In case the artistic and architectural celebration known as Modernism Week wasn’t already a big enough event, this year’s version (Feb. 13-23, 2025) marks the 20th anniversary of the annual tribute to all things midcentury. 

The 11-day event spotlights midcentury modern culture and the ways it has become synonymous with Greater Palm Springs. There are more than 400 unique experiences for lovers of art, architecture, interior design, and landscape design. Guests can partake in everything from tours to talks to parties and more. 

Here's everything you need to know to maximize your 2025 Modernism Week experience!

Photos provided courtesy of Modernism Week.


JUST THE FACTS

What: Modernism Week is a celebration of the art, architecture, design, and culture known as midcentury modern, a part of the fabric of Greater Palm Springs.

When: The 11-day event runs from Feb. 13-23, 2025 and consists of bus tours, home tours, cocktail parties, films, presentations, and more.

Tickets: All events are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased and a detailed schedule can be found at www.modernismweek.com.


BUS TOURS

The Premier Double Decker Bus tour outside Palm Springs City Hall.

The bus tour is a staple of Modernism Week and most would agree that it’s the most fun way to learn about midcentury modern architecture and style. You get to sit back, relax, and enjoy open-air, elevated views while experts regale you with stories and the history of the area. Here are a few to consider: 

Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour: A 2.5-hour tour of notable commercial buildings and residential homes within important Palm Springs neighborhoods. This experience runs Feb. 13-22 with a ticket price of $130.

Bella da Ball’s Celebrity Homes Bus Tour: The desert’s drag ambassador Bella da Ball provides an entertaining sunset tour of Palm Springs’ celebrity hangouts and homes. Bella’s tour is Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 21-22 and tickets cost $100. 

Sinatra Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour: This 90-minute bus tour takes you past the homes and hangouts of the Rat Pack. See their sleek desert-modern homes and those of other celebrities like Dinah Shore, Elvis, Liberace, Desi Arnaz, and Jack Benny. It runs Feb. 13-22 and tickets cost $100.


HOME TOURS

The outside of a home designed by Stan Sackley with mountains in the background.

There are dozens of tours of iconic homes throughout the 11 days, from celebrity homes and seldom-seen stunners to private properties that display unique architecture. But, the event has two in particular that they dub "Featured Home Tours": 

The West House: That’s not a directional reference; the "West" in this case refers to the original “Batman” himself, Adam West. This 1954 residence, remodeled by Michelle Boudreau Design, was previously owned by West and is located in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. The home honors both Albert Frey’s architectural features and the legacy of Batman. Tours run Feb. 14-17 and Feb. 21-23 and tickets cost $40.

The Sackley Chase Sensation: With walls of glass, Italian travertine floors, and breathtaking views of the mountains and golf course, this 1970s home has it all. It was designed by Palm Springs architect Stan Sackley and decorated by noted interior designer Steve Chase, hence the name Sackley Chase Sensation. Tours are Feb. 14-17 and Feb. 21-23 and tickets cost $40.


PARTIES

Interior of the Steve McQueen Residence

Parties are a big part of Modernism Week festivities as well, and they are extra-special because they often take place at locales seldom open to the public. Put on your retro threads and check out these options, including the first one, which celebrates the event's 20-year anniversary!

Modernism Week 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza: Jump in a time machine and ensconce yourself in the music of the midcentury era with an unforgettable soiree at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Think Sinatra, The Beatles, Elvis, and more. It’s on Feb. 13 and tickets are $350.

Preview Party for the Palm Springs Modernism Show: This is a different kind of party where you can leave with that perfect piece of furniture for your modernism-themed room. The Palm Springs Convention Center plays host, and along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment, guests can shop for vintage goods directly from dealers before the show opens to the public. Tickets for the Feb. 14 event are $125 and include free return access throughout the festival.

A Swanky Sunset Jazz Party at the Glamorous Midcentury Modern Koerner Residence: You like jazz? Sunsets? A true midcentury modern setting? This party on the second weekend of the event, back for its second year, might be for you. It’s on Feb. 20 and a ticket is $295.


NEW THIS YEAR

The pool with palm trees at a home in Palm Springs.While returning faves like tours of Sunnylands, the Frey House II, The House of Tomorrow, and homes once owned by Frank Sinatra and William Holden are all back in the mix for Modernism Week 2025, there are some new experiences this year that returning guests as well as first-timers may want to seek out.

The Griffing and Goldberg Residences PS ModCom Iconic Home Tour: A two-home tour that is a must for architecture and design enthusiasts and folks who have always wanted to see a Southridge home.

  • The Griffing residence was originally designed in the 1960s by the local team of Patten & Wild and was bought by Thomas Griffing. In 2014, decorated architect Susan Secoy Jensen returned the home to its minimal origins. 
  • The Goldberg residence, meanwhile, was designed in 1962 by William F. Cody and was then later expanded by Cody and designer Arthur Elrod at the request of owner Stanley Goldberg. The home was bought in 2016 by designer Michael Johnston and Broadway lyricist David Zippel, and extensively restored based on Cody’s original plans. The tour, which includes both homes, is on Feb. 16 and the cost is $100.

Book-signing and tour: The book is “Canyon Country Club: History and Design of Palm Springs’ Garden of Eden” by author Steve Treinen and the venue for this event is the Dr. Maurice Rice estate in Canyon Country Club. The residence features a jaw-dropping pentagonal 75-foot-long pool and is situated near the club’s iconic fountains and lakes. A copy of the book comes with the price of admission. This event is Feb. 15 and tickets cost $75.

Celebrating a Decade of Palm Springs Modern Living by James Schnepf: This special home tour to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Schnepf’s iconic book “Palm Springs Modern Living” is a self-driving tour of seven homes in five neighborhoods and provides a rare opportunity to see the works of the leading midcentury architects in Palm Springs history, including Donald Wexler, William Krisel, E. Stewart Williams, Charles DuBois, William Cody, Richard Neutra, Herbert Burns, and Shuler & Lapham. The tour is on Feb. 18 and the cost is $160.


TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

The interior of a midcentury modern homeDress the part, but wear comfortable shoes: Whether it's a party or a home tour, don’t be afraid to dress the part! Throw on that fedora or Pucci-inspired dress. Just keep in mind that a comfortable shoe winds up being the best way to go because there can be a lot of walking on the home tours and many of them include indoor/outdoor components that may find you walking on grass in a beautiful backyard. Also, quite often, a home tour may ask you to cover your shoes with little protective booties, so don’t fret too much about what shoes to wear.

Talk to the designers: When on a home tour, it's common for the architect, homeowner, or even interior designer to be there to answer questions as you move from room to room. Don’t hesitate to engage them. Why did you choose that tile? What gave you the idea for those colors? Where did you find that painting? You’re not putting them out. They take pride in their work and love to talk about it!

Scour the schedule: New events are usually added leading up to the kickoff, so check back often to see what’s new. With more than 400 events, you should be able to find something that fits your design aesthetic and your budget. There are even some free options available. Take a close look, and whether it’s hanging out at one of Frank Sinatra’s favorite spots or simply laying eyes on homes or architecture you don’t normally get to see, you’ll find something that inspires.