If you thought Fall Preview was a blast, check out what’s in store for Modernism Week 2017.
Last weekend’s Fall Preview was a quick peek at all the fun to come during Modernism Week next February 16-26, 2017. Tickets for the twelfth year of this annual celebration of midcentury modern architecture, art, culture, interior and landscape design are on sale now! See below for everything you need to know about Modernism Week 2017.
1. Tickets on sale November 1
Tickets now on sale at modernismweek.com. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Modernism Week, a non-profit organization, and other local preservation, neighborhood and community groups. New events will be added on the first of each month leading up to February 2017, so check back to see what’s new.
2. The classics are back
Annual favorites like the Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, Signature Home Tours on both Sundays, Sunnylands, classic cars, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, parties, and more will return for 2017. The 17th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale will also be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center (February 17-19), and feature 85 premier national and international dealers offering furniture, decorative and fine arts representing design movements of the 20th century. Get first dibs on the show’s best treasures at the Early Buying Preview Reception on February 17.
3. Party like James Bond on Opening Night
Presented by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, this chic red carpet affair on February 16 will incorporate a 60s-era spy movie-theme that pays homage to the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, which features a famous scene filmed at John Lautner’s Elrod House. Music by The Dreamboats playing amped up classics from the 50s and 60s with a great, swingin’ show!
4. The Modernism Week Show House: Christopher Kennedy Compound returns like never before
Named by The Hollywood Reporter as the “#1 Must-See Event of Modernism Week,” Traditional Home and California Home + Design present the 4th Annual Modernism Week Show House: The Christopher Kennedy Compound. For a fourth year, Kennedy will bring together nearly twenty of the nation’s most prominent tastemakers to create uniquely designed rooms in this decorator showcase. In an exciting twist for 2017, Christopher is partnering with blogger Kelly Golightly and Fred Moser to renovate their new Andreas Hills home. The Show House will open with a Red Carpet Gala on February 18, with daily tours throughout the week.
5. John Lautner will receive a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
On Friday, February 17 the public is invited to attend a special dedication on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars for John Lautner, renowned architect of the iconic Bob Hope Estate, Elrod House, and Hotel Lautner in Desert Hot Springs. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion at 300 S. Palm Canyon Drive.
6. Maximize your time with guided architectural tours and new programs
If you’re on a time crunch, our guided tours are a great way to see Palm Springs’ most iconic buildings and neighborhoods in just a few hours. The Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours will be offered daily, and new for 2017, modernists can explore the best sights in town with the Sunny Cycle electric bike experience, with complimentary refreshments to enjoy along the way. Other exciting programs include presentations celebrating the photography of Slim Aarons; a presentation and film on the history of neon signs; a closer look at the architecture of the Desert Modernists; and tours + talks about modern gardens and outdoor living.
7. Experience Mexico City Modern
Education outreach has always been a core element of Modernism Week programming, and the trend continues in 2017 with a series of talks and films on the topic of Mexico City Modern. Four presentations will be conducted by leading luminaries on the subject, and following Modernism Week, a Mexico City Modern Tour will visit some of the city’s iconic modernist residences and structures.
8. Pop some corn for these film premieres
Modernism Week will present a variety of film screenings, including:
- Harry Seidler – Modernist (U.S. premiere).
- Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw The Future (West Coast premiere)
- Windshield – A Vanished Vision (West Coast premiere)
- Claremont Modern: The Convergence of Art + Architecture at Midcentury
- Design for Modern Living: Millard Sheets and the Claremont Art Community
9. Restore and explore midcentury modern homes with Atomic Ranch
On February 19 and 20, Atomic Ranch will offer a panel discussion and tour of two homes centered around the theme “Restoring or Renovating your Midcentury Modern Home…Problems SOLVED!” Editor Sarah Jane Stone will lead a panel of experts in a seminar about the common problems facing midcentury modern homeowners, followed by tours of two renovated homes where homeowners, contractors and other experts will be on hand to discuss the renovation experience and answer questions.
10. Discover architectural gems beyond Palm Springs
Home tours and architectural excursions will expand beyond Palm Springs and into surrounding cities including Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Claremont, and Alta Loma (where guests can tour master woodworker Sam Maloof’s residence and studio). Back by popular demand is a party at the Museum of Pinball in Banning, rarely open to the public and one of the best-kept secrets of the midcentury modern revival. “Pinball Fever” on February 25 will be an evening of partying in a midcentury modern atmosphere while enjoying unlimited free-play on more than 700 beautifully restored vintage arcade and pinball machines.
Once you’ve figured out your Modernism Week event itinerary, make sure to book your stay as rooms can fill up quickly. Hilton Palm Springs, Modernism Week’s official host hotel, is offering guests a special discounted rate of $189+, based on availability with this link.
Photo credit: Lance Gerber
