Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025 honors midcentury modern architecture, design, and culture in the desert.
This yearly occasion draws architects, designers, and cultural historians from all over the world, showcasing the city’s reputation as a center for modernist innovation.
Modernism Week – October marks the return of Palm Springs’ annual celebration of midcentury modern architecture, art, design, and vintage culture. Over 50 events, many of which are free or inexpensive, will take place over four days during this scaled-down, more intimate version of the February festival.
The 20th anniversary of Palm Springs Modernism Week will be celebrated from February 13 to February 23, 2025. With an emphasis on midcentury modern architecture, art, interior design, and vintage culture, this well-known 11-day event is a must-see for lovers of architecture and design.
There will be more than 350 activities at the festival, such as garden and home tours, interesting presentations, a display of vintage trailers, and the Palm Springs Modernism Show, which will have 130 exhibitors.
Visitors will congregate here to take advantage of the bus excursions, discover more about Modernism Week, eat delectable snacks from neighborhood food vendors, and more!
Theme for 2025 with Highlights:
The topic for 2025 is “The Legacy of Innovation,” emphasizing how mid-century modernism continues to influence modern architecture and design. The technological innovations and sustainability methods that modernist architects pioneered will receive particular focus.
- Signature Home Tours: showcasing recognizable modern and midcentury styles.
- The Palm Springs School Symposium offers rare home visits and expert discussions that delve deeply into the development of Desert Modernism.
- Garden Tours & Modernism Show: Discovering the finest midcentury modern furniture and stunning desert landscaping.
Modernism Week 2025 Locations
The Palm Springs Convention Center, historic residences, and outdoor areas are among the famous locations used for events held around Palm Springs and the surrounding communities.
Modernism Week tickets are offered in a number of options.
- Access to exhibits, tours, and certain social events is provided by general admission.
- Priority access to VIP lounges, panels, and special home tours is provided with the Premier Pass.
- All-Inclusive VIP Package: Offers special meet-and-greet chances along with all event categories.
- Tickets are available on the official Modernism Week website and vary from $30 for individual events to $500+ for luxury experiences.
Bus Tours at Modernism Week 2025
Palm Springs Modernism Week – October Bus Tour
The Palm Springs Modernism Week – October Bus Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the core of mid-century modern design.
This guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of Palm Springs’ architectural wonders, highlighting famous residences, structures, and communities that perfectly capture the era’s elegance, refinement, and inventiveness.
Professional tour guides tell you amazing tales of the architects and visionaries who made Palm Springs a modernist haven while you explore the city.
You’ll visit well-known communities like Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas, which are examples of how design, function, and flair can all be seamlessly combined.
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour
A highlight of Modernism Week! During the Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour, visitors can see important public and private structures as well as homes situated in residential areas of Palm Springs, such as the midcentury “leisure lifestyle” complexes in South Palm Springs.
- Under the direction of informed interpreters, this outdoor experience provides an outside look at Desert Spanish and Midcentury Modern architecture, two of Palm Springs’ most popular architectural styles.
Date: Feb 13th to Feb 22nd
Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Price: $130
The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour
You will view the most amazing residences and some of Palm Springs’ most well-known neighborhoods on this trip.
- In addition to the midcentury modern homes in Vista Las Palmas, Racquet Club Estates, Twin Palms, and Indian Canyons, we will also view the pre-war Spanish Colonial Revival mansions in Old Las Palmas.
- Hugh Kaptur, Donald Wexler, E. Stewart Williams, and William Krisel are among the architects whose designs will be featured.
Date: Feb 13th to Feb 20th
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Price: $100
Illuminated Twilight Bus Tour
The company has been lighting Palm Springs’ architecturally noteworthy structures for 13 years as of 2025.
- You will see the specifically planned lights on 13 of the most intriguing buildings and other architecturally significant structures on this double-decker bus trip, which will leave as the sun sets behind Mount San Jacinto and the warm glow of the desert illuminates our city.
- Free appetizers and cocktails will be available for guests to enjoy at the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar as a special post-Illuminated Twilight Tour treat.
Date: Feb 14th to Feb 22nd
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Price: $100
Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour
Join us as we visit the famous Rat Pack’s residences and hangouts in Palm Springs and their time period.
- Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Sammy Davis Jr. made up the Rat Pack of the 1960s. Regulars included Angie Dickinson and Joey Bishop as well.
- They worked and performed in Hollywood and Las Vegas, but they unwinded, played, and partied in Palm Springs. This 90-minute tour includes the Rat Pack members’ desert-modern residences as well as a number of their hangouts, many of which are still in existence.
Date: Feb 13th to Feb 22nd
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Price: $100
Home Tours
Discover famous residences and structures in Palm Springs, the epicenter of the modernist architectural style.
Take self-guided tours or join groups led by knowledgeable docents and guides who go into great detail about the rich history of midcentury architecture and design.
See buildings created by architectural trailblazers like E. Stewart Williams and William Krisel, or see the residences and communities of celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
Experience Palm Springs history and culture like no other during Modernism Week by taking a home tour. Throughout Modernism Week, tours are offered daily.
Palm Desert Signature Home Tour
A range of neighborhoods and modern architectural styles will be included in the self-driving tour of many homes.
- You will have privileged inside access to a number of stunning residences that have never been seen by the general public.
- Discover newly found gems that should be on your design radar as well as custom-designed residences created by some of the desert’s top architects. Included are a program and a souvenir tour map. KUD Properties is kindly sponsoring this event.
Date: Feb 18th
Duration: 4 hrs
Price: $100
Modernism Week Restoration Series and Cocktail Party at the “Elrod Escape” Residence
You are cordially invited to this upscale, private cocktail party where you can experience the opulence of 1960s Palm Springs social elites.
- Arthur Elrod’s “Escape House,” the former 1962 residence of Arthur Elrod, A.S.I.D., is open for a tour and cocktail reception.
- The second house in the new Modernism Week Restoration Series, a series of home tours dedicated to honoring notable instances of Desert Modernist interior design and architecture that have been conserved, restored, and furnished with well chosen accent pieces, is this one.
Date: Feb 17th
Duration: 2 hrs
Price: $250
Calypso Palms: Where the Rat Pack Stayed and Played
Join us for the Modernism Week Home Tour at Calypso Palms and travel back in time to the early 1960s.
- Eight unique units will be on display during this tour, including three recently renovated and updated jewels and five well-liked ones from 2024.
- Originally called Andee Palms, this famous site housed executive suites for Hotel Trinidad, where A-list performers performed in the famed Purple Room and mingled.
- Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack pals were among its regular visitors, frequently performing off-stage behind Calypso Palms’ doors.
Date: Feb 22nd
Duration: 1 hr
Price: $65
House of Tomorrow Home Tour
Explore the Alexander Estate, also referred to as the House of Tomorrow, which is well-known as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, the location of the 1967 honeymoon between Elvis and Priscilla Presley.
- This remarkable residence, which is situated in the historic Vista Las Palmas district, was constructed in 1960 for Helene and Robert Alexander of the Alexander Construction Company by architect William Krisel.
- In keeping with Krisel’s belief that “circles have no edge, you can approach them from anywhere,” the architect created a set of four connected circular pods.
- The windows, ceiling-mounted fireplaces, terrazzo floors, and the bespoke circular sofa in the living room are just a few of the striking and unique elements that have been restored.
Date: Feb 13th to Feb 23rd
Duration: 30 mins to 1 hr
Price: $55 to $100
Entertainment and Social Events
Enjoy a meal and beverages at the Sinatra estate, socialize with designers and architects, or if you want to watch Sinatra, The Beatles, and Elvis all in one night, go to the Modernism Week 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza! Get ready!
Modernism Week 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza
As Modernism Week commemorates its 20th anniversary with a REALLY BIG SHOW and an incredible evening at the Palm Springs Air Museum, join us for an evening of unmatched beauty and spectacle.
- This legendary location will be turned into a playground of retro tropical nightclub glitz, preparing the foundation for what is sure to be our most spectacular event in twenty years on the opening night.
Date: Feb 13th
Duration: 3 hrs
Price: $350
Preview Party for Palm Springs Modernism Show
Attend the largest celebration of Modernism Week to commemorate the launch of the 25th Annual Modernism Show.
- Get a preview of the Modernism Show before it opens to the public on Saturday by attending this joyous reception with friends and other design aficionados.
- Be the first to view and purchase from an exceptional collection of 125 top national and international exhibitors that showcases antique furniture as well as fine and decorative arts that reflect all 20th-century design movements, with a focus on midcentury Modern.
- Inspiring 21st-century original designs for modern living, such as dynamic building materials, state-of-the-art home appliances, handcrafted furniture and accessories, modern art and photography, and much more, are now shown in the Modernism Show.
Date: Feb 14th
Duration: 3 hrs
Price: $125
Step Into the Time Capsule: A Groovy 60s Party at The VIBE House!
We invite you to a unique evening where we travel back in time to the late 1960s!
- As you explore a world where legendary music, vibrant design, and boundless pleasure come to life, sip on a fresh, dry martini or a tequila sunrise.
- On the outside, the VIBE House may resemble traditional Palm Springs, but on the inside, it’s a throwback to the most fashionable period!
Date: Feb 20th
Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Price: $225
Destination Park Imperial South
A vibrant cocktail party follows a midday home tour of the famous Park Imperial South, where you can experience the elegance of midcentury modern decor.
- Discover six magnificent residences in the first Southern California complex to get a GE Gold Medallion, created by famed architect Barry Berkus.
- These residences have innovative midcentury architectural features like colorful bespoke kitchen hoods, folded roof plates, and vintage GE Gold Medallion appliances.
Date: Feb 15th
Duration: Tour and Cocktail Party
Price: Tour: $75
Cocktail Party: $125
Films and Lectures
Attend live talks, presentations, and films as historians and specialists share the backstories of modernism’s art and architecture.
With in-depth examinations of a wide range of subjects, discover the origins, legacy, and current impact of modernism.
Listen to discussions about the German Bauhaus art movement and American architecture’s global ties, or how modernism is being carried forward by contemporary artists.
Take a break from the sun at the Annenberg Theater or make a diversion to Joshua Tree to see the largest collection of Lloyd Wright’s creations at the famous Joshua Tree Retreat Center.
The Palm Springs School: A Symposium
A symposium honoring the Palm Springs School of Desert Modernism is being held by the Palm Springs Art Museum in collaboration with the Palm Springs Architectural Alliance.
- Among other noteworthy architectural movements, such as the Prairie School and Sarasota School, the Symposium will solidify the Palm Springs School’s position as a distinct and remarkable movement.
Date: Feb 22nd
Duration: 7 hrs
Price: $75 to $195
Dr. Raymond Neutra–Survival Through Design
Dr. Raymond Neutra, President of the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design, is thrilled to be the 2025 Modernism Week Keynote Speaker.
- It felt appropriate to invite a speaker who has long supported Modernism Week and has a strong personal connection to the desert’s architectural tradition in honor of the event’s 20th anniversary and lasting legacy.
Date: Feb 15th
Duration: General: 1 hr
VIP: 2 hrs
Price: General: $35
VIP: $100
Leedy Legacy
Max Strang, AIA, was raised in a Leedy-designed Winter Haven home, worked in Leedy’s office early in his career, and now owns and cares for Leedy’s carefully restored Winter Haven home and studio.
- Strang offers a thorough examination of Gene Leedy’s significant contribution to the Sarasota School of Architecture, tracing his development from post-and-beam buildings to brutalism.
Date: Feb 19th
Duration: 1 hr
Price: $18
Glass or Not Glass? That’s the Lina Bo Bardi Question
By examining the ambiguity between Lina Bo Bardi’s design for her famous 1952 home, Casa de Vidro (House of Glass), in São Paulo, and her subsequent design for the neighboring Valéria P. Cirell House of 1958, Zeuler Lima delves into the complexities of what makes up modern architecture.
Date: Feb 20th
Duration: 1 hr
Price: $18
Experiences
During Modernism Week, discover a favorite activity or try something new. Attend a fashion display by Trina Turk, try your hand at pasta making with cookery and lunch at Trio Palm Springs, or go to the “King of Cool” Soiree at the Steve McQueen Residence.
Shag is hosting an art show and print release party. With collections from 125 international dealers, the wildly acclaimed Palm Springs Modernism Show has something for everyone.
Take a hands-on mixology class to shake things up and learn how to make a few drinks that you may give to your loved ones.
Trina Turk Fashion Show and Luncheon at Marrakesh Country Club
The members-only Marrakesh Country Club, located in the Clubhouse built by Tom Scheerer, will host a fashion show and cocktail luncheon to commemorate Trina Turk’s 30th anniversary.
- The 30th Anniversary Spring collection and the debut of her most recent capsule, “Poolside Gossip,” created by Trina Turk, are both featured in this presentation.
- The debut of “Poolside Gossip” honors the iconic Slim Aarons portrait and Palm Springs’ cocktail-by-the-pool way of life. Savor the newest Trina Turk collections while taking in the music, picture ops, afternoon food, and specialty beverages while looking out over the immaculately kept golf course.
Date: Feb 22nd
Duration: 3 hrs
Price: General: $250
VIP: $350
Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Class With Steen Bojsen-Moller at Mr. Lyons
Come learn how to create legendary, classic cocktails from the Midcentury era at home with Steen Bojsen-Møller at Mr. Lyons Steakhouse.
- As you follow the professionals and create your own for tasting, this entertaining, practical mixology class will examine the steps involved in creating fine handcrafted cocktails. consists of three drinks.
- After a welcome cocktail, sample your own inventive creations while being led through each twist, shake, and stir.
- You won’t wish to overlook This lively, one-of-a-kind, interactive event is only for adults.
Date: Feb 13th to Feb 23rd
Duration: 2 hrs
Price: General: $80
Palm Springs Modernism Show
The finest in midcentury and modern design will be offered by 125 top national and international dealers at the 25th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show.
- A remarkable variety of collections will be available for purchase by collectors, including 20th-century furniture and decorative arts as well as modern, cutting-edge 21st-century home design.
- Tickets cost $30 and can be used for both entry and exit. Tickets for general admission are valid on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Date: Feb 15th to Feb 17th
Duration: Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Price: General: $30
Twin Palms Guided Walking Tour: An Insider’s Perspective of the Desert’s First Modernist Neighborhood
As the first finished Modernist enclave in the desert, Twin Palms introduced ideas and methods that were later imitated in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.
- You will learn about William Krisel’s creative, perceptive, and impactful architecture on this tour, as well as his incredibly fruitful collaboration with the Alexander Construction Company.
- It will also introduce you to important midcentury pieces by architects Hal Levitt, Donald Wexler, and Hugh Kaptur, as well as noteworthy and unique pieces of more recent vintage.
Date: Feb 13th to Feb 23rd
Duration: 2 hrs
Price: General: $45
Sustainability Initiatives
From promoting carpooling and bike rentals to holding events in sustainably remodeled buildings, Modernism Week has embraced environmentally friendly methods.
Among the steps are:
- Recycling and Waste Reduction: Reducing the impact on the environment by collaborating with neighborhood organizations.
- Green Tours: Emphasizing environmentally friendly architecture and energy-efficient renovations.
- By adhering to rules and preventing damage to original features, attendees are urged to show respect for historic properties.
Reasons to Go
Modernism Week is more than just an occasion; it’s a unique cultural event that honors inventiveness and ingenuity in design.
The immersive quality of the event, from its well-curated tours to its vibrant social gatherings, has been praised by previous guests.
The week is sometimes referred to as “a living classroom for design inspiration” by architects and designers.
With its blend of education, fun, and nostalgia, the event has plenty to offer everyone, regardless matter whether you’re a huge fan of modernism or just interested in the aesthetic.
Conclusion | Palm Springs Modernism Week
In the dynamic environment of Palm Springs, Modernism Week 2025 promises to be an event that will never be forgotten, fusing history, design, and culture.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to learn about modernist design from new angles while traveling back in time.
To guarantee a place in your preferred activities, purchase your tickets in advance. For the most recent information and announcements, visit the official Modernism Week website.
Allow Palm Springs to motivate you to lead a contemporary life!
