Michele StuevenStarting on Thursday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 23, Palm Springs Modernism Week will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The jam-packed 11-day festival highlights mid-century modern architecture, art, interior design, and vintage culture within the Greater Palm Springs area.
New for 2025, an iconic home tour will feature two houses – the Griffing and Goldberg residences that showcase diverse and interesting architectural styles. Also new on the circuit is the 1923 Spanish Revival King Gillette Estate tour, a special tour by author James Schnepf through seven houses in five neighborhoods all from architects featured in his book, Palm Springs Modern Living, and more.
Throughout the festival, Modernism Week will showcase many festive special events and parties, including a night of vintage glamour at the Modernism Week 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Other highlights of the festival include the Modern Garden Tour, a range of engaging architectural tours aboard open-air, double-decker buses, walking and biking excursions, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, and retro-themed parties.
The Palm Springs residence of Adam West, best known for his role as the caped crusader on the campy 60’s Batman TV series has been reimagined by Michelle Boudreau Design, with Vesta Home as the furnishings co-star.
Palm Springs-based designer Boudreau is famous for her artfully curated interiors and custom furnishings in preserving iconic mid-century homes. The 3,189-square-foot residence, located in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, will debut as the Featured Home Tour.
Originally built in 1954 and later renovated by the acclaimed architect Albert Frey, the home pays homage to its storied past while embracing modern design. Drawing on her expertise in historic preservation, Boudreau and her team transformed the landscaping and interiors, honoring Frey’s signature architectural elements while adding playful nods to the Batman legacy including the sleek curves of the “Bat Cave,” with modern forms, warm hues and the trademark Batman black edge.
The Indian Canyons neighborhood celebrates ten years on the tour and will feature eight homes including stunners like the Lear House. Constructed in 1963 for Bill Lear of Learjet fame, the residence is a classic example of The Hollywood Regency style. Named for the glamor of Hollywood’s Golden Era, Hollywood Regency describes both the interior and the landscape architecture.
The Lear House (Daniel James Ryan Photography for Palm Springs Indian Canyons Neighborhood)
Located behind 10-foot bright yellow front doors, the 4,374 square foot home features original terrazzo throughout, a step-down living room with a circular fireplace, three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a separate den, a game room, and two offices. The home was one of the first homes constructed in the Indian Canyons Neighborhood and was situated to take maximum advantage of the dramatic mountain views.
Live entertainment events include:
Modernism Week 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza. The Palm Springs Air Museum will be transformed into a playground of vintage tropical nightclub glamour with sounds of Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Elvis and plenty of dancing. Cocktails and cuisine stations by Lulu will be provided
Exclusive Sunset Reception at the Legendary O’Donnell Golf Club Featuring The Dreamboats: Experience the magic of Historic O’Donnell Golf Club at sunset with retro tunes and nostalgic rhythms from the 1950s and 60s by The Dreamboats. There will be hors d’oeuvres, paired wines, and a signature cocktail crafted for the event by the desert’s favorite chef, Chef Gabriel Woo from Bar Cecil. The golf course and its historic grounds will be available for self-guided tours.
Hey, Hey…We’re the Monkees! Mod Music and Cocktail Party: This Mod 60s cocktail party is an immersive multimedia live concert celebrating the music of the Monkees, America’s first pre-fab rock band created by TV executives for a weekly sitcom. The Gand Band will reinterpret favorite Monkees songs featuring some of the desert’s top vocalists. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
Shag Tiki Bedroom (Michele Stueven)
Shelton Sings Sinatra: A Very Romantic Affair: Considered the leading dramatic interpreter of Frank Sinatra, Richard Shelton honors Sinatra’s legacy with a performance, showcasing the legendary singer’s most romantic classics. Accompanied on stage by a nine-piece orchestra and grand piano, Shelton manifests Sinatra’s sliding rhythms and nuanced phrasing as well as the timbre of that famous voice.
Palm Springs International Jazz Festival: Reprising the successful partnership of Modernism Week and PSJazzFest last year, the two organizations have partnered again to offer several significant musical performances on the stage of the Annenberg Theater.
There are plenty of free and low-cost offerings, like Step Back in Time: Experience the Aluminaire House in 1931. The immersive film experience takes viewers back in time to 1931 to experience the Aluminaire House as seen by the public for the very first time. The architectural marvel, recreated in photorealistic cinematic detail, celebrates its groundbreaking design and historical significance.
Twin Palms Guided Walking Tour (Eric-Chiel)