Palm Springs, CA

One of the premier events in Palm Springs — Modernism Week — has entered it 20th year. The festival focuses on midcentury modern architecture, art, interior design, landscape design, and vintage culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. 

This week lasts 11 days — and is superbly organized, thanks to a legion of friendly and helpful volunteers and dedicated staff. 

Modernism Week runs from February 13 through 23, and features more than 500 events that celebrate midcentury modern architecture and design. One of the strengths of the festival is that it includes many free and low-cost programs. 

In all, there are over 80 guided tours, with profiles of 12 prominent architects. 

This year one of the free exhibitions is the new Trini Lopez Museum, open Feb. 13 through 17 and 19 through 23 at the Village Green Heritage Center at 219 South Palm Canyon Dr.   The museum includes costumes, guitars, awards, and gold records that embody the career that encompassed folk-rock and earned Mr. Lopez his iconic status as a Latino performer. 

Another free activity is the Modernism Art District Tour which allows visitors to tour artists’ studios and learn about how midcentury-era artists influenced their artwork. Meet the artists and tour behind the scenes in their workspaces.

A special home exhibit this year is The West House — previously owned by Adam West — the original Batman!  The 1954 home is in the beautiful Old Las Palmas neighborhood and was originally designed by architect Albert Frey.  The home has been remodeled  by Michelle Boudreau Design.

The Old Las Palmas Home Tour of six properties is magnificent. Las Palmas is arguably the oldest and most historic of the Palm Springs neighborhoods. 

The Palm Springs Modernism Show also features a sales event, with 125 premier national and international dealers offering the best of Midcentury and Modern Design. Buying opportunities include 20th century furniture and decorative arts as well as contemporary 21st century designs for the home. Great artwork colors light up the Convention Center.  Seeing everything under the same roof is a rare opportunity. 

As a bonus, a portion of admission ticket proceeds goes to assist the non-profit organization — Modernism Week — as well as other local preservation, neighborhood, and community groups.  Some of these proceeds provide scholarships to local Coachella Valley students who are enrolled in architecture and design in college.

 For more information on dates and times for the festival events, to https://modernismweek.com/2025/