Mid-Century Modernism Week Begins In Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The annual 11-day celebration of midcentury architecture, art and design was underway Thursday in Palm Springs during Modernism Week.

The festival features more than 400 tours, programs and events, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the nonprofit and other local preservation, neighborhood and community groups.

The Community and Meeting Place will host an array of experiences and special events, including stylish themed parties, mahjong meetups, and a student art exhibition by Coachellart Camp, which is located inside the Hyatt Palm Springs, at 285 N. Palm Canyon, and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Modernism Week.

The first night will conclude with "Modernist Motown," an opening night party presented by Ferguson Home at 7 p.m., featuring live Motown classics, cocktails and a retro-inspired look.

There will be numerous tours, presentations, exhibitions and special events through Feb. 22, such as the Andreas Hills II neighborhood tour, uptown design district tour, Palm Springs modernism show and Modernism Week vintage car show, "Starlight Soiree."

"The annual festival that celebrates modernist architecture, design, and culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California this year will offer more than 450 engaging programs during the 11-day festival," spokesperson Bob Bogard told Patch. "While some of the programs are sold out, tickets are available for a range of exciting and compelling activities, including many free and low-cost programs. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to modernismweek.com."

Highlighted programs that still have availability include:

Signature Activities

• Start the festival by stepping back in time for a night of vintage glamour at the Modernism Week Opening Night Party: Modernist Motown (2/12, $350). Opening Night will be a celebration of music and style at Modernist Motown. Live Motown classics, bold Palm Springs style, cocktails and delectable food stations will make for an unforgettable night.
• For those looking to find rare vintage furniture or accessories, don’t miss the festive Preview Party for the Palm Springs Modernism Show (2/13, $150) at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The party is the prime opportunity for participants to shop directly from dealers before the show opens to the public on Saturday.
• Keynote Presentation: Elizabeth Diller, Diller Scofidio + Renfro (2/14, $45, $65, $125) Modernism Week is honored to welcome architect Elizabeth Diller, a founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), as the keynote presenter for 2026.
• Special Event: 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize Ceremony (2/18, $20) World Monuments Fund and Modernism Week have partnered to present the 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize ceremony, announcing the 2026 prize recipient. This is the first time this event has been held outside of New York City. The World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize has been made possible, in part, by support from Knoll.
• Palm Springs Modernism Show (2/13 - 2/16, $35 in advance, $40 at door) This annual show is the most well-attended activity of Modernism Week.
• Curated Vintage Event (2/14 and 2/15, $15 and $30) Retailers and private dealers showcase their finest vintage apparel, luxury items, textiles, jewelry, and accessories.
• Modernism Week's kick-off FREE event, the walk-of-stars rededication for First Lady of Modernism Week Nelda Linsk's star (2/12, FREE) The star of beloved long-time Palm Springs resident Nelda Linsk will be updated with the title “First Lady of Modernism Week.”

More information on schedules and ticketing is available at www.modernismweek.com.