Mark your calendars for these must-see tours next month!
Some of Palm Springs’ most interesting residences are opened up to the public for tours during Modernism Week. Whether you’re new to the club or a repeat modernista, these are just a few of the top tours that you should not miss at Modernism Week 2019.
For the Newbies
Modernism Week Signature Home Tour II
Step inside a myriad of iconic architectural homes by noted local architects. The featured homes, chosen for their architecture, interiors, gardens and grounds, epitomize Palm Springs and what makes life and architecture in the desert unique. February 24, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. OR 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets for morning and afternoon tours available.
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour
Modernism Week’s signature tour! This tour is THE way to familiarize yourself with Palm Springs. Get a crash course on the most significant midcentury architectural treasures of this city. February 15-24, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets available here.
Walker Guest House Replica Tour
A full-scale replica of architect Paul Rudolph’s 1952 Walker Guest House has been relocated and reconstructed by Palm Springs Modern Committee, and is on loan from Sarasota Architectural Foundation. February 15-24, 2019, time varies. Tickets available here.
Insta-worthy Homes
A Sunmor Alexander House ‘Goes Green’ See How!
This 1958 Alexander home was extensively remodeled in 2005 using green materials and vendors to make it energy efficient while maintaining its midcentury modern style. Discover how it was done! February 14, 2019, 10:30 a.m. Tickets available here.
Park Imperial South Home Tour
Designed as a “Living Resort” in 1960, the unique architecture was (and remains today) an innovative approach to modern desert living. February 15, 2019, 3:00 p.m. Tickets available here.
Modernism Week Featured Home: Green Gables
Designed by Palmer-Krisel and built in 1958, this original 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home has been completely renovated by H3K Design. The house sits at the gateway to the Twin Palms development. February 15-17, 2019, 9:00 a.m. Tickets available here.
Modernism Week Featured Home: Desert Eichler
Tour a newly-built modernized version of an original Eichler house designed by Anshen + Allen. Interiors at this inviting dream oasis feature colorful inspiration with a focus on outdoor living. February 17-19, 2019, 9:00 a.m. Tickets available here.
Modernism Week Featured Home: La Vie en Rose
Interior designer Christopher Kennedy debuts a spectacular renovation of a quintessential midcentury property. This 1958 home is in posh Vista Las Palmas and backs up to the San Jacinto mountains. February 16-18, 2019, 9:00 a.m. Tickets available here.
Modernism Week Featured Home: Axiom Desert House
The Axiom Desert House by Turkel Design is a stunning, midcentury-inspired, systems-built jewel. The home’s open plan, indoor/outdoor flow, and innovative use of materials and space are a testament to modern prefab. February 22-24, 2019, 9:00 a.m. Tickets available here.
Modernism Week Featured Home: Sackley Shagadelic
Thomboy Properties returns to Modernism Week with a beautiful renovation of a 1979 Stan Sackley home. Discover strong horizontal and vertical lines, varying ceiling heights, a dramatic fireplace and retail doors that lead to an entry courtyard. February 22-24, 2019, time varies. Tickets available here.
Modernism Week Show House: The Christopher Kennedy Compound
The inspiration returns! Named by The Hollywood Reporter as the “#1 Must-See Event of Modernism Week”! An all-star cast of designers joins Christopher Kennedy for the 2019 iteration of the Modernism Week Show House: The Christopher Kennedy Compound. February 16-24, 2019, 9:00 a.m. Tickets available here.
For the Heavenly Minded
Sacred Spaces: Architecture BUS Tour of Midcentury Modern Sacred Spaces (SELF-GUIDED Tour available here)
This tour features inspiring architectural works from midcentury masters Albert Frey, William Cody, Hal Whittemore, Lawrence Lapham, Michael Black, Laszlo Sandor & others. Enjoy a leisurely view from the top of a double decker bus, or go solo with a self-guided tour. February 16, 2019, 9:30 a.m. Tickets available here.
Architecture in Service of the Sacred and Spiritual – A Study in Contrasts
Guided tour begins with the 1950s E. Stewart Williams-designed Liberman Chapel, and ends with the contrasting 1980s Bochner Sanctuary addition. February 15 & 22, 2019, 11:00 a.m. Tickets available here.
New Tours for 2019
The Forgotten Frey: The Cree House
Be among the first to experience this meticulously preserved hillside home, one of the two most intact residences by architect Albert Frey. Tickets available for $40. February 14-24, 2019, time varies. Tickets available here.
Hidden Cody Tennis Club Villas
Built in the mid-1960s, the thirteen midcentury homes included a model home decorated by Arthur Elrod. February 16, 2019, time varies. Tickets available here.
A Visit To Tamarisk West
Explore a visionary midcentury modern architectural oasis by S Charles Lee, which has never before opened to the public. February 17, 2019, time varies. Tickets available here.
Exclusive Designer Home Tour at the House of Grace
Tour the latest design project from Michael Ostrow of Grace Home Furnishings while enjoying champagne, cocktails, light bites, and a moderated discussion. Presented by Grace Home Furnishings & Traditional Home magazine. February 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets available here.
Desert One – Palm Springs Modern Committee Iconic Home Tour
Desert One was designed by San Francisco-based architect Jim Jennings in 2009, and is reminiscent of the ‘Case Study’ houses dating back to the midcentury. Join Palm Springs Modern Committee for a special tour of this timeless residence. February 18, 2019, time varies. Tickets available here.
