Now in its 16th year, Palm Springs Modernism Week has gained worldwide acclaim as thousands of design devotees and professionals make the annual pilgrimage to Palm Springs, known as the “modernism mecca” for claiming one of the largest concentrations of midcentury modern architecture in the country. Following a virtual experience in February, Palm Springs Modernism Week is kicking off its signature (and socially distanced) showcase this spring from April 8-18, 2021. (For more on what to do in the region, see “The Best of What’s New in Palm Springs” on page 32.)
This year, despite the pandemic, the 11-day programming currently remains on track to continue cultivating the appreciation of midcentury modern architecture and design while promoting education, preservation, and sustainable modern living.
April’s in-person agenda features more than 20 events including a cocktail workshop at Mr. Lyons “A Night Out on the Town” fashion show retrospective, “Fins and Tails” classic car show, Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale, and sought-after tours of some of the region’s most celebrated examples of architecture: the historic Annenberg estate at Sunnylands, John Lautner’s iconic Lautner Compound, Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate, and architect Sean Lockyer’s newly constructed private residences in Desert Palisades.
Those seeking more socially distanced pursuits can opt for narrated self-driving excursions and self-guided modern landscape and outdoor neighborhood tours in Palm Springs and its surrounding area. Tickets from $10; modernismweek.com
Top 5 Modernism Week Happenings on Our Radar
Sunnylands Center & Gardens Tour Known as the former winter home of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, the 1966 estate contains a golf course, 11 lakes, outdoor sculpture, and a spectacular 25,000-square-foot midcentury modern home designed by A. Quincy Jones. $175
Mod with a Twist A lighthearted deep dive discussion into some of the more obscure topics about the midcentury. $55
Twin Palms Guided Tour: An Insider’s Perspective of the Desert’s First Modernist Neighborhood Experience Krisel, Kaptur, Wexler, and more on the first guided tour of the desert’s original modernist neighborhood. $25
Lines of Movement, Lines of Modernism: ButlerJaffe House Tour with Storytelling and Dance Performance A guided tour of the Butler-Jaffe House in Indian Canyons including live, on-site traditional and modern song, story, and dance. $65
Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Clinic at Mr. Lyons A “spirited” midcentury cocktail making clinic at the historic restaurant Mr. Lyons. $62
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