By Bob Bogard
Modernism Week returns February 12 to 22, 2026. The 11-day event will offer more than 450 unique experiences, including the renowned Palm Springs Modernism Show, tours of iconic architectural homes, and vibrant evening events. The programming provides a perfect blend of education and entertainment for enthusiasts of architecture and design. Festival highlights include a range of engaging architectural tours aboard open-air double-decker buses, walking and biking excursions, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, retro-themed parties, and captivating talks by world-class speakers. Tickets are on sale at modernismweek.com. While some events are sold out, there are many activities that still have availability. All events are open to the public.
“We are pleased to offer so many new activities this year and showcase our most popular fan-favorite events,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week. “Our diverse range of exciting programs offers something for everyone and every price point. We’re especially grateful to the many homeowners who have generously opened their homes for our exclusive tours. We look forward to sharing this festival with the entire community.”
Festival Highlights
Celebration for Nelda Linsk, the “First Lady of Modernism Week”
Beloved long-time Palm Springs resident Nelda Linsk arrived in the city in 1962 and has been a continuing influence on the culture, architecture, fashion, art, and interior design of the city ever since. Her ongoing community-wide influence will be honored during the festival in several ways, starting with Modernism Week’s Kick-off Free Event, the Walk-Of-Stars Rededication Nelda Linsk’s Star (2/12, FREE). This is the first rededication of a star -the words “First Lady of Modernism Week” will be now included on her star. Nelda will be specially honored with This Is Your Life, Nelda Linsk (2/19, $25), a captivating review of her amazing life and career, and featuring appearances by special guests.
Featured Tours
• Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: The Marquee at Twin Palms (2/13 – 2/16, 2/20 – 2/22, $40) The Marquee at Twin Palms is a luminous showcase of midcentury modern design in one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated neighborhoods. Built in 1957 and recently reimagined by H3K Home + Design, this architectural gem creates a seamless dialogue between past and present through sleek lines and warm textures. A dramatic decorative breeze block entry leads to interior spaces that showcase the era’s signature post-and-beam style, where soaring ceilings and walls of glass invite sunlight, mountain views, and effortless flow. Modernism Week sponsors Brizo, California Closets, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Ferguson Home, Flor, James Martin Vanities, Kichler, and Monogram contributed to this home’s stunning renovation.
• Signature Home Tour: Morning and Afternoon Tour (2/22, $150) The Signature Home Tour has long been one of the premier Modernism Week interior home tour experiences and this year is no exception. Each Sunday will showcase a different selection of homes in Palm Springs, curated to show the best of Desert Modernism. The self-driven home tour through various neighborhoods in Palm Springs featuring several iconic architectural homes by some of the areas most noted architects.
• Home Tour of “That Pink Door House”: Villa Sierra (2/18, $40) Welcome behind those famous pink doors in the Indian Canyons neighborhood to discover all that the playful Villa Sierra by James McNaughton reveals in its colorful take on Midcentury Modern Hollywood Regency design.
• Celebrities on the Green: A Celebration at the Historic O’Donnell Golf Club (2/16, $250 Standard Admission, $350 All Inclusive Tour Experience) Celebrate the glamour of Palm Springs’ golden era at this unforgettable evening where lively music, classic style, exceptional food, handcrafted cocktails, and the timeless allure of vintage Palm Springs all come together at the historic O’Donnell Golf Club. This early-evening event features a spectacular array of beautifully restored midcentury automobiles and fun go-go dancers that will bring retro spirit to life. Guests will also enjoy a high-energy performance by The Dreamboats, charismatic performers who infuse timeless sounds of the 50s and 60s with a fresh, contemporary energy.
Architectural Bus Tours
One of the best ways to experience Modernism Week is on the popular Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour (2/12 – 2/22, $130). This signature tour provides guests with a 2.5-hour overview of significant civic and commercial buildings as well as residential properties located within notable Palm Springs neighborhoods including the midcentury “leisure lifestyle” communities in South Palm Springs. Lead by knowledgeable guides, this open-air experience provides participants with a better understanding of the historical richness and architectural diversity found in this desert oasis.
In addition, Modernism Week offers other compelling double decker bus tours, including:
• Illuminated Twilight Bus Tour (2/13 – 18, 2/20, and 2/21, $100) This evening tour provides guests with a 90-minute illuminated view of some of the most significant midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs.
• Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour (2/12 – 2/21, $100) This 90-minute tour features the desert-modern style homes of Rat Pack members and several of the hangouts that they frequented, many of which still exist. Also see residences of other celebrities of the era, including Dinah Shore, Elvis Presley, Liberace, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and Jack Benny.
Neighborhood Tours
Modernism Week will feature 15 tours (including 5 new tours) in historic neighborhoods in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells. These neighborhood tours enable guests to explore unique neighborhoods and view the stunning interiors of distinctive homes not normally open to the public.
New neighborhood tours include:
• Alta Revealed- Contemporary Desert Living Home Tour (2/16, $120) Tour six striking Alta residences, designed by Narendra Patel. Experience soaring ceilings, vanishing glass walls, and seamless indoor-outdoor living framed by dramatic San Jacinto views.
• Andreas Hills II Neighborhood Home Tour (2/21, $60) Tour the William Cody–designed Andreas Hills II (1970–72), a serene 26-unit community with sweeping mountain views, lush greenbelts, and signature indoor-outdoor modernist living.
• Casa Dorado at Indian Wells Home and Neighborhood Tour (2/15, $95) Tour eight midcentury homes and the clubhouse at Casa Dorado, a 1964 Indian Wells gem with lush grounds, lakes, pools, and dramatic mountain views.
• Discover the Midcentury Marvel of Firebird Estates (2/21, $80) Tour seven uniquely curated environments featuring striking rooflines, expansive windows, and serene, landscaped grounds.
• Tour With the Author: Unseen Midcentury Desert Modern with Daniel Chavkin (2/17, $150) This exclusive event offers rare access to private residences in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage by legendary architects including Donald Wexler, Stan Sackley, Richard Harrison, William Cody, Dean Davidson, E. Stewart Williams, and more.
Parties And Vintage Vibes
This year, Modernism Week will offer several enticing parties with vintage vibes, including some offered at former Hollywood residences that are rarely open to the public:
• 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. The ticket price includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and re-entry to the show all weekend.
New Modernism Week Parties:
• Starlight Soirée: Saturday Night at The Marquee at Twin Palms (2/14, $200) Join the party and experience a festive evening with designers and design-lovers at the newest Featured Home by H3K Home + Design.
• License to Thrill – The Music of James Bond Live Music and Cocktail Party (2/15 and 2/16, $95) This unique mod-60s cocktail party features an immersive multimedia live concert celebrating the music of the James Bond spy films, as played by the Gand Band.
• An Incredible Evening at Parr House (2/18, $75) Step into a world of midcentury modern elegance and Disney storytelling at Parr House, the stunning centerpiece of the Artisan Club at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community. Inspired by the iconic home from Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles 2, this two-story space blends sleek architecture with vibrant design details, creating a one-of-a-kind setting. The event includes a stylish reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and live music.
Featured Talks
Modernism Week will offer nearly 80 insightful, informative, and entertaining talks, panel discussions, and films during the festival.
Highlighted talks include:
• 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. Diller is also a Professor of Architecture at Princeton University. Alongside partner Ricardo Scofidio (1935-2025), Diller’s cross-genre work has been distinguished with TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” list and the first MacArthur Foundation fellowship awarded in the field of architecture. A book signing follows the presentation.
• Stories Untold – Rebuilding Futures: Japanese American Designers in the Wake of Internment (2/16, FREE) Despite facing forced internment in the midcentury period, many Japanese Americans excelled in the fields of architecture and design, greatly shaping the legacy of modernism as we know it. Underwriting for Stories Untold and complimentary admission generously provided by Room & Board.
Special Events
• Vintage Trailer Show (2/21 and 2/22, $30) This is one of the most celebrated and exciting events of Modernism Week’s second weekend. It is a thoughtfully curated collection of vintage trailers, campers, buses and motor homes and is arguably one of the largest and most attended vintage trailer shows in the United States.
• PS UNDERGROUND invites attendees to enjoy four special dinner shows during the festival. SITCOM (2/14, $225) is a fun-filled four-course musical meal inspired by classic television sitcoms, variety shows, and commercials from past decades. Free-flowing cocktails, beer, and wine will complement Chef Dave’s secret four-course meal, inspired by classic recipes. Other performances include Bacon, Beehives and Bubbly, a festive, musical morning serving up our favorites: bacon, big hair and bubbly vibes (2/22, $130), Palm Springs Holiday, a midcentury dream with a stunning multi-course meal along with live performers who will bring to life iconic songs made famous by Palm Springs residents and regulars (2/18 – 2/21, $225), and Queens of Soul and Jazz, an enchanting evening celebrating the unforgettable music of renowned Jazz and Soul singers (2/15 – 2/17, $225).
Don’t miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind festival.
