Compelling Tours Offered of Significant Locations in Palm Springs and Beyond
Get ready for a wide range of in-person tours during Modernism Week’s upcoming February festival, taking place February 17 – 27, 2022. Tour rarely-open-to-the-public architecturally significant homes and commercial buildings. These include buildings designed by master midcentury modern architects A. Quincy Jones, Richard Neutra, John Lautner, Paul Trousdale, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at modernismweek.com.
One of the most exciting things that Modernism Week offers our participants is the ability to tour stunning midcentury modern spaces that are normally not accessible to the general public. This year we are offering tours that are certain to impress our guests.
– Lisa Vossler Smith, Modernism Week Executive Director –
Modernism Week’s Signature Home Tours (morning and afternoon) return this year, featuring inside access to outstanding iconic architectural homes designed by some of the area’s most noted architects in various neighborhoods all over Palm Springs (2/20 and 2/27, morning and afternoon tours, $135). The tour will explore different neighborhoods and will feature a variety of architectural styles, which includes midcentury modern, desert contemporary, and “New-Century” modern. A keepsake tour program and map will be included.
Home tours of celebrity-owned residences are always popular during Modernism Week. This year, participants may choose to explore Frank Sinatra’s “Twin Palms” Estate Tour (2/24, $45). This stunning example of midcentury modern elegance was designed by modernist architect E. Stewart Williams in 1947, and has been described as “great midcentury design combined with Hollywood lore.” The William Holden Estate Tour (2/20, $45) offers participants the opportunity to experience a spectacular combination of modernist architecture featuring walls of glass and classic modernist post-and-beam construction and interior design in the historic Deepwell Estates neighborhood of Palm Springs. A Magical Evening at the Kirk and Anne Douglas House! (2/23, $175) allows participants of this magical evening fundraiser for USModernist to tour the Kirk and Anne Douglas House designed by architect Donald Wexler while enjoying drinks, appetizers, and music.
Popular tours of significant homes include the Sunnylands Historic House Tour (2/23 – 2/27, $70) where visitors have access to guided tours of the famed Sunnylands estate, designed by renowned architect A. Quincy Jones in 1966 and restored in 2012. The Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Passes (2/17 – 2/27, $75), hosted by Palm Springs Art Museum, are a rare opportunity to see the unique hillside residence of modernist architect Albert Frey in these 30-minute self-guided tours.
The Lautner Compound Tour (2/18 – 2/20, $50) allows participants to experience the spectacular architecture of John Lautner by exploring this 1947 residential fourplex formerly known as Hotel Lautner. The award-winning property features a collection of 3 boutique properties masterfully designed and restored: The Lautner, The Park, and The Ranch House. The 75th Anniversary of The Lautner Compound Twilight Champagne and Nibbles Reception and Tour (2/18 and 2/19, $80) also allows people to explore the space but with a cocktail in hand.
Two tours will highlight the designs of celebrated midcentury modern architect William F. Cody. The Crank-Garland House, an Indian Wells Landmark Designed by William F. Cody (2/23, $40 tour/$80 tour and book) tour will allow participants to explore the “The Lost Cody,” a home originally designed for Filmore Crank and actress Beverly Garland in the early 1960s that has been fully restored. The Palm Springs Modern Committee will offer an Iconic Home Tour of William F. Cody’s Santa Elena Residence (2/21, $40). Cody’s brutalist and delicate design features floor-to-ceiling windows in every room and is set in the architectural enclave of Little Tuscany.
Behind Those Gateways and Getaways: Hidden Gems of Indian Wells (2/18, $250 – includes tour and lunch) is the first tour of its kind and has been specially planned just for Modernism Week guests who will tour “behind the gates” at renowned, private, members-only country clubs in Indian Wells. Upscale mini-coaches will providing luxurious transportation to the clubs and a private luncheon. Modern Ranches on the River Home Tour (2/20, $60) is a walking tour of Paul W. Trousdale’s pioneering 1947 Tahquitz River Estates residential tract featuring six modern ranch style houses by architects Allen Siple, Stephen Stepanian, and builder Sam Pascal.
The PS ModCom Iconic Home Tour – The Stonehedge Residence (2/25, $40) will allow participants to tour the rarely-open 1974 Stonehedge Residence designed by architect John Walling. Expansive walls of glass blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor living and uniquely capture the dramatic mountain and garden vistas from all rooms. The James Logan Abernathy Residence Tour (2/22, $45) will showcase the stunning residence designed by modernist architect William F. Cody in 1962. Atomic Ranch + H3K: Sip, Talk & Tour at Old Las Palmas (2/19, $55) will feature a tour of a house designed by architect Edward Fickett and steeped in California modernist history that’s been newly revived with the vibrant style of H3K Home+Design. Atomic Ranch will conduct a talk with the home’s designers.
Continuing its tradition of offering significant tours outside the area of Palm Springs, this year Modernism Week will offer two exciting Richard Neutra-related tours in Los Angeles during the festival. The first is a Private Tour of the Home of Architect Richard Neutra (2/20 and 2/27, $50). This is an exclusive, guided tour of the home of architect Richard Neutra exploring the details of how he created this modernist live-work home in 1932. The second is Neutra’s Neighborhood: Tour Six Richard Neutra Works (2/23, $200 Coach, Tour & Lunch, $150 Tour & Lunch). Participants will be able to explore Neutra’s neighborhood in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles and see the most concentrated collection of Neutra works in the world. A motorcoach to and from LA from Palm Springs is an option for this tour.
Modernism Week top sponsors include Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, JennAir, Mirai, Willis, Flor, and Hyatt Palm Springs. The City of Palm Springs is the Civic Presenting Sponsor. Many Modernism Week programs qualify for AIA Continuing Education credits.
The Hyatt Palm Springs, Modernism Week’s official host hotel for lodging and CAMP, is offering a special room rates starting at $249+ for a limited time only. Use Hyatt group code: G-10MO at hyatt.com.
