Las Vegas
11 Midcentury Modern events not to be missed
By Ken MacIntyre
January 15, 2025 (Palm Springs) – Every year when Modernism Week rolls around, newbies to the annual celebration of all things MCM invariably ask me to recommend “the best” events. I usually rattle off my top five personal favorites; classic events and tours I’ve returned to time and time again since beginning my yearly pilgrimage to Modernism Week over 15 years ago.
But this year is different. With so many new events added to help celebrate Modernism Week’s 20th Anniversary in Palm Springs, I’m throwing in a few more recommendations.
Modernism Week Featured Home: The West House
Between February 13 – 23, Palm Springs and other Coachella Valley communities will host over 400 separate public events including home and neighborhood tours, cocktail parties, design shows, lectures, panel discussions, book signings, films and more. Modernist architecture, design, art, fashion and culture will collide over 11 glorious days in the sun.
With so many events to choose from you’d be forgiven if it all seems a bit overwhelming, especially for those who’ve never attended before. Tickets to many of the events were sold out online within hours of going on sale back in November, but there’s still plenty to choose from if you don’t delay.
With this in mind, here are five of the best “classic” Modernism Week events (in my humble opinion) for the novice modernista, with a few new events thrown in for good measure. As of this writing, tickets are currently still available to all of these.
Charles Phoenix Presents Googieland!
Charles Phoenix Presents Googieland – Saturday, February 15 at the Annenberg Theatre (Palm Springs Art Museum). Known for his live comedy vintage slide show performances, Charles Phoenix is a great way to kick off Modernism Week. This year Charles celebrates Atomic Age architecture and design. Not to be missed!
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours – Daily. If you’re interested in Palm Springs architecture, this unique open air experience offers a 2.5 hour overview of the city’s most significant midcentury buildings and residences led by very knowledgeable guides. If you’ve never done Modernism Week before, this is a must. Tickets won’t last much longer.
Palm Springs Modernism Show – February 15-17 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This annual offering features over one-hundred national and international top notch dealers showcasing the best of the best in midcentury modern antiques and collectibles, as well as compelling 21st Century art and design. Tickets are available at ModernismWeek.com and at the door.
Palm Springs Modernism Show, photo by David A. Lee
Modernism Week Featured Home Tours – Various days and times. Each year Modernism Week presents a selection of homes that have been through renovations, restorations, and designer makeovers. This year the homes include The West House, a 1954 Old Las Palmas residence once owned by TV’s Batman, Adam West. The residence was renovated by modernist Albert Frey and recently revitalized by Michelle Boudreau Design. Modernism Week’s other Featured Home is the Sackley Chase Sensation, a stunning 1970s Indian Canyons home designed by starchitect Stan Stackley and decorated by Steve Chase.
Frey House II – Daily. Depart from the Palm Springs Art Museum. A shuttle will whisk you up the mountain behind the museum to the perfectly preserved 1964 residence of modernist architect, Albert Frey. There, you’ll gain insight into his architectural sensibility and perhaps learn why he built his home around a giant boulder. The house is both modest and breathtaking. Your ticket also includes admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum and its satellite building, the Architecture & Design Center.
CoCo Cabana: Designed for Gracious Living
CoCo Cabana: Designed for Gracious Living – Monday, February 17. Among this year’s new offerings is a former resort hotel that’s been hiding in plain sight for decades; CoCo Cabana, a vibrant homage to Palm Springs’ resort culture. Built in 1955, and designed by architect Charles W. Doty, the CoCo is a unique example of midcentury garden apartment design that boasts architectural integrity, rich history, as well as spectacular views of the local mountains. Eight units will be on tour at this unique property. Not to be missed.
Canyon Country Club: The History and Design of Palm Springs’ Garden of Eden – Saturday, February 15. New this year is the eagerly awaited release of the aforementioned book written by Steve Treinen and published by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation. Treat yourself to this two-for-one book signing with the author (a copy of the book is included in your ticket price) and home tour of the custom midcentury Dr. Maurice Rice residence (1969, William Krisel).
Bowlarama; The Architecture of Midcentury Bowling
CAMP Theatre – Modernism Week is filled with fascinating and entertaining films, lectures and presentations, most hosted daily at the Annenberg Theatre (Palm Springs Art Museum) and the CAMP Theatre (at the downtown Hyatt Hotel). Two new CAMP Theatre presentation’s that caught my eye include Marvelous Motels (February 16) presented by Merch Motel creator Barkev Msrlyan, which promises to shine a light on Southern California’s Legacy Motels by showcasing their unique architecture, neon signage and optimistic spirit, while Bowlarama: The Architecture of Midcentury Bowling (February 21) takes aim at America’s post-war obsession by examining its cultural history and the unique architecture that housed these bowling shrines. Based on the book of the same name by Chris Nichols and Adriene Biondo.
Indian Canyons Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Neighborhood Home Tours – Okay, so not new to Modernism Week, but definitely worth celebrating, visit eight architecturally significant homes in this unique and charming South Palm Springs community. Learn about its history and that of those who lived and worked here. Taking place on Saturday, February 22.
For more information and to purchase tickets to these and other great events, visit ModernismWeek.com. Don’t forget to follow along with Modtraveler on our Instagram Account for daily coverage beginning February 13!
Indian Canyons Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Neighborhood Home Tours