Palm Springs Modernism Week Fall Preview is Coming!

Who: All Lovers of Mid-Century Modern architecture and design.

What: Modernism Week Fall Preview 2016

When: Columbus Day Weekend, October 21-23, 2016. Tickets go on sale on August 1, 2016 at noon Pacific Time at www.modernismweek.com.

Where: Various Locations around Palm Springs, California

Why: As described in their Mission Statement: “The mission of Modernism Week is to celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in Palm Springs.” The Modernism Week Fall Preview often highlights the most popular events from the past February extravaganza plus gives a sneak peek at what is coming down the road at the next February festival. Events can include festive cocktail parties, architectural tours accessed by walking, biking and double-decker bus, Sunnylands tours, the Modernism Show and Sale plus much more! A few of our favorites are highlighted below.

Charles Phoenix: Super Duper Double Decker Bus Tour of “Palm Springsland”

Enjoy Palm Springs with a truly unique tour guide, humorist and Ambassador of Americana Charles Phoenix. He will guide you on a wonderful adventure atop a double-decker, open-air bus. Charles’ spirited tour highlights exterior views of dozens of spectacular Midcentury Modern estates and homes. Additional double-decker tour bus rides are available with different tour guides if you miss your chance for one with Charles Phoenix.

Frey House II Tour

Hosted by Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council, these 45-minute docent-led tours are a rare opportunity to see the residence of modernist architect Albert Frey. A limited number will enjoy this unique experience and gain insight into this Modern master’s architectural sensibility. A reception is included with the last tour of the day. This is truly a one-of-a-kind treat for mid-century modern lovers. Tours are available Oct 22 & 23, 2016.

Sunnylands Historic House Tour

The former winter home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg is now a high-level retreat center where world leaders and experts gather to discuss problems and possible solutions facing the world. The Sunnylands Historic House Tour will bring together an intimate group of seven people to tour the 25,000 square foot midcentury masterpiece with Mayan influences. Famed architect A. Quincy Jones designed the home, which interior designers William Haines and Ted Graber decorated in the Hollywood Regency style. Take advantage of the free Sunnylands Center & Gardens where you can view a 20 minute movie about Sunnylands plus explore the informational kiosks located at the Center. Several private tours are available Oct 21, 22 and 23, 2016.

Best of “Modernism With a Twist” Cocktail Party and Program

When was the last time you enjoyed a “Think and Drink” event? This popular cocktail party is a fundraiser for Makerville (which supports “Tools for Tomorrow,” an organization that funds children’s arts programming in public schools) and hosted by the midcentury resort property The Desert Star. Five highly amusing yet informative talks will be delivered with a full multimedia presentation including midcentury modern cuisine, advertising, pharmaceuticals, jazz and the fickle nature of popular opinion. You have your choice of dates for this party, October 21st and 22nd.

Photo Credit: Blake Bronstad, Stocksnap.io