Modernism Week 2020
February 13-23, 2020
Modernism Week’s signature February festival highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. Now in its 15th year, the annual 11-day festival will feature more than 350 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, and many events are free or low cost.
New events for 2020 include:Keynote Speaker:
Daniel Libeskind: Edge of Order
February 15, 1 PM, $45-$65
Architect, artist, professor, and set designer Daniel Libeskind will present the annual Modernism Week keynote address. “Architecture is the atmosphere, the story that has been created, and you’re part of it.” Internationally acclaimed architect Daniel Libeskind shares the incredible story of his architectural journey.
Tour the Modernism Week Showcase Home and Four Modernism Week Featured Homes (throughout the run of the 11-day festival)
Each year Modernism Week offers exclusive tours of Featured Homes, and this year it has added a special Showcase Home.
Attendees will be able tour the five homes located in the Coachella Valley (tours occur on different days throughout Modernism Week):
Showcase Home: Gillman Residence(1948) Herbert W Burns, Architectural Designer & Builder
Dates Open: 2/14, 2/15, 2/16, 2/17, 2/20, 2/21, 2/22, 2/23,Cost: $40This restored architectural gem pays homage to the incomparable Herbert Burns. Partially demolished and neglected for many years, this 1948 home is being restored in time for Modernism Week 2020 by the dynamic duo at Thomboy Properties.It was designed to take advantage of the natural beauty and appealing climate of the desert by incorporatingan indoor-outdoor lifestyle
Featured Homes:Guggenheim House (1967)
Architect: Unknown
Dates Open: February 14, 15,16,$30
This1967 architectural gem was recently remodeled by Grace Home Furnishings to stunningly capture modern Palm Springs style. The interior spaces feature a seamless blend of contemporary furnishings and vintage pieces, and the bold color palette expertly mixes pattern and texture to achieve a fun yet sophisticated atmosphere that embodies the carefree Palm Springs lifestyle. The home is located in the prestigious Indian Canyons neighborhood, which boasts deep midcentury roots and distinctive architecture.
Miles Bates “Wave” House (1955)
Architect: Walter S. White
Dates open: February 21-23, $30
The Miles Bates House—known as the Wave House for its curving roof that mimics the San Jacinto mountains behind it—is being opened publicly for the first time since its remarkable restoration. Itwas one of more than forty houses in and around Palm Desert designed by local-born Walter S. White. In 2018 this home became the first Palm Desert landmark to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Purchased that spring by Stayner Architects, a family-run architecture and development firm based in Los Angeles, the Wave House has been lovingly and meticulously restored to Walter White’s original designs.
Mesa Modern (2020)
Architect: Collaborative
Dates open: February 21-23, $30
Experience Palm Springs’ transformation from midcentury modern to contemporary architecture and design at Mesa Modern, a featured design house in collaboration with interior designer Michelle Boudreau, landscape architect John Feldman of Ecocentrix and the design team of Juniper House that gains its inspiration from a global perspective on art, architecture, and interior and landscape design. The city’s new design movement is represented in this newly constructed home that emphasizes outstanding architecture and stunning outdoor spaces at the base of the beautiful San Jacinto mountains in the Mesa neighborhood.
Modernism Week Opening Night Party: SpaceModyssey2020Launch into outer space at this wild and entertaining Opening Night Party celebrating 15 years of Modernism Week. The Palm Springs Air Museum will be transformed into a futuristic space station, complete with intergalactic cocktails and atomic party cuisine (provided by Lulu)and the legendary David Bowie tribute performer “Space Oddity.” Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite party-gear or space regalia. The event takes place Thursday, February 13 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $175. This special evening is presented by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.