Get a sneak peek at life in the midcentury modern era at Palm Springs' annual Modernism Week (February 12 to 22, 2026). Experience vintage architecture, art, culture and interior and landscape design through touring homes with clean lines and a connection to nature, listening to rock 'n' roll music by Elvis Presley, wearing bold, geometric fashion, and taking a ride in classic cars, such as the Cadillac Eldorado or Ford Thunderbird.
Palm Springs is the mecca for midcentury innovation and design, which spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s, peaking in the '50s and '60s. With more than 350 curated experiences, Modernism Week features walking and bus tours of iconic neighborhoods, themed parties, impressive guest lecturers, walk-through and drive-by home tours, various film screenings, live music at multiple venues, a vintage trailer show, the Palm Springs Modernism Show and more.
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Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour
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Palm Springs Art Museum
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Functional Architecture
The architecture and interior design of the midcentury modern era emphasize clean lines, open spaces, indoor/outdoor living, and large windows. Modernism Week typically includes homes designed by some of the most well-known architects from the mid-twentieth century, including John Lautner, Donald Wexler, William "Bill" Krisel, William Cody, Albert Frey and A. Quincy Jones.
Hop on a double-decker guided bus tour to see homes and buildings in historic neighborhoods such as Vista Las Palmas, Indian Canyons, Twin Palms, Deepwell Estates, Movie Colony and Canyon View Estates. The knowledgeable guides provide entertaining history and stories about those who built and lived in the homes.
Must-see stops often include Sunnylands Center & Gardens, the Steve McQueen residence, the Frank Sinatra estate, the Arthur Elrod “Escape House,” the Lautner compound, the House of Tomorrow, the Elvis Presley honeymoon house, the Frey House II and the Kaufmann House (as seen in the 2022 movie "Don't Worry Darling" starring Harry Styles).
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Modernism Week is full of opportunities to attend theater performances, hear live music, be inspired by art, watch educational films, and shop for midcentury modern fashion. Take in a dinner show by PS UNDERGROUND for a gourmet meal and music to get you in the midcentury modern mood with songs from Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennet or Ella Fitzgerald. Don't miss music from the Rat Pack or the "Dean Z" Elvis tribute at the stunning, newly restored 1936 Plaza Theater. Stop by The Shag Store to purchase a Palm Springs-inspired midcentury modern print and take a tour of the vibrant The Shag House in the Little Beverly Hills neighborhood. Look the part by picking up a colorful caftan at the Trina Turk store, or browse thrift shops such as Gypsyland, The Frippery or Iconic Atomic for the perfect retro outfit.
Vintage Lodging
Take advantage of the 11-day Modernism Week festival by staying multiple nights in Palm Springs. Continue the midcentury modern vibes with an overnight stay at a hotel with vintage-inspired accommodations. The recently opened Thompson Hotel offers luxury lodging the Rat Pack would have enjoyed. Be mesmerized by the stunning artwork throughout the property, bring your pet for free, and book a room in the Upper Stories for an elevated, adults-only experience. The hotel is conveniently located downtown on North Palm Canyon Drive and is walkable to numerous shops and restaurants.
Other classic desert modernism hotels include the luxury Parker Palm Springs (popular with celebrities), The Skylark that was recently renovated, the retro Orbit In, the all-steel, adults-only Limón, the chic Del Marcos Hotel by Kirkwood Collection, the glamorous Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows, and the colorful Saguaro Palm Springs.
View the full schedule at ModernismWeek.com. Tickets go on sale on November 1, 2025. Plan your stay in Palm Springs at visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.