Palm Springs, a city surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes and the majestic Coachella Valley, has long drawn visitors for its natural beauty. However, it is the city’s unparalleled mid-century modern architecture that attracts design enthusiasts from around the globe. Modernism Week, one of the world’s premier architecture festivals, celebrates this distinctive aesthetic annually, and its 2025 edition is fast approaching.
Known for its iconic celebrity homes and groundbreaking designs by world-renowned architects, Palm Springs is a living museum of modernist architecture. Modernism Week upholds this legacy, educating visitors about the principles of modernist design while showcasing the city’s extraordinary homes and public buildings. From February 13th to February 23rd, the 2025 festival promises an unforgettable experience with an array of tours, events, and educational programs.
First launched in 2006 as a fusion of two local events, Modernism Week has evolved into a nationally celebrated phenomenon, drawing more than 100,000 attendees annually and contributing tens of millions of dollars to the local economy. Beyond its cultural significance, the festival supports local charities and funds architecture scholarships for deserving students.
Modernism Week 2025 will feature hundreds of events across iconic Palm Springs locations, offering something for every taste. Highlights include walking and bus tours, lively galas, themed parties, and educational seminars. This year’s programming is particularly special as the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The festivities kick off with the 20th Anniversary Opening Night Extravaganza, a glamorous evening featuring celebrity impersonators of Palm Springs icons such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, along with dancing, dining, and live entertainment. Additional social events include a Sunset Jazz Party at the Koerner Residence, a 1960s-themed celebration at the VIBE house, and a retro martini soiree at the Butler Residence.
For architecture enthusiasts, Modernism Week offers a treasure trove of tours. Visitors can explore properties such as the Howard Hughes residence, the iconic Sunrise Lanai compound, and eight Wexler/Harrison-designed homes in El Rancho Vista Estates. Bus tours, among the festival’s most popular offerings, provide a broader perspective on the city’s architectural heritage. Notable bus tours include the Sinatra Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts tour, offering a glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle of Palm Springs’s elite.
Tickets for Modernism Week are sold individually for each event, with prices varying. For example, tickets to Sinatra’s Neighborhood Tour are priced at $50, while the Opening Night Extravaganza costs $350. Due to the festival’s popularity, many events have already sold out, so prospective attendees are encouraged to act quickly to secure their spots. For those unable to attend certain events, Modernism Week also offers free and general-access experiences throughout its duration.
