Curated tours of homes in historic neighborhoods will return during Modernism Week’s signature February festival, taking place February 13 – 23, 2025. These thought-provoking tours allow participants with the rare opportunity to view the interiors of stunning examples of midcentury modern architecture in various locations through the Coachella Valley. This year, Modernism Week will feature 28 tours in iconic neighborhoods, including Indian Canyons, Old Las Palmas, Sandpiper, Canyon View Estates, and many more. New Modernism Week tours this year include Canyon Springs, Coco Cabana, and Canyon Colony West and Vista Canyon.
While many tours are in Palm Springs, there are several tours that take place in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and a tour that takes place in nearby Joshua Tree. Tickets for these tours and all other Modernism Week events are on sale now at modernismweek.com. More information may be found here.
“Neighborhood tours remain one of the most sought-after events during Modernism Week. The tours allow participating partner organizations with an opportunity to showcase the most compelling homes in their neighborhoods and raise funds to use for community improvements or to donate to local charities. These tours provide a special opportunity for our guests to experience the unique character of these different neighborhoods throughout the Palm Springs area. We are honored to work with our partners and grateful that they share their neighborhoods and homes.”
Evelyn Yardley, Neighborhood Tours Coordinator
New Modernism Week neighborhood tours this year include:
- Canyon Springs Neighborhood Home Tour (2/21, $65) Architect Laszlo E. Sandor’s Canyon Springs community debuts on Modernism Week’s 20th Anniversary, showcasing six homes of sleek desert modernist design, harmonious amenities, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The community exhibits a unique blend of influences, culminating in the distinctive design of these homes.
- CoCo Cabana: Designed for Gracious Living (2/17, $65) Hidden in plain sight for decades, CoCo Cabana’s pedigree has only recently been rediscovered. Built in 1955 as a garden apartment hotel, CoCo Cabana is situated on five manicured acres and located in the majestic Araby Cove neighborhood. Designed with gracious living in mind by Coachella Valley architect Charles W. Doty, the CoCo is celebrating its 70thAnniversary this year with its inaugural Modernism Week home tour of eight former 1, 2, and 3-bedroom hotel apartments and ‘tennis units’ added in 1972. Most homes have been upgraded to reflect the individual owner’s interpretation of the desert leisure lifestyle. Funds raised by the tour will be used towards phasing in drought tolerant landscaping and maintaining the architectural integrity of the property.
- The Canyon Colony West Inaugural Home Tour: Exploring Timeless Modernism (2/15, $70) Canyon Colony West, a hidden gem in South Palm Springs that exemplifies low-density living, will offer tours of this small, exclusive enclave for the first time. Six exceptional units featuring two distinct floor plans will be on the tour. Spanning over two and a half acres, the colony represents a departure from traditional housing concepts, with its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and integration of indoor-outdoor living spaces, reflecting the ethos of modernism prevalent during its construction. One of the units on the tour has been owned by the original family that purchased it in 1972 and retains many original features.
- Vista Canyon Estates: What Happens in Vista, Stays in Vista (2/14, $80) Discover the glamor of the late 70s at Vista Canyon Estates, where Desert Brutalism meets luxury. Vista Canyon’s homes showcase the design diversity of the period, with each home on the tour boasting an interior that is as distinctive as its current owner. This tour celebrates non-conformity, with interiors reflecting an array of midcentury and organic-Modern styles, offering a refreshing perspective on design.
A new muti-neighborhood tour offered this year is Celebrating a Decade of Palm Springs Modern Living by James Schnepf: A Special Home Tour (2/18, $160), an extraordinary self-driving tour of six homes in five neighborhoods offers a rare opportunity to explore properties designed by legendary midcentury architects as captured in James Schnepf’s acclaimed book Palm Springs Modern Living. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Schnepf’s iconic work, this exclusive tour offers a rare opportunity to explore properties designed by legendary midcentury architects including William Krisel, E. Stewart Williams, Charles DuBois, Howard Lapham and Lance O’Donnell.
Several tours showcase neighborhoods in locations outside of Palm Springs, including:
- Cody Court “Historic Cody Homes” Rancho Mirage (2/15, $95) This architectural gem nestled within the serene landscape of Tamarisk Country Club, was designed by visionary Modernist architect William F. Cody in 1969-1970. It offers a captivating blend of minimalist Modernism and Spanish-style adobe charm where simplicity of form meets abundant natural light, creating a harmonious fusion between indoor and outdoor living spaces. From the sleek lines and transparency that epitomize Cody’s aesthetic to the subtle incorporation of Spanish adobe elements such as recessed windows and slump stone block wall, every residence offers a unique interpretation of Modern living.
- Da Vaal Estates Home Tour: Midcentury Modern Marvel (2/16, $65) Designed by Val Powelson in 1960, these unique midcentury modern star-shaped condos offer stunning architecture and rich history. The open-plan living area spans a spacious 32 feet from point to point, featuring an open bar kitchen, a fireplace, and walls of glass offering stunning views of the private yard and community grounds. A steep, beamed tongue-and-groove ceiling rising to 14 feet adds dramatic flair to the interior.
- Joshua Tree Retreat Center: Historic Lloyd Wright Site Presentation and Self-Guided Walking Tour (2/16 and 2/17, $70). Explore historic Joshua Tree Retreat Center, featuring Lloyd Wright’s largest collection of works. The event includes a 1-hour presentation by architectural experts, a self-guided walking tour, and lunch.
Highlighted neighborhood tours available during Modernism Week 2025 include:
- Calypso Palms: Where the Rat Pack Stayed and Played (2/22, $65) This tour will showcase eight unique units of the former executive suites for Hotel Trinidad, an iconic location that hosted A-list entertainers including Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack friends. Calypso Palms consists of twelve midcentury condominiums surrounding a recently renovated community pool, offering spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The one-and two-bedroom units, most with private patios, feature architecturally significant design elements such as decorative shadow block walls, clerestory windows, and angled rooflines.
- Canyon View Estates: The Finale! (2/15, $75) Back by popular demand, Canyon View Estates–The Finale is located in an enclosed enclave of just 14 homes. Each residence is oversized and boasts the largest floor plans in Canyon View Estates at just under 2000 square feet. The six homes on tour offer unique and separate patio views to the east and south. Highlights include the iconic double-gabled roofline with clerestory windows, three bedrooms, two baths, extended eat-in kitchens with west-facing views, interior laundry, two-car garages, lush landscaping, and a secluded resort-style pool and spa.
- Canyon View Estates Magnificent Modernism (2/16, $95) Tour seven homes and exclusive outdoor spaces at Canyon View Estates, an iconic William Krisel-designed midcentury community. With architectural details such as double-gable roofs, clerestory windows, shadow block, open carports, cul-de-sacs, and spectacular wire-free panoramic views of the mountains, this community is the epitome of the Palm Springs School of Architecture. It has been featured in numerous films, photo shoots, books, and design publications worldwide.
- El Rancho Vista Estates Modernism Home Tour (2/25, $85) Explore the midcentury modern charm of El Rancho Vista Estates, featuring six Wexler/Harrison-designed homes with original floor plans, stylish upgrades, and mountain views. Architects Donald Wexler and Richard A. Harrison designed three unique floorplans to fully utilize the distinct lot shapes, with some homes oriented “sideways” for a bold touch. The tour will also include a unique home designed by Wexler in 1959 for the Mattel family, honoring their iconic Barbie doll and adding a special midcentury modern flair.
- Indian Canyons Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Neighborhood Home Tours (2/22, $130) Indian Canyons offers an unparalleled experience with its rich history and stunning examples of midcentury modern architecture. Visitors may explore seven architecturally significant homes, showcasing why Indian Canyons is a premier neighborhood in Palm Springs. Each home offers unobstructed views of the mountains.
- From Forgotten to Fabulous: The Rejuvenation of Little Beverly Hills (2/15, $90) Tour six creatively re-envisioned, meticulously maintained homes in this intimate enclave, including The Shag House, designed by iconic midcentury architect William Krisel and built by Alexander Construction (1957-1958).
- Midcentury Marvels: A Journey Through Little Tuscany (2/15, $150) The timeless elegance of Palm Springs’ Little Tuscany neighborhood will be revealed in this tour that leads through the boulder-strewn streets, and showcases the clean lines, expansive glass walls, and quintessential desert landscaping that defines this architectural gem. Little Tuscany remains a living homage to the glamorous past of Palm Springs, where the spirit of Midcentury Modernism continues to captivate and inspire.
- Merito Manor by Barry Berkus, 1961 (2/16, $70) Designed by modernist architect Barry Berkus and built in 1961, Merito Manor is a 10-unit single-story condominium complex tucked away on a secluded one-acre lot in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Folded plate roofs and arched clerestory windows above decorative rock walls make a remarkable and rewarding example of midcentury modern architecture. Guests will tour seven thoughtfully restored and individually styled units, many with original features, all showcasing Berkus’s attention to detail.
- Old Las Palmas Home Tour – A Peek Behind the Hedges lll: Celebrating Our First 100 Years (2/17, $150) Explore six homes in Old Las Palmas, ranging from the late 1920s and 1930s to modern renovations, including the former residence of Ronald and Nancy Reagan during their transition to the presidency.
- Sandpiper Circle 3 – A Midcentury Oasis Neighborhood Home Tour (2/14, $90) Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a tour of Sandpiper. Explore William Krisel’s midcentury masterpiece, enjoy six beautifully preserved homes, and take in stunning views at this iconic desert community. This tour offers an optional Valentine’s Day Tribute to William Krisel Home Tour and Cocktail Party where guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and groove to DJ Modgirl’s retro beats at this unforgettable desert celebration.
- Beyond the Gates of Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club Home & Walking Tour (2/17, $95) Explore the midcentury marvels of Seven Lakes Golf and Country Club, called “The Gem of the Desert.” This tour features six distinctive homes, an iconic clubhouse, an 18-hole executive golf course, lush grounds, and stunning views.
- Sunrise Lanai: A Miracle in the Desert (2/15, $70) Discover the modernist oasis of Sunrise Lanai and tour seven thoughtfully preserved and restored condos designed by Charles E. DuBois, A.I.A. and built by the Alexander Construction Company between 1960 and 1961. This tour offers an optional Cocktail Party and Twilight Architectural Tour, featuring the artist Shag and themed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a local DJ, and tours of the Sunrise Lanai grounds and seven condos.
- Tahquitz River Estates: Midcentury Sensations (2/15, $90) This tour showcases six beautiful midcentury homes where midcentury modern masterpieces blend seamlessly with contemporary classics. From the expansive walls of glass to hidden lanais and breezeways, these homes epitomize modern living within unassuming ranch-style facades.
- The 400: Midcentury Living by H.W. Burns (2/16, $65) Designed and developed by Herbert W. Burns as a furnished 8-unit luxury apartment complex, The 400 features a unique pool, iconic midcentury modern architecture, and stunning views of the mountains. The architecture includes a low, linear look accented with masonry composed of thin, regular strips of Arizona Sandstone, masonry planters, and built-in wall clocks.
- Discover Twin Springs: Donald Wexler’s Hidden Gem (2/21, $80) Explore ten homes in Donald Wexler’s iconic 40-unit Twin Springs condo oasis in Indian Canyons. With its sleek lines and minimalist aesthetic, alongside its meandering stream and multiple water features, Twin Springs exudes a timeless elegance that perfectly complements the rugged beauty of the surrounding desert landscape. From the meticulously curated original interiors and clubhouse to thoughtfully updated units to five acres of carefully manicured grounds, each element of this architectural masterpiece invites guests to immerse themselves in the essence of desert Modernism.
- Villa Roma: Preserving a Moment in Time for the Future (2/15, $80) Explore eight stunning homes and the Club House in Villa Roma, Palm Springs’ newest historic district. Tour ‘The Caesar’ and ‘The Cleopatra’ floorplans and experience a Roman holiday every day.
These tours and much more are available on the modernismweek.com website.
Modernism Week top sponsors include Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Monogram, Cotino, Flor, Natural Retreats, and Willis. The City of Palm Springs is the Civic Presenting Sponsor.
To receive Modernism Week updates, visit modernismweek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X.
Modernism Week will celebrate twenty years with its signature 11-day festival that will take place February 13-23, 2025. Tickets are available at modernismweek.com.
