Essential Modernist Experiences in Greater Palm Springs: Modernism Week Highlights and Year-Round Gems
Modernism Week is one of the most anticipated events in Greater Palm Springs, drawing architecture and design enthusiasts from around the world for an 11-day celebration of midcentury modern masterpieces through hundreds of tours, exhibitions, and special events.
Sinatra Twin Palms Estate
Event tickets for Modernism Week sell out fast, so book early. Beyond the festival, Greater Palm Springs offers endless midcentury modern inspiration year-round. Discover standout highlights from past events like Modernism Week 2018 and timeless attractions below.
Modernism Week Featured Homes
Past Modernism Weeks have showcased exceptional homes, including the Moroccan Modern—a 1957 Hal Lacy design in Palm Springs' Indian Canyons neighborhood, renovated by Thomboy Properties. Other gems include Maison a l’Orange, a 1960 South Palm Springs residence restored by H3K Designs, and Hidden Frey, a 1966 Albert Frey home in the Racquet Club area, also renovated by Thomboy Properties.
Moroccan Modern house
Wine and Hors d’Oeuvres Reception: Walter S. White Exhibition
Walter S. White (1917-2002), a pioneering architect, inventor, and builder in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indio, and La Quinta during the 1940s and 1950s, is celebrated in exhibitions highlighting his Coachella Valley influence. Key works include the 1955 Miles Bates house in Palm Desert and the 1955 Dr. Franz Alexander house in Palm Springs, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Past openings featured wine receptions benefiting local historical societies.
Hotel Lautner as The Lautner Compound
The award-winning Hotel Lautner has evolved into The Lautner Compound, a trio of restored boutique properties: the 1947 John Lautner-designed Lautner; The Park, a 10,000 sq. ft. event space; and The Ranch House, a renovated 1957 California bungalow. These have been tour highlights during Modernism Week.
The Lautner
Monday with Legendary Women of Design
This symposium bundles four inspiring presentations: Jennifer Dunlop Fletcher and Joseph Becker on The Sea Ranch; Barbara Stauffacher Solomon in conversation; Ruth Adler Schnee: A Search for Perfection; Susan Skarsgard on Designing Women at General Motors; and Gere Kavanaugh’s extraordinary career.
“Albert Frey: Part 1 – The Architectural Envoy” Film Premiere and Reception
This Design Onscreen film traces Albert Frey’s journey from Europe to New York in the 1930s, covering the Aluminaire House, Canvas Weekend House, MoMA features, and his Kocher-Samson Building in Palm Springs. Past screenings included Q&A sessions and receptions at restored sites like Hidden Frey.
Frey House II
Tribute to Esther Williams with The Aqualillies
Past poolside events at The West Elm House honored Esther Williams with performances by The Aqualillies, blending dance, synchronized swimming, and water ballet to 1950s remixes.
Palm Springs Door Tour
This self-guided bike tour (or golf cart/car) explores vibrant midcentury doors in neighborhoods like Kings Point, including the iconic “That Pink Door.” Share Instagram photos for prizes, then unwind with cocktails at The Saguaro hotel.
“That Pink Door”
Year-Round Modernist Hotspots in Greater Palm Springs
Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
Housed in a restored 1961 E. Stewart Williams bank building, this center hosts rotating architecture and design exhibitions plus a curated gift shop.
Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Completed in the early 1960s, the tramway features Albert Frey and Robson C. Chambers’ Valley Station (1963) and E. Stewart Williams’ Mountain Station (1961). Nearby, visit Frey and Chambers’ 1965 Tramway Gas Station, now the Palm Springs Visitors Center.
Sunnylands
The preserved 1960s estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage offers advance-booked tours (check monthly releases), a free visitor center, and landscaped grounds with a labyrinth.
Sunnylands
Architecture Tours
Year-round options from Palm Springs Mod Squad, PS Architecture Tours, and The Modern Tour (including Frey House II). The Palm Springs Art Museum and Historical Society offer docent-led walks. For self-guided, get PS ModCom’s Modern Map of Palm Springs online here or at Palm Springs Style in The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five.
Vintage Shopping
Score midcentury treasures at local vintage shops. See our Palm Springs vintage shopping guide here!
Gypsyland Vintage
Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway Tour
Daily tours of this preserved 1966-1967 midcentury home where Elvis and Priscilla honeymooned.
Midcentury Stays
Stay in style at Orbit In, L’Horizon Resort & Spa, Holiday House, Del Marcos Hotel, or The Lautner. Rentals from McLean Company, Acme House Co., Vacation Palm Springs, Oranj Palm, Beau Monde Villas/Natural Retreats, and more.
The Residence at L’Horizon Resort & Spa
Sinatra Twin Palms and L’Horizon Resort & Spa photographed by Jeff Mindell for Palm Springs Style; Frey House II and The Lautner photographed by Bethany Nauert for Palm Springs Style
