Presented for the first time in 2006, Modernism Week is a celebration of not just mid-century architecture and design, but also art, fashion, and culture. Celebrated each February in the modernism enclave of Palm Springs, Modernism Week offers more than 350 events for its visitors. These include such diverse activities as the Modernism Show & Sale, films and lectures, nightly parties with live music, walking and biking tours and even a vintage travel trailer exhibition. There’s more than enough to keep even the most enthusiastic group busy.
Here is just a small taste of some of the superb events you may choose to enjoy:
Tour some of the most iconic Modernist homes in Palm Springs. Walk through the hallowed walls of such Modernism titans as Green Gables, La Vie en Rose, and the Axiom Desert House. Owners and architects will be on hand to answer questions and share their visions.
For those most intrigued by interior design trends from this period, visits to the Elrod Escape, the Christopher Kennedy compound, and the Sackley Shagedelic will be of keen interest.
For movie lovers, the Modernism Week foundation has partnered with the Architectural Design Art Film Festival (ADAFF) to present over 30 films, documentaries and short films on this architectural genre. And of course, for those who are looking to cut loose a little in the evenings, there are myriad parties to attend throughout the week. Don’t forget to leave room in your schedule for a double-decker bus tour!
To answer the all-important question of where to stay, allow us to present some of our very own modern marvels.
La Vie en Rose is the amazing mid-century recently remodeled by Christopher Kennedy. Outfitted with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and accommodating up to 10 guests, this quintessential Palm Springs home provides a welcoming respite from the outside world. Take in the incredible mountain views from the rear yard, as you savor the lush green grass, desert foliage, and natural rock-wall privacy. A fire pit warms the air on cool desert evenings. During the day, take a dip in the large pool and at night, enjoy the warm bubbles of the hot tub jets. A dramatic open floor plan invites togetherness while allowing for quiet and intimacy.
If you crave quiet and privacy with a stunning mountain view, the Palm Springs Hacienda is the perfect property for you. Set on a large .75 acre lot, you’ll have breathtaking views of the San Jacinto mountains, as well as a generous outdoor living area, in which to enjoy your lounge and al-fresco dining areas. Cool off in the large inground pool or enjoy the starry nights in the hot tub. With over 4200 interior square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, there’s plenty of room for your party of 8 to savor the open spaces with a Spanish flair.
With its iconic mid-century design, Posh Midcentury will fulfill all your modernist dreams. Four bedrooms and 4.5 baths comfortably accommodate your group of up to 8 in a grand style. The outdoor oasis provides a maximum of privacy with high walls and lush tropical foliage. The inground pool provides hours of fun and relaxation, while the built-in hot tub takes the chill off cool desert evenings. The enormous living room, with an ultra-comfortable sectional sofa, large HDTV, linear fireplace and fun pop art, s open to the gourmet kitchen, making for easy conversation.
A stay at the Goldeneye Estate will absolutely make you feel like Hollywood royalty. Its luxurious interior and exterior amenities will make your Palm Springs holiday a stunning success. Outdoors, you’ll find a complete entertainment patio overlooking the twinkling evening lights of the city with an infinity pool and built-in hot tub. A putting green, lounging space and al fresco dining area complete the outdoor space. Indoors, an over-the-top gourmet kitchen will delight the family chef and a theater room complete with a 120” screen will provide the ultimate entertainment. Six bedrooms and baths offer a sumptuous retreat at the end of each magnificent day.
