For the first time, Modernism Week will offer its signature Premier Double Decker architectural bus tours during Greater Palm Springs Pride on October 31, and November 1 -2. These tours are one of the most popular events during Modernism Week but have never before been offered as an Official Pride Event, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Pride.
The tours enable attendees to participate in a 2.5-hour overview of significant civic and commercial buildings, as well as residential properties located within notable Palm Springs neighborhoods. Additionally, the tour bus will be in the Pride parade and Modernism Week board members, staff, and volunteers will ride the bus during the parade.
“Modernism Week is thrilled to officially participate in Greater Palm Springs Pride for the first time,” said Chris Mobley, CEO of Modernism Week. “Our organization is dedicated to giving back to the community in many ways, and we are delighted that we can provide our bus tours and participate in the Pride parade during this exciting time in the city."
Led by knowledgeable guides, this open-air experience offers unique, exterior perspectives of desert Spanish and midcentury modern architecture, two predominant styles found in Palm Springs. From the oldest existing structure in Palm Springs, the McCallum Adobe, and the expansive grounds of the exclusive Villa Paradiso Estate, to Albert Frey’s 800 square foot “Frey House II” perched on the mountainside, passengers will gain a better understanding of the historical richness and architectural diversity found in Palm Springs.
Tour highlights include exterior views of William Krisel’s House of Tomorrow, Richard Neutra’s architectural masterpiece, the Kaufmann Desert House, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison’s Steel Development Houses, and E. Stewart Williams’ legendary “Twin Palms” estate, the former residence of Frank Sinatra. Other architecturally significant buildings on the tour will include Palm Springs City Hall, St. Theresa Parish, and the iconic Tramway Gas Station, now the Palm Springs Visitors Center.
To book a ride, visit modernismweek.com. The cost is $95 per person.