Desert Architecture Celebration Kicks Off: Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025: A Celebration of Midcentury Architecture
Prepare for a journey through time as Palm Springs Modernism Week returns for its 11-day extravaganza from 13-23 February in California. This year's event promises an array of captivating tours, exhibitions, and symposiums, showcasing the best of midcentury modern architecture and design.
One of the highlights of the festival is the PS ModCom Iconic Home Tour, which includes iconic residences such as the Howard Hughes 1957 residence by Araby Cove, with its floating staircases and expansive views of the Coachella Valley. New additions to the tour this year are the Griffing and Goldberg residences in the exclusive Southridge estates.
Another featured home is Albert Frey's 1954 The West House in Old Las Palmas, which has been remodelled by Michelle Boudreau Design and was previously owned by actor Adam West. The festival also brings back the original bus tour, featuring William Krisel's House of Tomorrow, the Kaufmann Desert House, and Donald Wexler & Richard Harrison's Steel Development, among others.
For those interested in exploring the life and legacy of Howard Smith, the only Black artist recognised in post-war Scandinavian modernism, a dedicated event will be held during Modernism Week 2025.
New neighbourhoods on tour routes include Canyon Springs, Coco Cabana, Canyon Colony West, and Vista Canyon. Author James Schnepf leads a self-driving tour through six homes in five neighbourhoods, all from legendary midcentury architects featured in his book, Palm Springs Modern Living.
The Palm Springs Modernism Show will celebrate its 25th anniversary during Modernism Week, with a record number of 135 dealers on show, selling 20th-century and 21st-century designs at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
In addition to architectural offerings, the festival offers 500 events over 11 days, including architecture, art, interior design, and vintage culture. Highlights include a symposium by the Palm Springs School of Desert Modernism, Palm Springs Art Museum, and Palm Springs Architectural Alliance, and a self-driving home tour featuring significant homes that helped establish the modernist architectural movement.
The festival's keynote speaker, Dr Raymond Neutra of Survival Through Design, will preserve the legacy of Richard Neutra. The Annenberg Estate and gardens at Sunnylands, Frey House II, tours of the historic Temple Isaiah, and many Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tours including the Modern Garden Tour are returning this year.
For those who prefer a more immersive experience, William Cody's personal 1954 residence will feature an immersive light installation by internationally acclaimed artist Phillip K Smith, III. Meanwhile, a new addition to the tours is the 1923 Spanish Revival King Gillette Estate in Mesa.
Lastly, for those who want to delve into the past of Palm Springs' iconic Rat Pack, newer speciality tours include a deep dive into the haunts and homes where Sinatra and his entourage used to live and popular hangouts they would frequent.
The events are available through the festival's website, with some being free and some ticketed. So, mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of midcentury modern architecture and design at Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025!
Read also:
- Inequalities in colorectal cancer among racial groups: Insights and actions for support
- Liver Cancer Treatment Method: Insights into Function, Potential Sidelines, Efficiency
- Medical professionals at St. Remigius Hospital's rear facilities in Alexian
- Boron's Impact on Bone Health and its Connection with Bey (Title omitted)
