Visitor Information Center for Palm Desert & Palm Springs

Everything You Need to Know About Modernism Week in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is known for its midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these historical buildings. Modernism Week is a California 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that encourages education, preservation, and sustainable modern living as represented in the greater Palm Springs area—otherwise known as the playground to the Hollywood stars in the 1940s and 50s.

Modernism Week’s signature February Event is an annual celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. This exciting festival takes place in February in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. Modernism Week features more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, tours of Sunnylands, fashion, classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and more.

In addition to the events in February, Modernism Week Hosts Modernism Week — October. Partner organizations collaborate to produce a “mini-Modernism Week” to kick-off the active social and recreational season in Palm Springs. It also includes the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show, featuring an opening night preview party on Oct. 14, offering attendees a cocktail reception, live music and an exclusive first chance to shop at the show before it opens to the public. The Fall Show continues Oct. 15-16 and will feature more than 45 premier national and international decorative and fine arts dealers.

During these special events, visitors are able to take a tour, offered by mini coach or bicycle through Modernism Week and PS Architecture. These excursions orient guests to the diverse, iconic neighborhoods of Palm Springs while immersing them in history and design—meaning travelers will be able to distinguish the Movie Colony from the Old Las Palmas like a local in no time. The idea of affordable desert modernist design for the masses, attendees will learn, was introduced in the 1950s with the construction of more than 2,000 homes along the Alexander tract.

Modernism Week is also a charitable organization, providing scholarships to local students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design; as well as supporting local and state preservation organizations and neighborhood groups in their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.

For a taste of the Old Hollywood lifestyle and Palm Springs flair, try a stay at a Private Oasis in the Movie Colony for a vacation home within proximity of the Modernism Week tours. This alluring and relaxing 4-bedroom and 3-bathroom desert vacation destination is tucked away in the unique Movie Colony of Palm Springs. The house is less than a 5-minute drive away from a collection of casinos, shops, galleries and restaurants galore. Head to Olive Oasis for a relaxing and unforgettable stay in a beautiful mid-century modern house that is completely renovated and fully furnished, including a colorful living room, spacious game room, open dining room, and beautiful kitchen. The private backyard is surrounded by tall hedges, so you can enjoy the spa, pool, fire pit, and grill in peace.

Visit for vacation rental jomes in the Coachella Valley..

Luxury homes in PALM DESERT

Palm Desert offers homes in various architectural styles, custom builds, and even raw land to build your one-of-a-kind dream home. If you want to know more about what’s available to buy in Palm Desert, check out these luxury listings currently on the market with virtual showings.

Homes for sale around the Palm Desert Area

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