It seems there isn’t a second that passes in the Coachella Valley when Mid-Century designs aren’t celebrated in some way. Yet, Palm Springs still devotes a “week” to Mid-Century Modern styles. That “week” lasts 10 days this year, but it still doesn’t seem like enough time to pack in every event, tour, lecture, and party. It’s Modernism Week. And this year’s Modernism Week Palm Springs event celebrates 20 years of the extravaganza that spotlights art, culture, and, of course, architecture in the beloved Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. So what are we most looking forward to? Where do we begin?
What Can You Expect from This Year’s Modernism Week Palm Springs?
With over two decades of memories to honor, this year’s annual Modernism Week Palm Springs needed to be big. And with over 350 options to engage with Modernism Week, we’d say there’s no danger of false advertising. You can expect some of the old popular mainstays like the Annenberg Estate tour. And opportunities to see iconic properties across the Greater Palm Springs area. We’re talking about some truly legendary structures like the Sinatra Estate, the former home of Steve McQueen, the Arthur Elrod “Escape House”, the private abodes of William F. Cody and Donald Wexler, and the Raymond Loewy home. And that’s just for starters!
Don’t forget the bus tours and neighborhood tours; the parties and lectures. Tickets are carte blanche so while there’s no shortage of options, there may be a shortage of time (not to mention your own personal budgetary constraints). But by the time you’re reading this, a lot of these events have already sold out. You have to get the jump on Modernism Week Palm Springs and tickets typically hit the market in early November.
Modernism Week Palm Springs 2025 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Raymond Neutra (NISD)
The Keynote Speaker for 2025’s Modernism Week is none other than Dr. Raymond Neutra, the youngest son of legendary architect Richard Neutra and also the head of the organization that continues his father’s work, the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design (NISD). Chief among his topics of discussion will be new pioneering techniques championed by NISD. However, guests can expect intimate anecdotes from his time growing up in the company of his father at the historic Neutra VDL Studio.
Home(s) Tour: Griffing and Goldberg Residences (New!)
In this brand new PS ModCom Iconic Home Tour, guests will get an inside look at not one but two outstanding homes in the Southridge area. The Griffing Residence, named for the original owner Thomas Griffing, was constructed by Patten & Wild in the 1960s. Over the years, the home underwent numerous changes. However, after a 2014 acquisition by notable architect Susan Secoy-Jenson, AIA, the home was returned to a vision closer to its original intention.
The Griffing Home pairs nicely with 1962’s Goldberg Residence. It got its start humbly enough as a spec house. However, after the purchase from Chicago entrepreneur Stanley Goldberg (from which the home gets its name), original architect William F. Cody was re-enlisted to collaborate with Arthur Elrod on an expansion, adding lavish nuances that have stood the test of time. In 2016, designer Michael Johnston and Broadway lyricist David Zippel acquired the property, returning it even closer to its original vision.
Garden Tour: The Kaufmann Desert House
The fan-favorite returns to Modernism Week Palm Springs! While the Garden Tour of The Kaufmann Desert House won’t actually enter the Richard Neutra-designed world-famous residence, it will give guests a rare chance to explore its immaculate gardens. And, yes, you’ll be able to get a gander of the interior through the sliding glass doors. Biophilic designs are all the rage right now, and the Kaufmann House gardens are sure to inspire! And if the Kaufmann Desert House looks familiar but you’re not an architecture buff, you may remember it featured prominently in the 2022 film Don’t Worry Darling.
King Gillette Estate Tour (New!)
Spanish Revival architecture is a rarity at Modernism Week Palm Springs, but that doesn’t make the King Gillette Estate Tour any less welcome. Take a break from the wall-to-wall Mid-Century designs with this exploration of the 1923 King Gillette Estate, a sprawling 4,300-square-foot property in the Mesa neighborhood that recalls the exotic romance of the desert frontier. This brand-new tour highlights recent renovations by renowned interior designer Bill Stewart who complements the structure with his masterful choices.
Featured Home Tour: The West House
(February 14 – 17; 21 – 23)
Included among the Featured Home Tours for Modernism Week Palm Springs 2025 is The West House, so named because it was once the residence of Adam West. Yes, the original television Batman. West was a character in his own right, but the tour of this 1954 property will primarily focus on Albert Frey’s original design and Michelle Boudreau Design’s recent renovations. But if you’re a Batman fan, you won’t be disappointed.
Mid-Century Top Ten Tour
Palm Springs’ wealth of Mid-Century Modernism architecture is so astounding that narrowing down 10 favorites feels impossible. Fortunately, Modernism Week Palm Springs is doing the hard work for you this year with their Mid-Century Top Ten Tour. With expert tour guide Trevor O’Donnell at the helm, guests will see legendary works from the comforts of a 22-seat motor coach, including structures designed by architectural luminaries including:
- Robson Chambers
- John Porter Clark
- William F. Cody
- Albert Frey
- Richard Harrison
- Hugh Kaptur
- William Krisel
- Donald Wexler
- Walter S. White
- E. Stewart Williams
Featured Home Tour: The Sackley Chase Experience
(February 14 – 17; 21 – 23)
The Sackley Chase Experience makes up the second major Featured Home Tour of the week. It spotlights a delightful 1976 home that served as the combined canvas for two legends: architect Stan Stackley and interior designer Steve Chase. Name a more iconic duo! We’ll wait. Recently updated by Grace Home Furnishings, their efforts accent the striking juxtaposition of Brutalism and Mid-Century Modernism contrasting the natural beauty of the panoramic views of the mountains and golf course.
The Arthur Elrod “Escape House” Tour
While not a new tour, it’s not every year that Modernism Week gives guests the opportunity to tour the 1962 former residence of architectural master Arthur Elrod. In fact, the last time Modernism Week attendees got a chance was in 2019. This time capsule will open its doors to the public once again with a special tour guided by one of Elrod’s longtime friends and former clients, local Palm Springs celebrity Nelda Linsk. You’ve seen Elrod’s work. Now see how he lived!
Home Tour/Book Signing: Canyon Country Club: History and Design of Palm Springs’ Garden of Eden
To celebrate the release of his new book, Canyon Country Club: History and Design of Palm Springs’ Garden of Eden, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board member Steve Treinen will be signing copies and hosting this fan-favorite tour. And what makes it even better? The book is included with your ticket! Get a closer look at the William Krisel-designed 1969 Dr. Maurice Rice Residence in what is now called Indian Canyons but was once known as Canyon Country Club. From its 75-foot-long pentagonal pool to its breathtaking views of the area’s renowned lakes and fountains, it’s not to be missed.
Self-Driving Tour: Celebrating a Decade of Palm Springs Modern Living by James Schnepf
Has it really been a decade since the publication of James Schnepf’s Palm Springs Modern Living? There’s no more fitting venue than Modernism Week Palm Springs to pay tribute to this insightful tome. Guests will indulge in a self-driving tour of seven of the most iconic properties featured in the book including designs by:
- Herbert Burns
- William Cody
- Charles DuBois
- William Krisel
- Richard Neutra
- Donald Wexler
- Shuler & Lapham
- E. Stewart Williams
Planning Your Modernism Week Palm Springs Experience
We haven’t even really touched on the bus tours, neighborhood tours, parties, and lectures, but with over 350 events comprising 2025’s Modernism Week Palm Springs, covering it all is a Herculean task. All activities are open to the public but tickets are required to most, including the free entry events. And since they’ve been available since early November, several events have sold out. We recommend visiting the non-profit organization’s site and making your choices ASAP. But even if you don’t get into your top choices, rest assured that Modernism Week is a spectacle unto itself. And even without tickets, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this Mid-Century mecca.
