Get ready, architecture and design lovers: Modernism Week — October is just around the corner! From October 24-27, 2024, step inside some of Coachella Valley’s most breathtaking midcentury modern homes. Explore iconic interiors, uncover hidden architectural stories, and get inspired by the timeless style that defines the era.
Read on for the top home tours you won’t want to miss. Tickets are still available for these events and more at modernismweek.com.
Sunnylands Historic House Tour
October 24-27
Step into the iconic winter home of ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, designed by A. Quincy Jones in 1966. This 25,000-square-foot residence, adorned with Mayan influences and Hollywood Regency interiors by William Haines and Ted Graber, offers a rare look at midcentury grandeur. Along with its architectural splendor, the home boasts an impressive collection of rare art. Shuttle tours include a 90-minute guided experience of this historic estate. Don’t forget to catch the complimentary film, A Place Called Sunnylands, before embarking on the tour. Get tickets here.
House of Tomorrow Home Tour
October 24-27
Known as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, the Alexander Estate, designed by William Krisel, is a masterpiece of circular design. Built in 1960, this home features four interconnected pods and stunning original features like terrazzo floors and ceiling-mounted fireplaces. The residence, located in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood, captures the spirit of futuristic midcentury design, making it a must-see for architecture buffs and Elvis fans alike. Get tickets here.
Modernism Week Featured Home: The Shag House
October 24-27
Immerse yourself in a life-size Shag painting at the newly remodeled Shag House, a vibrant midcentury modern gem in Palm Springs’ Little Beverly Hills. This 1958 home, reimagined by the artist Shag (Josh Agle), balances its original Desert Modern roots with bold updates, including a swank party lounge and expanded entryway. The Shag House offers a lively tour experience that blends art, architecture, and modernist design for an unforgettable visit. Get tickets here.
Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Passes
October 24-27
Albert Frey’s Frey House II is a desert icon, seamlessly blending architecture with the natural landscape. This self-guided tour, hosted by the Palm Springs Art Museum, gives visitors a chance to explore Frey’s personal residence, perched dramatically on the mountainside. Tickets can also be used for free admission to both the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Architecture & Design Center from October 24–31, 2024 any day except the days the museum is closed. Get tickets here.
Frank Sinatra’s “Twin Palms” Estate Tour
October 24
Explore the legendary “Twin Palms” estate of Frank Sinatra, designed by modernist architect E. Stewart Williams in 1947. This self-guided tour offers a glimpse into Sinatra’s glamorous Palm Springs life, complete with the famous piano-shaped swimming pool. A highlight of Modernism Week, this estate embodies both Hollywood history and architectural innovation. Get tickets here.
*NEW* Firebird Estates Inaugural Neighborhood Home Tour
October 25
Take a tour of the stunning Firebird Estates, an enclave of midcentury condos designed in 1964. With five units on display, visitors will admire the striking geometric forms, expansive windows, and serene communal spaces, including a gorgeous swimming pool. This is the first time Firebird Estates will be showcased, making it an exciting new addition to Modernism Week’s offerings. Get tickets here.
Desert Lanai 4: A Midcentury Oasis Home Tour
October 26
Designed by Charles Du Bois, Desert Lanai 4 is a hidden gem of midcentury modern living. Featuring six A-frame residences with Polynesian-inspired motifs, this intimate condominium community exudes midcentury charm. Guests can tour each home’s unique interior, where vintage flair meets modern comfort. Be sure to attend the Tiki Oasis: Desert Lanai 4 Cocktail Party & Home Tour for an added festive touch! Get tickets here.
ONE-PS Modernism Week Home Tour
October 26
This self-guided tour, organized by ONE-PS, offers an in-depth look at five homes across different Palm Springs neighborhoods, showcasing a range of architectural styles from midcentury modern to Spanish Colonial Revival. It’s a perfect way to experience the diversity of Palm Springs’ iconic residential architecture. Get tickets here.
Six Architectural Gems of Canyon Country Club Tour
October 26
Explore six exceptional homes in the Indian Canyons neighborhood, including designs by Hugh Kaptur and William Krisel. From Hollywood Regency to New Formalism, this self-guided tour highlights the luxurious evolution of midcentury design in Palm Springs. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these hidden treasures, many of which have never been open to the public. Get tickets here.
Atomic Ranch Talk & Tour: An Architectural Rarity in Twin Palms
October 26
For something unique, tour this rare 1962 Twin Palms home built by Fred Stein. Recently revived, it stands out from the surrounding Alexander homes for its distinctive history and impeccable restoration. Join Atomic Ranch’s Jickie Torres and designer Thomas Eich for a poolside chat about the home’s fascinating past and vibrant future. Get tickets here.
Villa Cornelia: A Gem in Old Las Palmas
October 27
Treat yourself to one of the finest examples of Palm Springs’ early “romantic” architecture! The 1926 Alvah and Teresa Hicks Residence is one of the gems of the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Constructed by Hicks, a master carpenter and early real estate developer, the house is an important example of a custom Spanish Colonial Revival structure. Get tickets here.
Cul de Sac “Swinging ’66”
October 27
End your Modernism Week tour journey in the Canyon View Estates with the “Swinging ’66” event. This immersive experience features six William Krisel-designed homes that exemplify Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury style. Step back in time as you tour the preserved homes and soak in the architectural details, including double gable roofs and clerestory windows, which define the era’s aesthetic. Get tickets here.
Don’t miss the chance to explore these architectural treasures during Modernism Week – October. With each tour offering something distinct, this year’s lineup promises to captivate modernist enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. For more information and tickets, visit modernismweek.com.
