Palm Springs Modernism Week

February 16-26, 2023

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.

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 Celebration at CAMP in the Hyatt Hotel or MCM Séance on Desert Island in The Penney Spirits Library. Most charge a fee but if you really want to see something unique, there's Southridge Signature Home Tour, a curated collection of classic midcentury homes to contemporary masterpieces lasting 2 hours and costing $225. 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.

Poolside parties and a runway fashion show highlighting the finest vintage apparel for men and women in Palm Springs this year celebrates Old Hollywood glamour  of the1968 Academy Awards.  From drag emcee, Bella  da Ball's special sunset tour of Palm Springs celebrity haunts, clubs and homes to retro pop culture humorist Charles Phoenix's 5-day guided experience, keeping up with the action can be exhausting.

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.