Palm Springs Modernism Week - What You Need to Know and How to Book

Although the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a scenic tour through Joshua Tree National Park, or a trip to the Air Museum might be the main attraction during your trip to Palm Springs any other time of year, the highlight of any February visit, without question, is Palm Springs Modernism Week. 

A celebration of epic proportions, Palm Springs Modernism Week highlights the enduring popularity of mid-century modern architecture. The design aesthetic, characterized by simplicity, form, and functionality, remains as popular today as it was when A-listers like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe coveted these urban masterpieces in the Palm Springs desert oasis. Incorporating fresh perspectives and materials and crafted with a minimalist approach by visionary architects of the era, each home embodied the essence of contemporary living. Defined by angular details, flat roofs, and glass walls seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, this imaginative architectural style celebrated the Southern California lifestyle, solidifying a definitive era of innovation and design.

With one of the largest collections of preserved mid-century modern buildings, nowhere is mid-century modern architecture more revered than in Palm Springs. All of the glamour and sophistication of yesteryear still live today, and you can catch a glimpse during Palm Springs Modernism Week!

Palm Springs Modernism Week, an annual celebration held in the iconic desert city of Palm Springs, California, is a vibrant homage to mid-century modern design, architecture, and culture. Showcasing a diverse array of meticulously preserved modernist homes, along with a series of engaging tours, exhibitions, and lectures, the event captures the essence of the 1950s and 1960s design movement, attracting design enthusiasts, architects, and history aficionados from around the globe.  With dozens of events slated over eleven days, you won’t want to miss it! 

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs 

Where to Stay

Of course, Palm Springs Modernism Week wouldn’t be complete without a stay in a fabulous mid-century modern wonder. We’re highlighting a few notable mentions below, all featured in previous Modernism Week events, and each eager to host you and your fabulous friends.

West Elm House 1 

Built by Alexander Construction Company, West Elm House 1 was lovingly restored by West Elm, a branch of Williams-Sonoma. Organic, handcrafted materials are hallmarks of this mid-century transformation, featuring an outdoor living pavilion, five fire features, a gas barbecue, and poolside chaise lounges. Located in the Little Beverly Hills neighborhood, a picturesque walkable community bordered by two golf courses, West Elm House 1 offers the perfect ending to the perfect day in Palm Springs. 

West Elm House 2019

With proximity to the Palm Springs Art Museum and downtown Palm Springs, location isn’t the only reason West Elm House 2019 is such a standout. Located in the El Mirador neighborhood of Palm Springs, this stunning retreat features sublime postcard-worthy outdoor spaces flanked by palm trees with a designer concept pool, an integrated waterfall spa, and a fire pit. Impeccable design, stunning architecture, and iconic furnishings elevate this glamorous estate, showcasing a phenomenal art collection. A stay at West Elm House 2019 elevates any vacation to another level.

Glass and Steel House

Hailed for its contemporary conceptual design, Glass and Steel House effortlessly merges indoor and outdoor living, highlighting incredible mountain vistas and breathtaking sunsets. This desert marvel is nothing short of inspiring, with free-flowing spaces, mid-century-inspired art and decor, and an elegant environment ideal for entertaining. A heated in-ground pool, outdoor dining areas, a barbecue, and poolside seating make the home's exterior a popular gathering spot. One stay in Glass and Steel House will easily see you time and time back again.

Mostero House

Mostero House transcends the vacationing experience, effortlessly integrating architecture, design, and art and offering refined and understated luxury. A generous floor plan features plush interiors, polished concrete and terrazzo floors, and a carefully curated art collection, creating an environment of modern sophistication. Located in Old Las Palmas on an oversized corner lot, a stay at Mostero House puts you within walking distance of the Palm Springs Uptown Design District and world-famous Palm Canyon Drive.

Mellow Yellow Butterfly

Featuring a saltwater pool, a fire pit lounge, an outdoor kitchen, and a covered dining pavilion, the Mellow Yellow Butterfly is the perfect place to host a party. Interiors in this beautifully remodeled mid-century home are just as sensational, with clean lines, an open-concept floor plan, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Modern conveniences add to the charm of this classic Alexander Butterfly home in Racquet Club Estates, exuding luxury in the best possible way. We highly recommend adding Mellow Yellow Butterfly to your Palm Springs vacation favorites list.

Belding Bliss

Rainbow hues and pops of color give Belding Bliss an unmistakable swanky Palm Springs vibe as imagined by modernist designer Christopher Kennedy. Designer wallpaper in the bedrooms, a remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and upgrades throughout make interiors Instagram-worthy, while exterior features draw guests to the heart of the home. A private yard with a saltwater pool, a tanning deck and spa, and outdoor living pavilions are just a few reasons to spend most of any visit outdoors. Located in Sunrise Par, Belding Bliss promises an unforgettable Palm Springs getaway.

No Regrets When You Stay With ACME

Of course, these are just a few of the impeccably maintained, centrally located, mid-century modern retreats we offer in the Greater Palm Springs area. Feel free to browse our carefully curated portfolio of equally stunning homes guaranteed to make your stay at Palm Springs Modernism Week spectacular!

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: ACME manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit ACME’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rental Homes.

Published by Matthew Bruce
Friday, October 20, 2023