Modernism Week 2018

9 Modernism Week Events That’ll Satisfy Your Midcentury Madness

From Parties to Tours, We Created Your Modernism Week Agenda

Written By: Locale Editors
Photography Provided By: Dan Chavkin, Jake Holt, David A. Lee, Modernism Week, Jim Riche

For over a decade, design and architecture professionals and fans alike have flocked to the desert to be a part of the event of the year—Palm Springs Modernism Week. This year is no different with tastemakers gathering together to make this season one of most memorable yet. Attendees can explore the world of ‘50s and ‘60s architecture and design through a world of tours, model homes, parties, sales and showings that could leave newbies (and even the most seasoned Modernism Week guests) trying to figure out how to see it all. No worries, we’ve got all the must-see events that will satisfy your craving for midcentury madness.

Modernism Week 2018

Live Like a 1950s Housewife—For An Afternoon

Walker Guest House Replica Tour

 

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Have you ever wanted to take a walk through a dream 1950s home? The Palm Springs Modern Committee has reconstructed a full-scale replica of architect Paul Rudolph’s 1952 Walker Guest House. The home, on loan from Sarasota Architectural Foundation, is being shown for the first time on the West Coast, and is a must-see for midcentury fans.

 

Let’s Go, Daddy-O

LOCALE’s Modernism Week Launch Party

You can’t have an amazing event without a one-of-a-kind party! With a night of sips and bites, live music, fun prizes and free tickets to Modernism Week events, this is a party not to be missed. Plus if you’re looking to live the midcentury life, you’ll find furniture vignettes and classic cars around the property to take the perfect ‘50s ‘gram.

 

Dream, Green Time Machine

Modernism Week Featured Home: Green Gables

 

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Completely reimagined by H3K, this three-bedroom, two-bath home sits on the first lot at the Twin Palms development—a midcentury neighborhood. The home was originally designed by Palmer-Krisel and built in 1958, but has been renewed with glass walls, floating ceilings and an interior atrium in an effort to pay tribute to the home’s original glamor.

 

Marvel At This Midcentury Wonderland

Friday Night First Look: The Christopher Kennedy Compound

 

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The Christopher Kennedy Compound is the must-see event of Modernism Week. Even if you do nothing else for the entire week, make sure you attend this showing! This year Kennedy brings together a dozen prominent designers to create this midcentury-modern decorator’s dream. As the most popular showhome at Modernism Week, tickets can sell out quickly, but real mod fans will want to see it before everyone else. Only 75 tickets are being sold to this first look, so snap up yours before they sell out!

 

Pull Up Pew

Sacred Spaces: Architecture BUS Tour of Midcentury Modern Sacred Spaces

For those who count themselves amongst the midcentury connoisseurs, book a spot on the Sacred Spaces tour to see some of the more niche architecture of the area. Highlighting the work of Albert Frey, William Cody, Hal Whittemore, Lawrence Lapham, Michael Black and Laszlo Sandor, the tour shines a spotlight on the architecture of churches in the area where celebrities like Eisenhower, Sinatra and Presley worshiped.

 

Treasure for Your Travels

Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale

 

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Bring Modernism Week home! If you just can’t get enough of that midcentury aesthetic then shop the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale to take a little of that ‘60s magic home with you. Over 85 international and national dealers of fine art and design will be gathered together to offer up the best furniture, art, jewelry, decor and fashion that Modernism Week has to offer.

Knock, Knock, Knocking on Palm Springs’ Door

Palm Springs Door Tour 2019

Even if you don’t know John Lautner from Donald Wexler, everyone can agree there’s nothing like a good Palm Springs door to brighten up your Instagram feed. Explore the popular doors of the Coachella Valley from the famous “Pink Door” to the rainbow brights of The Saguaro. On this self-guided bike tour, a docent awaits at each stop to give you the story behind every door. Don’t forget to get a snap for the ‘gram!

 

Saving the Best For Last

Modernism Week Featured Home: Desert Eichler

 

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Updated for 2019, tour the newly-built iteration of an original Eichler house designed by Anshen + Allen. As the seventh and possibly the last Desert Eichler to be completed in Palm Springs, this home is a must-see, that focuses on fun and colorful outdoor living. Homeowners Brad and Heather Fox, of HGTV’s “Stay or Sell,” invite the public into their midcentury-modern dream home.

 

Midcentury Mickey Mouse

Designing the Disneyland Landscape

 

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Midcentury architecture and design went far beyond the city limits of Palm Springs. In this illustrated lecture presented by landscape architect Kelly Comras, see how the style and spirit of Palm Springs was used throughout SoCal by Walt Disney himself. Hiring landscape architect Ruth Shellhorn in March 1955, the ripples of midcentury design were seen through Disney’s offices, WED Enterprises and even the Happiest Place on Earth—Disneyland.

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This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!

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