Architecture and Design Center Will Attract Wave of Newcomers from Modernism Week

Full schedule of public events are planned

Lydia Kremer Attractions

The interior of Frey House II overlooking Palm Springs. The only tours given are during Modernism Week.
Photo by David Glomb

 

Although opening in late 2014, the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion is poised for a second grand opening during Modernism Week, which opens tonight (Feb. 12) and runs through Feb. 22.

“With more than 45,000 people participating in Modernism Week from near and far, we are excited to provide them the opportunity to see our dazzling facility for the first time,” says Sidney Williams, curator of architecture and design.

For the A+D Center’s Modernism Week debut, a full schedule of events have been planned in conjunction with the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council (ADC). The events include a groundbreaking exhibition, a symposium, tours, lectures, a glamorous party, and numerous book signings throughout Modernism Week.

In addition, the A+D Center will have extended hours, daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Exhibition

photo by jim powers

An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect, the retrospective exhibition of Williams’ career remains open until Feb. 22.

 

Feb. 12-22: The extended hours will enable Modernism Week attendees and the general public to catch An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect, the retrospective exhibition of Williams’ stellar career before it closes Feb. 22. The catalog from this exhibition was named by Architectural Record among the best architecture books of 2014.
Insiders tip: Williams was the architect of the former Santa Fe Bank Building that now houses the Architecture and Design Center.

 

Tours

Feb. 16-20: Tickets are sold out for this rare opportunity to tour Frey ll, the private hillside residence of the late modernist architect Albert Frey, who bequeathed it to the Palm Springs Art Museum. If you missed it this time, put it down to order tickets early for future Modernism events.

 

ADC Lectures

Feb. 17, 2-3 p.m.  Albert Frey: Zurich to New York City – Theme and Variations – Lecturer: Bill Butler

Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m. Mon Petit Americain: Albert Frey and Paris, 1928 – Lecturer: Bill Butler

 

Symposium

Charles Montgomery, author of Happy City: Transforming Our Lives through Urban Design, will speak at the ADC Symposium.

 

Feb. 21: The Urban Visions and Public Space symposium will be presented from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. by ADC at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. Keynote speakers Charles Montgomery and Mary Margaret Jones will focus on defining how an aesthetic and vibrant environment provides economic benefit to cities, and how development and open space can be balanced. Lunch and a reception at O’Donnell Golf Club will conclude the symposium.

 

Fundraising Party

Feb. 21: 8-11 p.m. Party Like it’s 1961! ADC has a reputation for hosting some of the most creative and fun events for its annual fundraiser during Modernism Week – can they top their Mad Men theme soiree from last year? The swinging 60s theme this year just might rival that with a special guest appearance by Trini Lopez. Plus the evening will feature a retro fashion show by Bill Miller’s Déjà Vu and Matt Burkholtz’s Route 66 West; a 1961-themed menu catered by Lulu, and a rousing live performance by the Gand Band for dancing.

 

Book Signings

The Architecture and Design Center will also present a full schedule of booksignings. Visit www.psmuseum.org for more information.

Modernism Week, Feb. 12-22, www.modernismweek.com

 

Lydia Kremer has worked in the architecture and design communities of Palm Springs for more than 10 years. As a publicist, she promoted Palm Springs Modernism Week for seven years since its inception, she served on the Architectural Design Council board for five years, and was a board trustee for the California Preservation Foundation for five years.

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