Explore Iconic Homes, Retro Parties and Must-See Tours at the 20th Anniversary Celebration
Modernism Week is back and bigger than ever for 2025, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a dazzling array of events that capture the essence of Palm Springs’ midcentury modern design and culture. Running from Feb. 13-23, this year’s festival will offer more than 400 events across Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities. From exclusive home tours in Palm Springs and retro parties to insightful panels and bus tours, Modernism Week 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for architecture enthusiasts, design lovers and curious newcomers alike. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new and returning during one of the most anticipated events in Palm Springs!
1 | Featured Homes
One of the most sought-after experiences at Modernism Week Palm Springs is the featured home tours, which offer a rare peek inside architecturally significant residences. This year’s lineup promises not to disappoint, with two standout properties:
The West House (Feb. 14-17, and 21-23, $40)
Take a tour of the former residence of actor Adam West, best known for his role as Batman. Nestled in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, this 1954 gem showcases Albert Frey-inspired elements alongside a playful homage to West’s Hollywood legacy.
Sackley Chase Sensation (Feb. 14-17, and 21-23, $40)
This 1976 masterpiece, designed by Stan Sackley and outfitted by renowned interior designer Steve Chase, is an architectural dream. With its bold Brutalist features, Italian travertine floors, and expansive glass walls, this home offers breathtaking views of the mountains and Indian Canyons golf course.
“For our 20th anniversary we are also reopening some of the most iconic private properties in Palm Springs that have been viewed over the past two decades,” shares Lisa Vossler Smith, the CEO of Modernism Week. “I’m particularly excited to see encore tours of the Kaufmann House Garden, Arthur Elrod’s private escape, the Raymond Loewy residence, the Frank Sinatra estate and more!” New this year will also be the Vibe House—a retro 70’s wall-to-wall throwback time capsule.
Pro Tip: Fan-favorite homes from past Modernism Weeks are also making a comeback, including the Limón Design Project (Feb. 14 and 21), the colorful Sunburst Palms (Feb. 15 and 22), and the whimsical Green Gables (Feb. 16 and 23). Each tour is $40.
2 | Bus Tours
No visit to Modernism Week is complete without an architectural bus tour. The ever-popular Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour Feb. 13-22, $130) offers an open-air, 2.5-hour journey through Palm Springs’ most notable neighborhoods, guided by experts who provide rich context on the city’s design history.
Looking for something quirky? Hop on a bus with Charles Phoenix, the retro pop culture humorist, or join drag ambassador Bella da Ball for a sassy and informative ride. Or, for a magical nighttime experience, don’t miss the Illuminated Twilight Bus Tour, which showcases midcentury modern treasures under the desert stars.
Pro Tip: Dive deeper with the Midcentury Top Ten Tour, where expert guide Trevor O’Donnell takes you on a small, enclosed motor coach tour featuring the most iconic architects who shaped Palm Springs’ modernist landscape.
3 | Special Tours
Get ready to immerse yourself in architectural icons. One standout event in Palm Springs making a return is the Garden Tour of the Kaufmann Residence (Feb. 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22, $75). Designed by Richard Neutra in 1946, this residence is often regarded as one of the most significant homes of the mid-20th century. Though the interior will not be open for public touring, visitors can enjoy rare views of the home’s famous pool, immortalized in Julius Shulman’s photography. Other notable tours include a peek inside the Villa Sierra (The Pink Door House) and a tour of Arthur Elrod’s residence, designed by the acclaimed interior designer.
Pro Tip: For garden enthusiasts, the Modern Garden Tour (Feb. 19, $80) is a must-see, offering a tour of drought-tolerant landscapes integrated into modernist design.
4 | Exciting Talks, Panel Discussions and Films
Beyond tours, Modernism Week brings thought-provoking talks, films and panels that delve into the history and future of design. Highlights include a keynote from Raymond Neutra, son of the famed architect Richard Neutra and a panel on the history of Black Mountain College and its influence on modern art and architecture. There will also be a symposium on the legacy of Desert Modernism and its lasting impact on Palm Springs.
“Preservation of architectural properties is always a major theme of Modernism Week,” says Vossler Smith. “With climate change, housing shortages and sustainability presenting unique and complex design challenges, especially in the desert, we have an additional responsibility to help shed light on these challenges and open new conversations around them.”
For a deep dive into restoration efforts, check out Survival Through Restoration: Neutra’s Legacy in Palm Springs (Feb. 14, $18). Or, enjoy a little fun with Charles Phoenix Presents Googieland! (Feb. 15, $50-$75), a lively celebration of Atomic Age architecture.
Pro Tip: Be sure to attend Stories Untold: Howard Smith—Rediscovering A Lost Black Modernist (Feb. 17, FREE), which explores the fascinating career of Howard Smith, a prominent Black artist in post-war Scandinavian modernism.
5 | Exclusive Parties
What would Modernism Week be without its glamorous parties? This year’s 20th-anniversary celebrations promise unforgettable nights, starting with the Modernism Week 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza (Feb. 13, $350) at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Guests can expect a vintage Vegas-style show with tributes to Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Elvis.
Looking to live it up Rat Pack-style? Don’t miss Saturday Night at the Sinatra Estate (Feb. 16 and Feb. 24, $200) or A Night at Frank’s Place (Feb. 20, $300), both held at Frank Sinatra’s legendary Twin Palms estate.
Pro Tip: For collectors, the Preview Party for the 25th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show (Feb. 14, $125) is the place to be. Shop midcentury furniture and accessories from top dealers before the show opens to the public.
6 | An Inside Look at Amazing Homes
For those who love peeking behind the hedges, Modernism Week 2025 offers 28 home tours across historic neighborhoods in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and beyond. Each tour showcases distinct midcentury architecture, many of which are rarely open to the public. Attendees can explore the former home of Ronald and Nancy Reagan during the Old Las Palmas Home Tour (Feb. 17, $150), or dive into the architecture of Indian Canyons during its 10th-anniversary tour (Feb. 20, $130).
Pro Tip: The Modernism Week Signature Home Tour (Feb. 16 and Feb. 23, $150) offers a curated tour of homes designed by some of Palm Springs’ most iconic architects.
Modernism Week 2025 promises to be bigger, bolder and better than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, this year’s program has something to captivate every modernism enthusiast. Start planning your visit now—this is one event in Palm Springs you won’t want to miss!
Modernism Week 2025
When: February 13-23, 2025
Where: Greater Palm Springs
Tickets on sale now!
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!
