From the iconic to the underrated, no modernist stone will be left unturned during a series of exciting presentations next February!
We are honored to welcome an impressive group of experts, preservationists, architects, artists and more to the Modernism Week stage. From February 15-25, 2024, take a deep dive into design and expand your knowledge of midcentury modern history.
Read on for some of this year’s highlights, and check out the entire Modernism Week schedule here.
With the just-completed reconstruction of Albert Frey’s 1931 Aluminaire House in Palm Springs as his inspiration, Dr. Barry Bergdoll traces the evolution of Modernist architecture on exhibition during a very special Keynote Presentation on February 17.
Dr. Bergdoll is the Meyer Schapiro Professor of art history in the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University and former curator in the Department of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Click here to learn more about this insightful event.
For the first time, Modernism Week is offering an Annenberg Theater General Admission All Access Pass for 8 full days of exciting presentations, films, and performances. Only a limited number of passes will be issued and once sold out, will no longer be available. Learn more and see all the events included with the pass here.
After a few years’ hiatus, the ever popular Mod With a TWIST is back! Join us for an hour of rollicking, irreverent, witty and surprising presentations about unexpected topics from the Midcentury. You will laugh and guaranteed, you will walk away with a new factoids about something you did not know you needed to know. It’s all in fun and a great way to spend an hour with fellow midmod aficionados.
Temple Isaiah: The Evolution of Classical to Extreme Modernism
This guided media presentation and walking tour of two sanctuaries includes the E. Stewart Williams Modernist-designed 1950s Liberman Chapel and David Christian’s brutalism-designed 1980s Bochner Sanctuary.
Bar Keeps: A Collection of California’s Best Vintage Cocktail Napkins
Join author Patrick Quinn for a lively road trip across the Golden State. Buckle in as he shares stories, vintage photos and cocktail napkins from diners to dive bars, both famous and forgotten.
Unveiling the Legacy: Exploring the Donald Judd Foundation
Donald Judd (1928–1994) was one of the foremost American artists of the postwar era and a major figure in the Minimal Art movement. He revolutionized practices and attitudes surrounding art-making and the exhibition of art, advocating for the permanent installation of works by artists in carefully considered environments. Robert C. Beyer, Treasurer of the Judd Foundation, will share a presentation and talk as he opens the doors to Donald Judd’s NY and Texas living and working places.
Preserving the Bauhaus Legacy on Cape Cod: Saving Marcel Breuer’s Summer Home–A CALL TO ACTION!
Marcel Breuer’s own summerhouse in Wellfleet, MA is threatened to be torn down. Peter McMahon, founder of the Cape Cod Modern House Trust plans to preserve it. Learn more about the home’s history and how to save this irreplaceable house.
From Bauhaus to Your House: The Life and Designs of Anni Albers
Anni Albers is considered one of the most influential textile artists of the 20th century. Join Annalisa Capurro and Michal Silver for a fascinating insight into the extraordinary life, designs and legacy of Anni Albers. The discussion will be moderated by Lindsey Shook, Editor-In-Chief of California Home & Design.
The Direction of Sculptural Ceramics in Architecture by Stan Bitters
Stan Bitters, the legendary master of ceramic murals, shares his 65-year-long experience working on ceramic sculpture and his motivation to interject art into architecture. A short film will follow this special presentation with Mr. Bitters, who is the last of the ceramic abstract expressionists (who studied under and consequently trace their artistic lineage back to Peter Voulkos in the ‘50s).
Trails and Treasures: Igniting Excitement about Architecture with FORT: LA’s Urban Adventures
Russell Brown is the founder of Friends Of Residential Treasures: Los Angeles (FORT: LA), which brings an innovative approach to exploring cities. Their trail maps of architectural treasures, collaborations with artists, academic fellowships, in-person events, and dispatches from an eccentric flamingo are expanding the community of urban adventurers. Learn all about this exciting free architectural program in Los Angeles, and discover how you can experience architectural adventures in your own backyard!
California Cool: Explore Palm Springs and Beyond Through the Modern Paintings of Danny Heller
Fill your eyes with swaying palm trees, shimmering swimming pools, atomic architecture, and colorful classic cars as artist Danny Heller takes you on a journey through his retro-focused paintings.
OUCH! Preservation is Difficult: Why Should We Do This? The Case for the Eliot Noyes House
How does one decide whether to take on the chore of preservation? Frederick Noyes, FAIA shares his insight & experience with his family home, the Eliot Noyes House, in New Canaan, CT.
