Modernism Week, the annual festival that highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California, will run February 16-26. More than 350 events are being offered during the 11-days of the festival, including many free and low-cost programs. While some events are sold out, many events still have availability. Tickets are now on sale at modernismweek.com.
Highlighted Low-cost Events Include:
Palm Springs Modernism Show (2/17 – 20, $30)
The 23rd annual Palm Springs Modernism Show will once again be a featured event during Modernism Week in February. The show, which will feature 120 dealers presenting the best of vintage 20th century and compelling 21st century designs, returns all under one roof during Modernism Week. The show will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center and weekend admission is $30 online or at the door. Admission includes return entry all weekend and a show catalog. Show hours are Saturday 10 am–6 pm, Sunday 10 am–5 pm, and Monday 10 am–4 pm. An exciting early buying preview benefiting Modernism Week will take place on Friday evening, February 17 from 6 – 9 pm.
2023 Modernism Week Vintage Trailer Show (2/25 – 26, $25)
This is one of the most celebrated and exciting events of Modernism Week’s second weekend and this year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever. This thoughtfully curated collection of vintage trailers, campers, buses and motor homes is arguably one of the largest and most attended vintage trailer shows in the United States.
Charles Phoenix Supermarket Superstars (2/18, $45, $60). A BIG RETRO slide show extravaganza roasting and toasting iconic brand name products that put KITSCH in your cabinet…FUN for your fridge…POP in your pantry…and SUPER in your supermarket!
Stories Untold — Asian American Architects and Midcentury Modernism: Influential Design and Social Exclusion (2/20, $18) Modernism is deeply influenced by Japanese design and architecture. Architects of Asian descent helped shape midcentury Southern California, despite deep-rooted discrimination. Stories Untold shines a light on Asian architects rarely given the attention deserved. This presentation is underwritten by Room & Board.
The Architecture of Suspense: The Built World in the Films of Alfred Hitchcock (2/20, $15). Christine Madrid French’s cross-over exploration of film and architecture is the first to look at buildings as a character in Hitchcock’s most popular movies and the director as an architect himself.
Nancy Sinatra – Sound & Vision (2/23, $35, $135). A special presentation not to miss featuring Nancy Sinatra’s music, videos, and photos from her personal archives, followed by a discussion of her impact as a trailblazer in music and fashion.
Frank Lloyd Wright and the Emergence of Global Modernism (2/23, $15) Stuart Graff and Dr. Jennifer Gray of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation examine FLW’s pivotal role in the development of modern architectural design in the 20th century and its relevance today.
“Don’t Worry Darling” – Palm Springs Retro Style (2/25, $20, $125). Palm Springs sets the stylish scene of the Warner Brothers psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling. The film’s Oscar and Emmy nominated designers offer an up-close look at costume and set design.
Highlighted Free Events include:
Modernism Week’s CAMP (“Community And Meeting Place”) will provide a central hub for Modernism Week from February 16 – 26, 2023. CAMP will be inside the dramatic and beautifully designed Hyatt Palm Springs, conveniently located at 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive with free underground parking. Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, CAMP will include daily live and DJ entertainment, talks and films, an information desk, the Modernism Week store by Destination PSP, morning Koffi beverages, all day food, drinks, and specialty cocktails by Cheeky’s, book signings, and Professional Color Consultations by Dunn-Edwards. There will be fun photography settings and special guest appearances throughout the week. In addition, there will be many interactive sponsor displays including Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Brizo, JennAir, Dunn-Edwards, Toyota, FLOR, Minka, and Tommy Bahama. Entrance into CAMP is free and open to the public every day during Modernism Week starting February 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CAMP is also the ‘terminal’ for departures and returns for Modernism Week’s Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours.
CAMP Opening Day Ribbon Cutting and Celebration (2/17, 10 AM)
Join us at the FREE Grand Opening Celebration at CAMP in the Hyatt Hotel, Palm Springs. Official ribbon cutting, entertainment curated by Jazzville and giveaways will be featured throughout the day.
Festive Celebration of Permanent Nighttime Lighting of Palm Springs Visitor Center (2/16, 4:30 PM) Join PS ModCom, Mayor Garner and Modernism Week to celebrate the new permanent nighttime lighting of Albert Frey’s modern sculptural masterpiece.
Modernism Week Vintage Car Show (2/20, 12 – 3 PM)
More than 50 vintage cars from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s will be on display at this free event which will take place outside the main entrance of the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Modernism Yard Sale (2/26, 8 AM – 12 PM)
Hosted by H3K Home+Design, located at 501 S. Palm Canyon, this annual vintage sale has become one of Modernism Week’s most popular free events.
Walk of Stars Dedication for William Charles Tanner (2/24. 1 PM)
This special dedication on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars is dedicated to artist and architect William Charles Tanner, with notable presenters and surprise guests. It will
Boots on Arenas — The Ultimate Street Party Celebration honoring Nancy Sinatra (2/25, 4:30 PM) Dance in the street to These Boots Were Made For Walkin’ honoring Nancy Sinatra. Meet at Arenas Road west of South Calle Encilia.
Tom O’Donnell: Generous Spirit of Palm Springs (2/21, 3 PM)
Local authors Steve Vaught, Steven Keylon, and Tracy Conrad join forces to introduce Tom O’Donnell, one of the most extraordinary and transformative figures in Palm Springs history.
Revealed, Reviled & Reborn: 100 years of California’s Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival (2/23, 9 AM) The historic 1936 Plaza Theatre hosts a talk by noted architect Michael Burch on the history of the Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival style in California, including examples of his own work.
Home Movie Day, Palm Springs (2/25, from 1 – 3 PM)
Bring your home movies (8mm, Super 8, 16mm) and experts will inspect, repair, and screen them in a fun, participatory setting. Fun for the entire family and you don’t need to bring films to enjoy.
Modernism Week top sponsors include Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, JennAir, Toyota, Azure Sky, Flor, Soho House, and Willis. The City of Palm Springs is the Civic Presenting Sponsor.
World-famous service, quality hospitality, and a prime location in downtown Palm Springs, The Hyatt is the only all-suite hotel in Palm Springs. Separate living spaces and balconies make these accommodations extra comfy if you’re traveling with a crew or if you simply need a second room. Use group code MOD23 for a discount off the best available rate.
To receive Modernism Week updates, visit modernismweek.com where you may also sign up for M, an online magazine that offers original coverage of modern architecture, design, and experiences. Follow Modernism Week on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.