Complete Guide to Modernism Week 2019: Highlights, Tours & Events in Greater Palm Springs
Plan your visit to Modernism Week 2019! The full event schedule is live, and tickets are now on sale at ModernismWeek.com. Discover top attractions, tours, and must-see highlights.
The 14th annual Modernism Week signature event runs February 14-24, 2019, celebrating midcentury modern architecture, interior and landscape design, art, and vintage culture. Experience exterior and interior home tours, walking and bike tours, double-decker bus tours, educational lectures, garden tours, film screenings, expert panels, a classic car show, nightly parties, dinners, and more.
New for 2019
Renowned architect Moshe Safdie, CC, FAIA, delivers the 2019 keynote on February 16 at the Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum. Safdie's portfolio includes the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore (featured in Crazy Rich Asians), and Habitat '67 at Montreal's Expo.
The Opening Night Party on Valentine's Day embraces a "Modern Love" theme with cocktails and dancing at Indian Canyons Golf Resort Clubhouse.
The Modernism Week Show House, Christopher Kennedy Compound, features a refurbished midcentury home in Palm Springs' Indian Canyons neighborhood, redesigned by 12 top interior designers. Daily tours available.
Four Featured Homes open for tours: "Green Gables" (1958 Palmer & Krisel design, renovated by H3K Design); "La Vie en Rose" (1958 Vista Las Palmas home by Christopher Kennedy); "Axiom Desert House" (2,110-sq-ft prefab by Turkel Design); and "Desert Eichler" (KUD Properties replica of Joseph Eichler's originals, updated for modern living).
Attend Tom Lazarus's play The Princes of Kings Road, depicting a real encounter between Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler.
On February 15, join the dedication of a Palm Springs Walk of Stars star for interior designer Arthur Elrod (1924-1974). Tour his former home with evening cocktails on February 21, featuring guest Nelda Linsk.
Albert Frey's Cree House in Cathedral City, restored to 1955 condition, offers daily public tours for the first time.
New additions: "Midcentury Wine: California and France's Rivalry" tasting; Alan Hess on "Everything You Don't Know about Modern California Architecture"; Charles Phoenix's "ALOHALAND"; and a party at the Lawrence Welk estate.
Popular Returning Events
CAMP (Community and Meeting Place), February 15-24, serves as the event hub opposite Palm Springs Art Museum. Enjoy an info desk, box office, Cheeky's café, merchandise store, Ferguson Bath & Kitchen experience with JennAir and Brizo, designer lounges, theater, and free Dreamboats performances. Free public entry.
The 18th annual Modernism Show & Sale (February 15-18, Palm Springs Convention Center) features 85 dealers with 20th-century furniture, arts, and decor. Adjoining Modern Design Expo highlights contemporary design and tech.
Returning favorites: Premier Double Decker Bus Tours; Signature Home Tour; Sunnylands tours; Illuminated Modern sunset tours; Frey House II; Aqualillies performances; iconic home tours including Frank Sinatra's former residence; and curated architectural walks.
Build your Modernism Week 2019 itinerary today. Tickets go on sale at 12 p.m. PDT, November 1—many sell out fast! More events added monthly; check back often.
Explore our full events calendar for Greater Palm Springs.
Images courtesy of Modernism Week / David Lee
