Palm Springs Modernism Show Returns as Most Well-Attended Event of Modernism Week

Announcing First Wave Development as Presenting Sponsor and the Show Adds New Post-Show Online Sale and New Events

Photo credit: Jake Holt

The 24th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show will once again be a featured event during Modernism Week. The show, which will feature 130 dealers presenting the best of vintage 20th century and compelling 21st century designs, returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center February 16-19, 2024.

This year’s show will include several exciting new elements, including the debut of AfterGlow: The Palm Springs Modernism Online Showcase (which extends the in-person Modernism Show until after Modernism Week ends), a stunning modular home by First Wave Development that will be open for tours at the entrance to the Convention Center, a vintage 1967 Alfa Romeo “Duetto” on display for sale in the show’s lobby along with a matching vintage 1960s Vespa, a vintage 20th century piano display, a lecture series offered throughout the weekend, and more. 

Weekend admission for the show is $30 online or at the door. Admission includes return entry all weekend and a show catalog. Show hours are Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm, and Monday 10am–4pm. The Palm Springs Convention Center is located at 277 North Avenida Caballeros in Palm Springs. Valet parking will be offered at the front of the Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday for $15. There is no valet parking on Monday due to the Classic Car Show, another featured event during Modernism Week which will take place from 12pm–3pm in front of the Palm Springs Convention Center. Self-parking is available for $10 per day. More information is available at www.palmspringsmodernism.com.

Modular Housing on Display

This year, Presenting Sponsor First Wave Development will showcase the Modular Front Facade Showstopper, a new modular housing solution, located outside at the entrance to the Modernism Show held at the Convention Center. The model will feature First Wave Development’s ZS2 Technology panels, its stunning DIRTT Residential interior finishes which showcase the classic Palm Springs lifestyle. 

“We are thrilled to introduce First Wave Development, an innovative answer to the housing crisis poised to transform the residential housing industry,” said Joy Luedtke CEO. “The pressing issue of affordable housing in our nation is a significant cause for concern. First Wave Development focuses on housing for the ‘Missing Middle,’ whose income restricts their ability to purchase private residences. Our team, comprising experts in prefabricated materials, architecture, interior design, marketing, construction, and proficient business development, has devised a one-of-a-kind solution. This pioneering approach produces products that will shake up the saturated prefab market, establishing us as the frontrunner in the field.”

The Palm Springs Modernism Show will feature 130 premier national and international exhibitors featuring vintage furniture and decorative and fine arts reflecting all design movements of the 20th century with a heavy emphasis on mid-century modern. The Modernism Show also includes compelling 21st century original designs for modern living including innovative items for the home, hand-crafted furniture and accessories, contemporary art, photography, and much more. 

Shop the Show After it Ends!

New this year to the Show will be AfterGlow: The Palm Springs Modernism Online Showcase.  Sponsored and co-produced by Silver Sponsor Bidsquare, AfterGlow will feature many of the items that were offered in-person at the show through a simple interface on the Dolphin Promotions website at palmspringsmodernism.com. AfterGlow will begin as soon as the in-person show concludes at 4 pm on February 19 and will continue through the entire duration of Modernism Week, ending on March 1, 2024. 

Bidsquare is a leading software solution provider that delivers multi-channel inventory management and custom white-label software allowing sellers to run real-time sale events through their own website. 

“We are thrilled to partner with an esteemed brand such as the Palm Springs Modernism Show to extend and bring this show to a wider audience,” said Allis Ghim, CEO of Bidsquare. “Bidsquare’s online marketplace specializes in modern design, fine art, decorative arts, antiques, and collectibles. By leveraging our technology, sellers are able to expand their reach and sales to a wider audience while engaging with their buyers directly through their own website. Our cloud-based technology will seamlessly integrate the AfterGlow sale into the Palm Springs Modernism website, bringing the renowned Modernism Week Show to an all new online audience.”

Bidsquare will be on-site at the Modernism Show to help exhibitors add additional items to the online sale. A portion of all fees collected from the sale will be donated to Modernism Week who is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

“The addition of an online aspect to the wildly successful Palm Springs Modernism Show comes at a critical time in our industry where more and more sales occur online,” said Rosemary Krieger, President of Dolphin Promotions. “Participation in Afterglow is exclusively open to exhibiting dealers at the Modernism Show. We have always wanted to keep the show going until the end of Modernism Week and now we have the perfect opportunity to do this.”

Free Exhibitions

In addition to the dealer offerings, the Modernism Show will have several extraordinary events, all free to the public. Featured free exhibitions include:

Vintage Alfa Romero and Vespa

In the show’s lobby, a meticulously restored 1967 Alfa Romeo Spider “Duetto” will be available for viewing and purchase from dealer Original in Berlin. First introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1966, Alfa Romeo Spider “Duetto” features a sleek and gorgeous body, and the car quickly became one of the most popular sports cars of all time. The title “Duetto” refers to the car’s two camshafts, two carburetors and two seats. The vintage auto will be offered with an equally vintage Vespa, painted in the same color as the car. 

Vintage Piano Display

Piedmont Piano Company, Oakland CA will be bringing an array of vintage 20th century pianos. “We are very excited to be bringing some of our best vintage 20th century pianos to Palm Springs during Modernism Week says Jim Callaghan, President. “The pianos will be on display for sale in the show lobby and will feature daily concerts.  The display will feature several pianos including a rare, vintage ‘Andreas Christensen’ Copenhagen 1967.”  

Preview Party

An exciting early buying preview benefiting Modernism Week will take place on Friday evening, February 16 from 6–9pm. At the biggest party during Modernism Week, attendees will enjoy a full open bar, complimentary valet parking, hors d’oeuvres, live music and the “exclusive opportunity” to be among the first to see and shop the world-class collections before the show opens to the general public. Preview party tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door and include return entry to the show all weekend. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Modernism Week, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Notable new dealers this year include:

  • Original in Berlin of Berlin, Germany – offering the vintage Alfa Romero and Vespa along with vintage Raymond Kappe Furniture and a 250-piece collection of Vintage Carl Aubock accessories. 
  • Modern Drama of Chicago – bringing iconic Post Modern decorative and fine arts
  • Gay Fad Studios of Lancaster, Ohio – featuring vintage cocktail glassware.
  • JJ Jucick Ceramic Art of Palm Springs – showcasing a collection of ceramic art glass.
  • Sossego Design of Los Angeles – featuring rare modern Brazilian designs

Notable returning vintage 20th century dealers include:

  • Dragonette Ltd of Palm Desert – featuring a vintage William Haines collection.
  • Morateur Gallery of Beverly Hills – offering a collection of French Art Deco 
  • Habitat Gallery of Los Angeles – featuring an impressive collection of vintage 20th century decorative and fine arts
  • Whatever Gallery of San Diego – offering vintage 20th century decorative and fine arts
  • Amara Rugs of Torrance – offering vintage and contemporary handmade rugs

Notable returning 21st century dealers include:

  • Roshults of Sweden – offering compelling 21st century outdoor furniture
  • Tesselle of Riverside, California – showcasing cement tiles featuring a collection from the artist Shag
  • Tidelli Outdoor Furniture of West Hollywood, California – featuring Brazilian-inspired outdoor furniture.
  • Joan Banks Fine Art of Santa Clarita, California – offering a range of contemporary art.
  • Light in Art of Los Angeles California featuring contemporary lighting for the home.

Modernism Show sponsors include Presenting Sponsor First Wave Development along with Silver Sponsor Bidsquare, Supporting Sponsors Abell Auctioneers, Clars Auctions, Freightforwarding.com and John Moran Auctioneers. Media Sponsors include Atomic Ranch Magazine, California Home & Design Magazine, California Homes, Incollect Magazine and Palm Springs Life Magazine.

For more information and a list of exhibitors, visit www.palmspringsmodernism.com or email info@dolphinfairs.com.

About Dolphin Promotions

Dolphin Promotions produces four shows annually in the United States. All these events are distinguished by the solid reputation of the participating dealers and the diversity of the high-quality merchandise presented. Major antiques, art and design shows in San Mateo and Palm Springs rank among the finest quality events in their region and attract many local national and international exhibitors, collectors, and designers. All of Dolphin’s shows offer a wide range of antiques, art and design and are very well advertised and attended.