The Modernist’s Gift Guide: 2019

Give the gift of an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of reasons to be merry, but we’re especially jolly about all of the new events added this month!

If you’re scrambling for creative gift ideas, look no further. Check out our round up of events to fill every modernist’s stocking! You can also click here for the full schedule. Happy Holidays!

The Shopaholic

You don’t have to wait until February to enjoy these gifts. Pick up a copy of Desert Modernists: The Architects Who Envisioned Midcentury Modern Palm Springs, a 144-page soft cover commemorative book offering a detailed account of the architects who shaped “desert modern” architecture. Make your trip to Modernism Week even more memorable with the official 2020 Modernism Week poster created by the artist SHAG. Stock up on midcentury modern prints, bags, apparel, and much more at the Modernism Week Shop at Destination PSP.

The Archinerd

Palm Springs is the mecca of midcentury modern architecture. A historic home might not fit in a stocking, but tickets to tours of the Walker Guest House Replica, Frey House II, Cree House, 1925 Thomas O’Donnell House, James Logan Abernathy Residence, Lawrence Welk Estate, Lautner Compound, Cody Court, or Kirk and Anne Douglas Estate sure will!

The Thoughtful Thinker

Knowledge is the gift that keeps on giving. Insightful conversations with 2020 keynote speaker Daniel Libeskind, Nancy Sinatra, KCRW’s Frances Anderton, John Lautner’s longtime associate and project architect Helena Arahuete, “Ambassador of Americana” Charles Phoenix, architectural historian Volker M. Welter, author Sarah Archer, and other thought leaders will be sure to whet an inquisitive appetite.

The Cinephile

Modernist film enthusiasts, don’t miss the world premiere of “Frey II: The Architectural Interpreter,” the sequel to “Frey: Part 1 – The Architectural Envoy.” See breathtaking sequences by Eric Saarinen (director of photography and Eero Saarinen’s son) in “Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future.” Enjoy a cocktails, a boxed dinner, and vintage cars with this special screening of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Get your architecture film fix with “Neutra – Survival Through Design” or “The New Bauhaus.”

The Green Thumb

In Palm Springs, landscaping is an art form. Get inspired as you discover the work of the midcentury’s best American landscape architects, including Lockwood de Forest Jr., Ruth Shellhorn, and more. See Robert Royston‘s work up close as you tour the Circle and Becket House Gardens. Learn about desertscaping, enjoy a Modern Garden Tour, and sit in on a personal landscape design consultation to create your own gardenlust-worthy oasis.

The Snap Happy

Make your Instagram feed the envy of every modernist. There’s plenty to photograph at the Modernism Week Showcase Home: Gillman Residence, as well as this year’s Modernism Week Featured Homes: the Divine Du Bois, Guggenheim House, Mesa Modern, and Miles Bates “Wave” House. Palm Springs’ iconic homes abound in the Signature Home Tours (Weekend 1 Afternoon, Weekend 2 Morning, and Weekend 2 Afternoon tours still available). Get your fill of colorful doors on the Palm Springs Door Tour 2020 and rack up those Insta-likes!

The Social Butterfly

We love any excuse to deck out in midcentury finery! Celebrate 15 years of Modernism Week at the Opening Night Party: Space Modyssey 2020, shop at the Preview Party at the 20th Annual Modernism Show & Sale, join the PS Modern Committee at their annual gala, and rub shoulders with SHAG. Kick up your dancing shoes at the American Legion Post 519, The Gala House, or the digs of Legendary Musician Brian Ray. Sip Martinis on the Mountain and other craft cocktails at House of Grace III, the Raymond Loewy Residence, or Jerry Lewis’ home. If happy hour is more your thing, try a midcentury wine tasting, a Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Clinic at Mr. Lyons, live music with the Dreamboats, or a unique twist on modernism!

No matter what you decide to gift loved ones this year, you can be sure that a good time will be guaranteed next February!