimpses into midcentury modern residences with stunning architecture and interiors.
The "Seventies Sackley" tour spotlights a 1975 Palm Springs home by architect Stan Sackley, refreshed by Grace Home Furnishings—admire the see-through fireplace and glass walls.
"Sunburst Palms" features a 1956 Lawrence Latham design in the Deepwell neighborhood, remodeled by H3K Design for vibrant indoor-outdoor inspiration.
Quirky & Fun
These engaging events deliver interactive fun and midcentury flair.
"Midcentury Mixology Clinic at Mr. Lyons" on Seymour's outdoor patio teaches retro cocktail crafting in a socially distanced setting.
"Mod with a Twist" offers poolside wine under the stars, with humorous talks on topics like "Eau de Midcentury Man," "Tiki Mania," and "Where is my flying car?"
Sunnylands Always Shines
A Coachella Valley gem, Sunnylands—the A. Quincy Jones-designed estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg—has hosted presidents and dignitaries.
Modernism Week tours like the "Historic Walk" and "Landscape Tour" often sell out. Instead, visit the Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage (Wed-Sun, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) for gardens, art exhibitions, a cafe, and gift shop.
Discover the free Desert X installation "Women's Qualities" by Ghada Amer—metal planters forming letters—open to the public.
Explore more SoCal events on our events calendar.
