Palm Springs Modernism Week From My Viewpoint 2024

Palm Springs Modernism Week Logo in front of Hyatt Palm Springs Photo by Kathy Condon

I am a fortunate person to be living in Palm Springs. Perhaps, fortunate is not the correct word, for I chose to move from Vancouver, Washington, twelve years ago. After 26 years in the Northwest, I looked for new adventures and warmer weather. Little did I understand the world that was opening to me.

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You have read about many of my adventures on my previous blogs. Today, however, I wanted to focus on one I am experiencing literally out my door. The subject is Modernism Week, a misnomer 11 days in length.

This annual event started in 2006 as an extension of the Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale and Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Symposium. Today, with 360 events to choose from, it attracts over 135,000 people worldwide in February every year.

Modernism Week House Tour Exterior Photo by Kathy Condon

Modernism is So Much More than About Buildings

Yes, Palm Springs' architectural style, now labeled Modernism or Midcentury, is prevalent. During the 50s and 60s, architects took risks, used steel in new ways, experimented with design elements to bring the outside in, using natural stone, and emphasized simplicity.

Happily, many of these homes still exist. They have been restored and even designated as historical sites, assuring future protection. During Modernism, you can take the double-decker bus to see neighborhoods with these homes and even tour individual residences.

Past Lectures for Palm Springs Modernism Week

History of Airstreams

I spent many years camping in a trailer with my family as a child. When the pass arrived for a film/lecture on Airstream trailers, I readily admit that I thought okay, but my excitement was underwhelming. Camping days were in my rearview mirror.

Yet, that afternoon, I found myself mesmerized by what I learned watching the documentary about the history of its development and relevance today.

Untold Stories of Black Influence in Palm Springs

Remember I said I have lived here for twelve years. Fortunately, stories are being uncovered and now written down. Listening to the presentations of black architects and community Activists and learning more about Lawrence Crosley, for whom we named a street, was quite the eye-opener.

I attended other lectures, but you get the picture. My brain was stretched because I was exposed to new subjects. I urge you to go to the Palm Springs Modernism Week website and sign up for their newsletter so you know what lectures are being presented in February 2024.

Meeting People

Conversations, standing in line or sitting next to someone in the auditorium, are always enlightening. I met a reporter from the Financial Times who had flown in from England to cover the events. These casual interchanges often end, offering some great insights into visitors' perceptions of our community.

Parties

One year, the Dreamboats shared their talent at the open-air space at the Hyatt Palm Springs, exposing the younger people at Thursday night's Street Fair to the music popular in the 60s. Generation Y parents were seen rocking their children's strollers to the beat.

Palm Springs Modernism Week Items by Destination PSP at the CAMP Photo by Kathy Condon

Shopping

Craving to find a vintage 60s dress or shirt? Need new décor for your home? How about a vintage lamp or vase? We have everything from style shows to vintage vendors pulling out all the stops with their finds and willing to let go to a new home.

I trust I have raised your curiosity a bit. This 11-day feast of touring, learning, and shopping is under the umbrella of the word Modernism. If you are interested, I suggest you go to the Modernism Week website and sign up for their newsletter to get earlier notice of tickets for the smaller preview week in October 2024. You might also want to consider making your hotel reservation for the fall because our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels fill up rapidly.

For now, you understand thousands of people will descend on Palm Springs for this internationally recognized event.

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Kathy Condon Journalist and Travel Writer

Kathy Condon is a journalist, travel writer, and award-winning author with a niche of luxury experiences and cities living in the shadows of others. Publications here. About Kathy

kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-2094