modernism week architecture

What’s New at Modernism Week?

A host of new events keep this 17th edition fresh and appealing to a growing audience.

Lydia Kremer Attractions, Modernism

modernism week architecture
Palm Springs Style has curated a fabulous bike tour of colorful and distinctive doors throughout the Indian Canyons neighborhood.
PHOTO BY BETHANY NAUERT FOR PALM SPRINGS STYLE

Modernism Week can never be accused of growing stale. In January, the event website added a slew of new events just six weeks before its 11-day run opens Feb. 16.

“Each year we continue to broaden the programming for Modernism Week based on the feedback of our attendees,” Modernism Week Board Chairman, Chris Mobley explains. “This year, we will continue that trend by offering new events and educational opportunities while still featuring the beloved favorites that our audience requests.”

Visit modernismweek.com for tickets and more information.

Palm Springs Door-to-Door

Palm Springs Style has curated a fabulous bike tour of colorful and distinctive doors throughout the Indian Canyons neighborhood. The self-guided tour, presented by Dunn-Edwards Paints, enables you to go at your own pace. At each stop a knowledgeable docent will share interesting tidbits about the homes’ architecture and history. Ride your own or rent a bike available at Saguaro Palm Springs hotel where you will check-in and the tour begins. Following the tour, head back to the Saguaro for a poolside cocktail and compare stories with other tour attendees.

Palm Springs Door Tour
Feb. 26 (Tour Times: 11a.m., 11:30 a.m., and Noon)
The Saguaro Palm Springs
1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Midcentury Modern Meets
the Wild West

You won’t want to miss this mash-up of midcentury modern and the Wild West.
It’s Mod meets West when Charlie Faye and the Fayettes play their smart, 1960s-inspired soul-pop sounds at the historic Los Compadres Riding Stables Clubhouse in Palm Springs.

Dust off your cowboy boots and your most sassy duds for this rollicking dance party. Enjoy a magical evening under the stars at Los Compadres – a rare opportunity to experience this slice of Old Palm Springs history at this private club that is generally not open to the public.

Charlie Faye and the Fayettes play their smart, 1960s-inspired soul-pop sounds at MODWEST Dance Party.

MODWEST Dance Party
7-10 p.m. Feb. 21
Historic Los Compadres Riding Stables Clubhouse, Palm Springs

Architectural Photography

The Art Room, a new gallery space in Cathedral City, is yet another great addition to Modernism Week’s venues. Photography by Australian modernista, educator, interior designer, and photographer Annalisa Capurro will be showcased at The Art Room located in the Perez Design District, a burgeoning hip outpost for modernist and retro vintage collectors.

An artist’s reception will open the exhibition that will be on display throughout Modernism Week.

Contrast + Repetition Exhibition
Artists Reception: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 19
The Art Room, Cathedral City

View architecturally significant neighborhoods and buildings on the Sunny Cycle Electric Bike Neighborhood Tour.

Fun on Wheels

Hop on one of Modernism Week’s newest ways to enjoy the weather, the scenery, and of course, the town’s stellar midcentury modern architecture. Now you can take several pals along with you on Sunny Cycle, the 15-passenger electric bike outfitted with a flat screen TV, stereo sound system, USB port phone chargers, misters, and a canopy cover for your comfort. There are 10 pedaling seats and 5 non-pedaling seats. The electric motor accommodates all rider capabilities. An on-board docent will share stories about legendary celebrities who have added to the colorful history of Palm Springs.

Sunny Cycle Electric Bike Neighborhood Tour
Multiple tours daily from Feb. 17 – 25
Departs from: CAMP, 350 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Get Your Tiki On

Enjoy a night of Polynesian culture at the historic O’Donnell Golf Club – the first golf course in Palm Springs that dates back to the 1920s. Get a rare glimpse at this prestigious and private club while enjoying Tiki Rum cocktails, Hawaiian hula dancing, and a festive Polynesian-style party under the stars.

As you enter the gates of the O’Donnell Golf Club you will be greeted and presented with a commemorative Tiki mug in which to enjoy the evenings’ complimentary signature Tiki cocktails with tasty island-inspired appetizers. Festive Hawaiian attire is encouraged.

Kai Wai Tiki Rum Party
5-7 p.m. Feb. 24
O’Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs

20th, 21st Century Intersect at West Elm Idea House

Garner some inspiration at the West Elm House on how you can incorporate your penchant for midcentury modern architecture while adapting it for a contemporary lifestyle.
West Elm has created an Idea House to inspire and guide architecture and design enthusiasts when it comes to the art of modernizing a midcentury home for the way we live today. The West Elm Idea House is located in a classic 1950s Alexander Home.

Visit the new West Elm House idea house in a renovated Alexander home in Palm Springs.

Docents of the tour will include members of the West Elm Design Lab who will be on hand to answer questions about the textiles, furniture, and accessories used throughout the home’s stunning interiors.

The West Elm House – Home Tour
Multiple tour times; free but must register
634 S. Bedford Drive, Palm Springs

Rum Tasting 101

Modernism Week’s CAMP headquarters will host this educational and fun rum tasting for inquiring minds and adventuresome palates. Enjoy a welcome cocktail while learning about the process of making rum from a panel of experts. They will take you on a tasty journey to explore a variety of rum production styles in a guided tasting.

History of Rum 101: An Educational and Tasting Experience
Feb. 25, 1-2:30 p.m. or 3-4:30 p.m.
CAMP, 350 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Lydia Kremer is a Palm Springs–based writer, publicist, and the author of 100 Things to Do in Palm Springs Before You Die.