(Greater Palm Springs, CA) — January 11, 2018 — You don’t need to be a design buff to appreciate the midcentury modern architecture that proliferates throughout Greater Palm Springs. In fact, Palm Springs and surrounding cities boast one of the largest concentrations of midcentury modern architecture in the world. Many residential and commercial buildings have been restored to their original grandeur by desert modern enthusiasts committed to keeping this cultural legacy alive.
A who’s who of midcentury modern architects made their mark in our oasis included Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, E. Stewart Williams, William F. Cody, A. Quincy Jones, John Lautner, William Krisel, and many more. Mesmerized by the exceptional weather, play of light against dramatic mountain and desert vistas, and casually elegant lifestyle, their design aesthetic embraced flat and butterfly roofs, clean lines, and wall to ceiling glass, inviting an almost invisible threshold to indoor/outdoor living.
Iconic structures encompass everything from the Tramway Gas Station, Albert Frey House II, Edris House, Kaufman Desert House, Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate, Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway, and Krisel and Palmer’s Alexander homes to the Del Marcos Hotel, Tahquitz Plaza, Wexler Steel Houses, Bank of America building and Santa Fe Savings & Loan, now the site of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture & Design Center. Be sure to stop by the boutiques and galleries in Uptown Palm Springs and other areas to check out the array of cool original and inspired midcentury modern furniture and accessories.
There are also plenty of ways to experience these midcentury modern gems. Stay in a midcentury modern hotel or vacation rental, take a midcentury modern architecture tour with a knowledgeable guide, or download the Palm Springs Modern Committee’s self-guided tour mobile app.
However, for a complete immersion, make plans now to attend the annual Modernism Week set for February 15-25, 2018. Now in its 13th year, this premier 11-day celebration of midcentury modern architecture, design and culture draws more than 95,000 people to our oasis to experience 300-plus fascinating events, ranging from architectural walking, biking and double-decker bus excursions to fabulously themed parties, lectures, film screenings and tours of iconic estates rarely open to the public.
New events making their debut at Modernism Week 2018 include “Hollywood Revisited,” a dynamic musical revue featuring Broadway and Hollywood performers outfitted in costumes of the era; a VIP chauffeur experience on the Modernism Week Signature Home Tour; tour of the Walter S. White “Wave” house in Palm Desert; two unique tours showcasing architecturally significant churches, and an E. Stewart Williams-designed Palm Springs synagogue; and a February 19 reception/tour of the Ridge Mountain Residence; and a collaboration with the American Documentary Film Festival to produce a new Architecture Design Art Film series. Tickets can be purchased online at www.modernismweek.com.
###
About Greater Palm Springs, California
Greater Palm Springs is Southern California’s premier resort, special event and golf destination. Discover a place of many experiences and surprises in nine distinctive cities: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. As a respite for mind, body and spirit, Greater Palm Springs is ready to provide you with an unparalleled sense of escape, adventure, recreation, relaxation and your own unique way to play--anytime of the year. For more information on Greater Palm Springs, visit www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.
Follow Greater Palm Springs CVB on Facebook and Twitter. Meeting planners can also follow Greater Palm Springs meetings on LinkedIn.
The information contained on this information sheet is accurate as of the date listed at the top.
