Palm Springs, CA

The Palm Springs Art Museum is hosting a full day of activities for the grand opening of the Aluminaire House first designed by Albert Frey and Lawrence Kocher.

The museum writes, “Albert Frey (American, born Switzerland, 1903-1998) helped to establish Palm Springs as a world-recognized center for modern architecture and design. He was the first architect to design a modern International Style structure for Palm Springs and paved the way for modern architecture and the architects that followed.”

“Don’t miss a full day of activities on Saturday March 23, 2024 to celebrate the grand opening of the long-awaited installation of Aluminaire House™ Exhibit, an icon of modernist design by A. Lawrence Kocher and Albert Frey.”

The day’s activities include:

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Docent Specialist Tours

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN CENTER

Discover the exhibition Albert Frey: Inventive Modernist at Architecture and Design Center. Tours are first-come, first-served.

Free with Architecture and Design Center admission.

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Albert Frey 8mm films

ATRIUM, PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM

Screening of personal Albert Frey Movies on the main floor of the museum. These films are Albert Frey’s personal recordings highlighting his various projects and do not contain audio. Films will be screened on a television in the museum atrium. They are between 1-2 minutes or 10-15 minutes long and will be played on a loop. Limited seating is available. 

Free with Palm Springs Art Museum admission.

2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

ALUMINAIRE HOUSE

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will open with a musical performance by Hope Diamond and Jazz Band followed by remarks and a mayoral proclamation. The James O. Jessie Desert Highland Drumline will close the ceremony with a performance.

Free with registration.

2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Community Celebration

ALUMINAIRE HOUSE

An open event welcoming all visitors, where you can enjoy the unveiling of the Aluminaire House and celebrate its significance to the local community. Experience live music performances by Hope Diamond and Jazz Band, shop Frey merchandise at the museum store, capture memories with a photobooth by Party Life Photobooth, and indulge in delicious offerings from local food vendors including Cafe Empatia, Citlali Tamales, and Ana’s Creperia.

Free. No registration is necessary.