Modernism Week is the largest celebration of midcentury and modern architecture, design, and culture. It started out as a collaborative, grass-roots community effort comprised of a few home tours, cocktail mixers and educational events that were planned to coincide with the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale occurring in Palm Springs, CA each February since 2000.
Modernism Week’s signature February festival will take place February 17 – 27, 2022, highlighting midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. This year will feature a wide array of events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale, tours of iconic homes in more than 30 neighborhoods, and the popular Signature Home Tour on both weekends. Also offered are architectural walking, biking and double-decker bus tours, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, a classic car show, garden tours, nightly parties, and a special series of compelling and informative talks. All events are open to the public.
Background
In 2005, following the success of both the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale and the annual symposium organized by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council, a group of local design and architecture aficionados created a committee to produce Modernism Week’s first event in February 2006 to showcase the world-renowned midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs.
Among the members of the initial steering committee were representatives from the Modernism Show & Sale, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, the Palm Springs Modern Committee, the Palm Springs Historical Society, and the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The first weekend included only a few hundred participants who attended five events including the symposium, a few lectures, and a reception. Each year the demand for additional programing increased and the founding partner organizations expanded their offerings. By 2009, programming was offered on two weekends. Eventually mid-week programming was introduced, and the event continued to grow progressively in scope and attendance until it reached its current schedule of 11 days and hundreds of events.
Tickets for Modernism Week events have been selling quickly since they became available on November 1. Tickets for all Modernism Week events are available at www.modernismweek.com.
Following is condensed version of events occurring during the two weeks. For a complete and concise schedule please visit www.modernismweek.com
Tours
Forgotten Frey: Albert Frey’s Cree House
2/17/22 through 2/27/22, $45
This is a rare opportunity to tour Forgotten Frey, one of two intact residences designed by architect Albert Frey.
Cody Family Residence Tour
2/21/22, $45
The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will host a tour of the Cody Family Residence, designed by modernist architect William F. Cody in 1952. $45 (30 min)
Cody Court Historic Cody Homes of Rancho Mirage
2/20/22, $75
The Cody Court homes are on the Tamarisk Fairway. Established in 1952, Tamarisk Country Club was only the second 18-hole private club in Coachella Valley.
Bella Da Ball Twilight Tour
2/25/22, $75
Bella Da Ball, Palm Springs’ own drag emcee, guides this special sunset tour of Palm Springs celebrity haunts, clubs, and homes.
Special Events
Two jazz-related events will be offered:
A History of the Legendary Jazz Trio, The Poll Winners and Live Jazz Performance
2/19/22, $45 and $60
After jazz historian Will Friedman talks about the famed midcentury jazz trio, The Poll Winners, a not-to-be-missed jazz performance with West Coast jazz guitar legend, Bruce Forman, and his trio.
An Evening of Jazz With Samara Joy: A Star Ascendant
2/26/22, $45 and $60
Samara Joy is a young jazz artist destined for greatness. This singing star is in her ascendancy after winning the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and releasing her 2021 debut album.
Fashion Show: The Fearless Fashions of Rudi Gernreich
2/22/22, $60 general admission, $75 preferred
To celebrate Rudi Gernreich’s 100th birthday, Modernism Week presents a fashion show that will astonish, showing original pieces from his early works in the 50s through the swinging 60s and 70s.
Modernism Week Vintage Car Show
2/21/22, FREE
More than 50 vintage cars from the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will be on display at this free event
2- Day Photography Workshop with Photographer Andrew Pielage
2/25/22 – 2/26/22, $495
Join internationally published architectural photographer Andrew Pielage for a weekend workshop photographing the iconic midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs. $495 (2-day session)
Talks
Alan Hess on Organic Modern Master Architect Kendrick Kellogg
2/19/22, $15
Kendrick Kellogg is arguably one of the most famous organic modern master architects of the 1960s and ‘70s. Alan Hess presents a glimpse into a fresh subject for Modernism Week.
Modernism in the Middle: Exhibit Columbus and the Future of the Middle City
2/25/22, $12
Explore how Exhibit Columbus, a biannual exhibition of design, architecture, and community, uses public art to celebrate the Modernist legacy of Columbus, Indiana and contemplate possible futures.
Landscape/Modernism: The Twentieth-Century Invention of a Style
2/22/22, $12
Some of the key players and iconic designs of modernist landscape, a fresh new style that changed landscape design internationally in the twentieth century, were here in California.
The partnership of Russel and Mary Wright
2/20/22, $12
A conversation with Frances Anderton, longtime host on KCRW NPR station in Los Angeles and Modernism Week board member, and Jennifer Golub, author of Russel and Mary Wright: Dragon Rock at Manitoga.
Edith Farnsworth: Fierce and Fearless — The Edith Farnsworth House Turns 70! Come Celebrate!
2/21/22, $175/$500
The iconic Edith Farnsworth House, designed by Mies van der Rohe, recently turned 70. This fundraiser for the iconic residence will take place at a midcentury modern Kings Point residence, designed by desert modernist architect William Krisel in 1969, overlooking the Indian Canyons Golf Resort.
Sister Corita Kent – God’s Own Pop-Artist
2/18/22, $15
Sister Corita was an artist and advocate for social justice whose work reflects the ascendancy of pop art, the spiritual renewal of the Second Vatican Council and the political activism of the 1960s
Two panels will discuss the impact of 3D printing on sustainable housing:
The Future of Housing: Sustainable 3D Printed Communities of Zero Net Energy Homes
Modernism Week 2022
2/22/22, $12
This panel discussion focuses on the future of sustainable housing made possible by advances in 3D printing.
Sustainable Design and 3D Printed Construction: A Key Tool for a Sustainable Future
2/22/22, $12
This panel discussion focuses on the collaboration between leading architecture firm EYRC Architects and construction technology company Mighty Buildings in creating Mighty House.
“We are excited to add new events that provide even more opportunities for participants to enjoy quality Modernism Week programming,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, Modernism Week Executive Director. “We continue to develop innovative programs and first-time tours for the public to enjoy.”
For a complete and concise schedule please visit www.modernismweek.com
