Palm Springs Modernism Week

February 13-23, 2025

For details, maps, times, and to purchase tickets, see modernismweek.com

It's February in Palm Springs and that means several things -- perfect temperatures around 75-80 degrees, sunny skies, and the region's biggest winter event, Modernism Week.  Palm Desert has a rich history tied to Hollywood which goes on display each year when looky-lous get their chance to step into the homes of rich & famous stars and learn first-hand what Modernism is all about as they explore the city's architecture, a true art form.

The annual print created for this event is most often the work of SHAG, who captures Palm Springs to the tee. You can buy the annual art online or visit the SHAG store in Palm Springs.

Over 400 events, some offered as many as 16 times, range from bus tours to walking tours, mostly interior and exterior home tours, but there are also concerts, receptions and even free color consultations along with shopping. Prices of events can be free, like the grand opening, while most charge a fee. There are close to 30 cocktail parties, a dozen concerts with jazz, soul, R&B and 60s rock ($15-295), a free Vintage Car Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center, approx. 100 bus tours and plenty of fashion.

Star Power 2025

The Hollywood Connection is ever present and evident, especially under the spotlight of Modernism Week. Here's a sample of this year's tours:

• Celebrity Haven: Unique Boutique Resorts $50 (2.5 hrs)
• Frank Sinatra's Neighborhood: The Hollywood Elite $50 (2.5 hrs)
• Giants of Architecture -See desert Modern design $50 (2 hrs)
• Golden Era of Hollywood Homes features tales of the stars who lived and martini-ed here. $50 (2.5 hrs)
• Hidden Paradise of Showbiz Legends' Hideaways $50 (2.5 hrs)
• Rat Pack Playground: once nicknamed the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs $50 (2.5 hrs)
• The Legacy of Disney's Monsanto House of the Future, the iconic Disneyland attraction that captured the imagination of countless visitors during its 10-year run 1957-1967. $18 (1 hr)

And who in the world has the energy to produce this mega-production? The non-profit Modernism Week is a finely tuned group with a CEO (Lisa Vossler Smith), board of directors, hundreds of volunteers and a mission to foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design. 

From architecture in movies to architecture that movie stars live in and love, Palm Springs annual Modernism Week is the nation's premier architecture event. Modernism Show & Sale at the Palm Springs Convention Center features premier national and international dealers offering furniture, decorative and fine arts representing all design movements of the 20th century.

This fantastic little piece of party machinery is called a Partio Cart

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.