Architecture enthusiasts, design lovers, preservation advocates, and curious visitors will have no shortage of options during Modernism Week 2027, which returns to the Palm Springs area Thursday–Sunday, February 11–21. The annual festival will feature more than 500 events celebrating midcentury modern architecture, design, art, landscape design, and vintage culture through an extensive schedule of tours, talks, exhibitions, parties, and special experiences.
Festival organizers say the 11-day event will once again welcome visitors from around the world while providing rare access to some of the desert’s most significant architectural treasures. Highlights include tours of private homes, neighborhood explorations, educational presentations, vintage attractions, architectural bus tours, and exclusive social events.
According to Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week, the festival continues to offer opportunities for visitors to discover the architecture, design, and culture that have helped make Palm Springs an internationally recognized destination for modernism. Organizers also emphasized the role homeowners play in opening their properties for tours that are unavailable at other times of the year.
New Featured Home Tours
Among the festival’s most anticipated offerings are three Featured Home Tours showcasing distinctive examples of desert modern living:
- The Laswell House by Design Hutch
- Casa Haku in Vista Las Palmas
- Mariposa, one of the final residential designs by acclaimed architect William Krisel
These homes highlight thoughtful restoration, contemporary updates, and the enduring appeal of midcentury modern design.
Exclusive Home Experiences
Several residences that have rarely or never before been available during the February festival will open their doors to guests, including:
- The Burgess House, featuring contributions from architects Hugh Kaptur and Albert Frey
- The Lawrence Welk Residence
- The former Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin residence
- The historic Morse Residence
- Frank Sinatra’s celebrated Twin Palms estate
- The William Holden Estate
- The Raymond Loewy House by Albert Frey
- Donald Wexler’s personal residence
One of the festival’s signature offerings also returns with guided garden tours of the iconic Kaufmann Residence, designed by renowned architect Richard Neutra.
Neighborhood Tours Expand for 2027
This year’s schedule includes 25 neighborhood tours across Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells. Six new tours have been added for 2027, including:
- Andreas Hills Condominiums Phase V
- Backyard Bliss: Outdoor Spaces Tour
- Blue Skies Village
- Canyon South II
- Villa Riviera
- Special explorations of William F. Cody-designed communities
Longtime favorites such as Seven Lakes, Indian Canyons, Little Beverly Hills, Old Las Palmas, Twin Palms, Sagewood, and Tamarisk West also return to the schedule.
Architectural Bus Tours Return
The festival’s famous open-air bus tours remain one of the most popular ways to experience Palm Springs architecture.
Featured excursions include:
- Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour
- Bella’s Palm Springs: Modernism, Movie Stars & Mischief
- Charles Phoenix Marvelous Morning Double Decker Bus Tour
- Illuminated Twilight Bus Tour
- Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts
- The Homes That Define Palm Springs
These tours provide expert commentary while showcasing iconic residential, civic, and commercial architecture throughout the region.
Parties, Fashion and Special Events
Modernism Week’s social calendar is equally robust, with numerous gatherings taking place in distinctive private homes and unique venues.
Notable events include:
- Opening Night Party: Beehives & Butterflies
- Preview Party for the Palm Springs Modernism Show
- Modernism by Moonlight at Casa Haku
- Saturday and Sunday evening events at Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate
- The Caftan Drag Brunch
- Marilyn at Sand Acre: A Night of Hollywood Glamour
- Vintage Spirit, Modern Muse: The Caftan Soirée at The Shag House
- The Sunset Issue: Golden Hour at The Shag House
- Trini Lopez Museum Cocktail Party
- Modernism Week Kick-Off Celebration with Trina Turk
Educational Programs and Keynote Speaker
Education remains a cornerstone of the festival, with more than 80 talks, panel discussions, and film presentations scheduled.
The 2027 keynote presentation, Leadership at a Consequential Moment, will be delivered by Brent Leggs of the National Trust, who will discuss historic preservation and the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
Additional talks will explore the work and influence of:
- Paul R. Williams
- Charles and Ray Eames
- William F. Cody
- Arthur Elrod
- Marion Mahony Griffin
- Other influential figures in architecture and design
Vintage Trailers, Classic Cars and Live Entertainment
Special attractions throughout the festival include:
- Vintage Trailer Show
- Driven by Design: A Celebration of Classic Cars
- Trina Turk Spring 2027 Luncheon and Fashion Show
Meanwhile, PS Underground will once again present immersive dining and entertainment experiences, including:
- Overture
- Sitcom
- The Look of Love
- Forever Elvis
Returning favorites also include the Palm Springs Modernism Show, tours of Sunnylands and Frey House II, and walking tours presented by the Palm Springs Historical Society.
For complete event details and ticket information, visit https://modernismweek.com.
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