Our procrastinator’s guide to Modernism Week 2025

If you’ve sensed more people in town, you’d be right, because this week is the start of Modernism Week, an annual event that attracts more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world. But there’s plenty for locals to love and tons of events that still have tickets available.

While the major attractions draw crowds of architecture enthusiasts, some of the most intriguing events showcase lesser known sides of modernism, including a modernist take on a Spanish revival home, and let you learn the history of buildings you probably pass by every day. Check out the full schedule of events here.

As always, it’s free to view one of our favorite annual Modernism Week events – the models of midcentury modern buildings created by local schoolchildren (learn more about the project here) – and don’t forget that The Palm Springs International Jazz Festival, a part of Modernism Week, begins one week from today on Feb. 20.

Following are some of our picks for ModWeek events that still have tickets:

Step Back in Time: Experience the Aluminaire House in 1931
Friday | Annenberg Theater | Free
Explore the interior of the Aluminaire House through a recreation in stunning photorealistic cinematic detail. It’s not possible to visit the interior of the house today due to modern ADA and fire safety codes, so take advantage of this rare chance. 

The Weird and Wonderful World of Industrial Musicals
Saturday & Sunday | Hyatt Palm Springs | $25
Diesel Dazzle … Got to Investigate Silicones … The Bathrooms Are Coming…? Welcome to the hilarious and head-spinning alternate universe of industrial musical theater, presented by Letterman Show and The Simpsons writer Steve Young. Steve screens surreal, ultra-rare 50s-to-70s in-house films from General Electric, Kellogg’s, American-Standard, Citgo, Purina, and more, with affectionately snarky commentary (and even a bit of live music).

Atomic Ranch Talk & Condo Tour: Renovating Ocotillo Lodge
Sunday | Ocotillo Lodge | $100
The Ocotillo Lodge, designed by Palmer & Krisel and built by the Alexander Company and built in 1957 once served as a hotel for those lured into the glitz and glamour of Palm Springs living. Join Atomic Ranch magazine for a talk with Ocotillo historians and homeowners to learn about its fascinating history and its rumored guest list (said to include Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Perry Como, and the Rolling Stones) and more.

Hey, Hey…We’re the Monkees! Mod Music and Cocktail Party
Sunday & Monday | Palm Springs Cultural Center | $95
Join in for a Mod 60s cocktail party plus an immersive multimedia live concert celebrating the music of the Monkees, America’s first pre-fab rock band created by TV executives for a weekly sitcom. You’ll be singing along with their classic songs played in the unique style of the Gand Band. Ticket price includes one drink. Dress to impress in Mod 60s style!

Twin Palms: It Started Here!
Monday | Check in at Ocotillo Lodge | $95
In 1957, Twin Palms became the desert’s first completed Modernist neighborhood. Designed by William Krisel and built by the Alexander Construction Company, Twin Palms sparked the Desert Modernist movement that continues to this day. Exclusive to this tour is a multimedia exhibit featuring graphic panels, scale home models, and a video kiosk.

Growing Up Wexler
Monday through Thursday | Address provided after ticket purchase | $50
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the house architect Donald Wexler designed for his family in the Movie Colony neighborhood of Palm Springs in 1955, a selection of memorabilia, including original architectural drawings and sketches, will be exhibited throughout the house, which is rarely open to the public. 

The Eye and the Inn: The O’Donnell House and the Legendary Desert Inn
Feb. 19 | Palm Springs Cultural Center | Free, ticket required
Local historian and author Tracy Conrad will explore the fascinating histories of the Thomas O’Donnell House and the Desert Inn. The Desert Inn (sadly demolished in 1966) was the vision of Palm Springs pioneer Nellie Coffman, who established it as a rudimentary sanitarium in 1909. 

A 1929 Spanish Revival Transformed Into A Modern Marvel: House Tour
Feb. 20 | Address provided after ticket purchase | $45
Originally built in 1929, the home was recently fully renovated and is considered a great expression of how to blend Spanish Revival architecture with the sophistication of Modern design elements. 

Divinely Inspired: Discussing the William F. Cody Design of St. Theresa Catholic Church
Feb. 21 | St. Theresa Catholic Church | $45
St. Theresa Catholic Church has long been heralded as a desert gem and a testament to the breadth and depth of William F. Cody’s talents. Catherine Cody, daughter of William F. Cody and architect Morris Skenderian, AIA, who had just joined Cody’s firm at the time the St. Theresa project began, will share stories, photos, drawings, and talk about the artisans and craftspeople involved in making Cody’s design a reality. 

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