Modernism Week: Palm Springs annual Feb and Oct event

Shop some of my travel essentials / my LTK / my children’s travel book / Plannin hotel recommendations / Travel Aunties

Twice a year, Palm Springs, California draws in thousands of visitors each October and February to explore architecture during Modernism Week. Seen as a mecca for this specific design category, Palm Springs has one of the largest concentrations of preserved mid-century modern architecture in the world. I have volunteered on a few occasions when I was in town, and it features myriad events, including tours, talks, and parties in unique locations not regularly open to the public. There is often a dedicated seasonal Modernism Show, featuring premier national exhibitors offering vintage furniture, decorative and fine art representing all design movements of the 20th century and 21st century contemporary design as well.

Palm Springs tourism created a Mid-Century Architecture Self-Guided Tour

Beyond the architecture, there are numerous galleries, shops and consignment stores, specializing on vintage finds befitting the era, for which designers, set decorators, and collectors regularly visit to find hidden gems. I personally have scouted items across the desert towns for years, and am constantly astounded at my finds, from fashion to art to interior design items.

Another great way to see some of this style, is by watching the 2022 film ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ shot in Palm Springs, encapsulating its heyday era:


California, CultureCarrie Mitchellcalifornia, palm springs, architecture, art