Sam West

Modernism Week Palm Springs 2025 Celebrates 20th Anniversary  

Photo credit:  Ilpo’s Sojourn

It seems there isn’t a second that passes in the Coachella Valley when Mid-Century designs aren’t celebrated in some way. Yet, Palm Springs still devotes a “week” to Mid-Century Modern styles. That “week” lasts 10 days this year, but it still doesn’t seem like enough time to pack in every event, tour, lecture, and party. It’s Modernism Week. And this year’s Modernism Week Palm Springs event celebrates 20 years of the extravaganza that spotlights art, culture, and, of course, architecture in the beloved Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. So what are we most looking forward to? Where do we begin? 

Featured Home Tour: The West House 

(February 14 – 17; 21 – 23)

Included among the Featured Home Tours for Modernism Week Palm Springs 2025 is The West House, so named because it was once the residence of Adam West. Yes, the original television Batman. West was a character in his own right, but the tour of this 1954 property will primarily focus on Albert Frey’s original design and Michelle Boudreau Design’s recent renovations. But if you’re a Batman fan, you won’t be disappointed. 

Featured Home Tour: The Sackley Chase Experience

(February 14 – 17; 21 – 23)

The Sackley Chase Experience makes up the second major Featured Home Tour of the week. It spotlights a delightful 1976 home that served as the combined canvas for two legends: architect Stan Stackley and interior designer Steve Chase. Name a more iconic duo! We’ll wait. Recently updated by Grace Home Furnishings, their efforts accent the striking juxtaposition of Brutalism and Mid-Century Modernism contrasting the natural beauty of the panoramic views of the mountains and golf course.  

Palm Springs’ wealth of Mid-Century Modernism architecture is so astounding that narrowing down 10 favorites feels impossible. Fortunately, Modernism Week Palm Springs is doing the hard work for you this year with their Mid-Century Top Ten Tour. With expert tour guide Trevor O’Donnell at the helm, guests will see legendary works from the comforts of a 22-seat motor coach, including structures designed by architectural luminaries including:

  • Robson Chambers
  • John Porter Clark
  • William F. Cody
  • Albert Frey
  • Richard Harrison
  • Hugh Kaptur
  • William Krisel
  • Donald Wexler
  • Walter S. White
  • E. Stewart Williams

The Arthur Elrod “Escape House” Tour

Photo credit: Arthur Elrod Facebook Fan Page While not a new tour, it’s not every year that Modernism Week gives guests the opportunity to tour the 1962 former residence of architectural master Arthur Elrod. In fact, the last time Modernism Week attendees got a chance was in 2019. This time capsule will open its doors to the public once again with a special tour guided by one of Elrod’s longtime friends and former clients, local Palm Springs celebrity Nelda Linsk. You’ve seen Elrod’s work. Now see how he lived! 

Planning Your Modernism Week Palm Springs Experience

We haven’t even really touched on the bus tours, neighborhood tours, parties, and lectures, but with over 350 events comprising 2025’s Modernism Week Palm Springs, covering it all is a Herculean task. All activities are open to the public but tickets are required to most, including the free entry events. And since they’ve been available since early November, several events have sold out. We recommend visiting the non-profit organization’s site and making your choices ASAP. But even if you don’t get into your top choices, rest assured that Modernism Week is a spectacle unto itself. And even without tickets, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this Mid-Century mecca. 

Please reach out if you have any questions about Palm Springs real estate.

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