Modernism Week Offers Free and Low-cost Events for Films, Talks and Presentations, Live Music and More

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, has officially opened for its 15th year. More than 350 events are being offered during the 11-days of the festival. While some events are sold out, many events still have availability including many free and low-cost events. Tickets are now on sale at modernismweek.com. Modernism Week is taking place now through February 23, 2020. 

Modernism Week’s CAMP (“Community And Meeting Place”) is a central hub for Modernism Week, located at 575 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs (just north of the Corridor shops/KOFFI). CAMP will include an information desk, a box office, a café and bar by Cheeky’s, a shop by Modernism Week’s merchandise and branding partner Destination PSP, a theater with many low-cost talks and presentations, and many interactive sponsor booths, including a demonstration kitchen in the Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery booth. Entrance into CAMP is free and open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, many low-cost talks and presentations are scheduled in the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Please see website for details.

Here are a few highlights of events that are free or low-cost: 

Film Screenings 

A robust series of films relating to architecture and design is being presented. In addition to six films (including a World Premiere), Modernism Week has again partnered with the American Documentary Film Festival (AmDocs) to offer an Architecture, Design, and Art Film Series. This series will feature 26 films organized into eleven programs. See modernismweek.com for details.

Happy Hour with the Dreamboats: CAMP will host a special happy hour with performances by The Dreamboats, presented by Corian Design. Groove to the greatest hits of the midcentury. Sit, sip and take in the scene as the sun sets. What could be a better way to wind down at the end of a modernism-filled day?

Feb. 15,16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 4:15-5:30 PM, CAMP, 575 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

2020 Modernism Week Vintage Trailer Show

Celebrating the vintage trailer lifestyle while inspiring those who dream of channeling their inner Wanderlust spirit. February 22 and 23, $25 (ages 12 and under are free)

Modernism Week Vintage Car Show: View more than 50 vintage automobiles from the 1930s through 1980s at this free event.  February 17, 12-3 PM, in front of Palm Springs Convention Center

Modernism Yard Sale: Brought to you by Modern Bear and hosted by H3K Home, this annual vintage flea market sale has become one of Modernism Week’s most popular free events! February 23, 8 AM – 12 PM, H3K Home parking lot, 501 S. Palm Canyon Drive

The Palm Springs School of Architecture – A Collaboration between Cal Poly Pomona and College of the Desert: Architecturally Speaking: Learn all about the new world-class and innovative College of the Desert campus in Palm Springs. February 21, 9:30 AM, Annenberg Theater, PS Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs

SHAG’s Modernism Week Tiki & Architectural Prints Party: Meet the artist and enjoy complimentary cocktails, live music by the Martini Kings and other surprises at SHAG the store’s tiki & architectural print party in the Uptown Design District. This is free and no ticket is required. Feb. 22, 7-10 PM, Shag the store, 745 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

“Artist Series” Happy Hour Preview Party at the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar Artist Series Happy Hour preview party – shop our exclusive Artist Series collection of limited-edition camp shirts while enjoying drinks and snacks from the Marlin Bar. Feb. 22, 3 PM, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, 111 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Low-cost Neighborhood Tours

Sunmor Neighborhood Home Tour:  Sunmor Estates homes are smart, stylish vacation homes designed by legendary architects like William Krisel, Donald Wexler and Jack Meiselman. Most homes have been restored to the original designers’ intent with open floor plans, pitched ceilings and cinder block fireplaces. It is a small, quiet, walkable neighborhood with a strong midcentury aesthetic. (February 17, $65)

Tamarisk Garden Bungalows Home Tour with Chocolate Martinis Poolside: This brilliant luxury bungalow community designed by Los Angeles architects McCarthy, Zemke & Hartfelder feature luxurious midcentury homes with double-sided floating fireplaces, built-in wet bars and formal dining rooms. The six bungalows on tour include the home of “Shahs of Sunset” star Reza Farahan and the homes of ice cream moguls Burt and Shirley Baskin and Irv Robbins. (February 17, $65)

Park Imperial North designed by Barry Berkus in 1961, Modernism at its Best: These stunning post-war multi-family residences capture the sunny aesthetic of midcentury Palm Springs. This is the first time this private gated neighborhood is open to the public. All units on tour feature walls of glass, clerestory windows and private patios that create indoor-outdoor living spaces to take advantage of the desert climate and mountain views. One home on the tour has been completely restored to its original 1961 condition and features vintage kitchen and bathrooms. The post and beam construction that creates light-filled spaces throughout the complex is a fantastic example of designs by architect Barry Berkus.  (February 17, $55)

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