Ultimate Guide to Modernism Week 2020 in Greater Palm Springs: Must-See Events and Highlights
Modernism Week 2020 is fast approaching—now's the time to plan your visit! This premier annual celebration of midcentury modern architecture and design takes place across Greater Palm Springs from February 13-23, 2020. Expect an array of returning favorites and fresh new experiences you won't want to miss.
Events span home tours (interior and exterior), walking and bike tours, double-decker bus tours, insightful lectures, film screenings, expert panels, garden tours, a classic car show, dinners, nightly parties, and much more.
New for 2020
Double-Decker Architectural Bus Tour // Photo by David Lee
This year features four Modernism Week Featured Homes and one Showcase Home, all open for interior tours. Highlights include designs by architects Charles DuBois and Walter S. White, with modern updates by Christopher Kennedy, Grace Home Furnishings, and Michelle Boudreau. The Showcase Home is a restored 1948 Herbert Burns design by Thomboy Properties.
Divine DuBois house rendering
The Opening Night Party, "Space Modyssey 2020," transforms the Palm Springs Air Museum into a futuristic space station. Enjoy intergalactic cocktails, atomic cuisine from Lulu California Bistro, and a David Bowie tribute by "Space Oddity."
Renowned architect Daniel Libeskind delivers the keynote at the Annenberg Theater in the Palm Springs Art Museum, sharing his journey followed by a wine reception in the sculpture garden.
Hollywood enthusiasts: Catch "Sunny & Her Hollywood Blondes," starring Sunny Thompson, Joshua Greene on his father Milton Greene's iconic photos, and Nancy Sinatra at the Historic Plaza Theatre.
A Curated Collection at Temple Isaiah
Vintage fashion fans will love "Through the Looking Glass," a retrospective show featuring Pucci and Givenchy, plus "A Curated Collection" with top dealers offering rare clothing, textiles, jewelry, and accessories.
Shea Residence
Additional highlights: World premiere of "Frey II: The Architectural Interpreter," a documentary by Jake Gorst; a panel on saving the Sunset Magazine archives; Palm Springs Modern Committee’s Iconic Home Tour of the Shea Residence; "Nutty Professor" party at the Jerry Lewis House; Australian modern architecture talks; and "Daughters of Design: Bertoia, Eames and Saarinen."
Popular Returning Events
CAMP entrance // Photo by David Lee
CAMP (Community And Meeting Place) returns as the event hub with a box office, info desk, Cheeky’s café, Destination PSP merchandise, Ferguson Bath & Kitchen demo space with JennAir and Brizo, lounges, theater, and free Dreamboats performances. Open daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m., free entry.
The 20th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale (Feb 14-17) at the Palm Springs Convention Center features 90+ dealers, paired with the Modern Design Expo showcasing 40 contemporary vendors.
Frey House II // Photo by Bethany Nauert for Palm Springs Style
Returning favorites: Premier Double Decker Bus Tours, Illuminated Modern lighting displays and sunset tours, Sunnylands tours, Frey House II and Cree House tours, Sinatra’s former home, curated walking tours, Martinis On the Mountain, Modern Garden Tour, and Ask a Landscape Designer.
Modern Garden Tour // Photo by David Lee
The Palm Springs Door Tour, by Palm Springs Style and Dunn-Edwards Paints, starts at The Saguaro Palm Springs for a bike ride through Indian Canyons' vibrant midcentury doors.
Palm Springs Door Tour // Photo by Bethany Nauert for Palm Springs Style
Secure tickets now via the Modernism Week website. Explore more with our full events calendar for Greater Palm Springs.
