Experience the Magic of Modernism Week 2026 in Palm Springs

Palm Springs transforms into the ultimate celebration of midcentury modern design every February, and Modernism Week 2026 promises to be the most spectacular yet. Taking place February 12-22, 2026, this 11-day festival is one of the top five international architecture festivals worldwide, featuring more than 450 events celebrating midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture.

If you're planning to experience this extraordinary event, now is the time to act. Tickets are selling fast, and the most popular tours and events sell out within days of going on sale. Here's everything you need to know to plan your Modernism Week adventure and why staying at ModMansions puts you right in the heart of the action.

Why Book Your Tickets Now

Tickets went on sale on November 1, 2025, and demand is intense. Popular tours like the Premier Double Decker Bus Tour and exclusive home tours routinely sell out, leaving disappointed architecture enthusiasts on waiting lists. With over 450 events spanning 11 days, early planning ensures you secure spots for your must-see experiences. Plus, a portion of ticket proceeds benefits Modernism Week (a non-profit organization) and other local preservation, neighborhood, and community groups, so your ticket purchase supports architectural preservation efforts.

The Iconic Bus Tours

Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour

Price: $130 (2.5 hours)

Dates: February 12-22

Modernism Week's signature tour offers guests an overview of significant civic and commercial buildings, as well as residential properties in notable Palm Springs neighborhoods, including the midcentury "leisure lifestyle" communities in South Palm Springs. This open-air experience showcases exteriors of architectural masterpieces, including William Krisel's House of Tomorrow, Richard Neutra's Kaufmann Desert House, Donald Wexler & Richard Harrison's Steel Development Houses, and E. Stewart Williams' legendary "Twin Palms" estate, the former residence of Frank Sinatra.

Charles Phoenix Super Duper Double Decker Bus Tour

Price: $160

Dates: February 13-22

Experience midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs with retro pop culture humorist and author Charles Phoenix, who leads a spirited adventure aboard a double-decker open-air bus. This entertaining tour combines architectural education with Charles' signature humor and enthusiasm for all things midcentury.

Sinatra's Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour

Price: $100 (90 minutes)

Dates: February 12-21

This 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 the residences of other celebrities of the era, including Dinah Shore, Elvis Presley, Liberace, Desi Arnaz, and Jack Benny.

Illuminated Twilight Bus Tour

Price: $100 (90 minutes)

Dates: February 13-18, 20, and 21

Experience Palm Springs' architectural treasures as they come alive under evening illumination, offering a completely different perspective on these iconic structures.

The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour

Price: $100 (90 minutes)

Dates: February 12-19

This tour showcases some of Palm Springs's most popular neighborhoods, highlighting spectacular home styles, including pre-war Spanish Colonial Revival and a range of midcentury modern residential architectural styles.

Exclusive Home Tours

Featured Home Tours

Soleil House by Trina Turk

A once-neglected 1963 home has been completely reimagined by designer Trina Turk, blending midcentury charm with modern comfort and bold color palettes. Tours available February 12-18 and 20-22. A special Sunset Cocktail Reception featuring designer Trina Turk is scheduled for Sunday, February 15.

The Marquee at Twin Palms

Price: $40

Dates: February 13-16, 20-22

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 showcasing the era's signature post-and-beam style, with soaring ceilings and walls of glass that invite sunlight and mountain views, creating an effortless flow. The home also hosts the Starlight Soirée: Saturday Night at The Marquee at Twin Palms on Saturday, February 14.

Rare Home Access Tours

Rare Home Access includes garden tours of the legendary Kaufmann Residence (Richard Neutra, 1946), and interior tours of Edris House (E. Stewart Williams, 1954), William Holden Estate (Joe Pawling, 1955), Frank Sinatra's "Twin Palms" Estate (E. Stewart Williams, 1947), and the James Logan Abernathy Residence (William F. Cody, 1962).

The Lautner Compound Tour

Price: $60

Dates: February 13-15, 20-21

Once a year, the doors swing open to "The Lautner," famed architect John Lautner's 1947 residential fourplex, a midcentury masterpiece. This is a rare chance to step inside and fully immerse yourself in the spectacular, visionary architecture.

Signature Tours

Signature Home Tour: Morning and Afternoon Tours (Sunday, February 15 and Sunday, February 22)

Palm Desert Signature Home Tour (Tuesday, February 17)

The La Quinta Country Club Signature Home Tour (Wednesday, February 19), an exclusive first-ever tour with golf cart transportation and a post-tour reception

Neighborhood Tours

The festival will feature 15 neighborhood tours (including five new ones) in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells, enabling guests to explore unique areas and view stunning home interiors not normally open to the public.

Special Events & Parties

Modernism Week Opening Night Party: Modernist Motown

Wednesday, February 12

Price: $350

Kick off the festival with live Motown classics, bold Palm Springs style, cocktails, and delectable food stations for an unforgettable night.

Palm Springs Modernism Show

Opening Night Party: Friday, February 13, 6 pm-9 pm

Show: Saturday, February 14, 10 am-6 pm

Preview Party: $150

Shop 125 national and international exhibitors offering the best in midcentury and modern design.

Vintage Trailer Show

February 21 and 22

Price: $30

Showcasing an extensive, curated collection of vintage campers and motor homes, this beloved event celebrates the vintage trailer lifestyle.

Progressive Dinner Party in Indian Canyons

February 14

Price: $330

An intimate culinary journey through stunning homes in this exclusive neighborhood.

Educational Programs & Films

Nearly 80 talks, panel discussions, and films will be offered throughout the festival. Highlights include:

World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize Ceremony

Wednesday, February 18

Price: $20

Being held outside New York City for the first time, the prize recognizes individuals and organizations that preserve modern built heritage through architectural and design solutions.

Stories Untold: Rebuilding Futures: Japanese American Designers in the Wake of Internment

February 16

Modernism and the Future of Housing: A Symposium

Saturday, February 21

Presented by the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Architectural Alliance.

This Is Your Life, Nelda Linsk

February 19

Price: $25

A special celebration honoring the "First Lady of Modernism Week" preceded by a free Walk-Of-Stars Rededication on February 12.

How to Purchase Tickets & Plan Your Visit

Website: modernismweek.com

Ticket Platform: go.modtix.com

Browse the complete schedule of over 450 events and purchase tickets directly through the ModTix platform. With events ranging from free walking tours to exclusive parties, there truly is something for every budget and interest.

Pro Tips for Attending:

1. Book your most desired tours immediately, as popular experiences sell out quickly
2. Arrive at bus tour locations at least 30 minutes early to exchange tickets for boarding passes
3. Bring sunscreen and hats for open-air bus tours
4. Plan your schedule, as some events overlap
5. Consider purchasing an all-access pass if you plan to attend multiple presentations and films
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Why Stay at ModMansions for Modernism Week

Staying at one of our authentic midcentury modern homes during Modernism Week isn't just accommodation, it's part of the experience. Wake up in a genuine architectural treasure, enjoy your morning coffee by a sparkling pool surrounded by mountain views, and return each evening to your own private piece of Palm Springs history.

Our properties are minutes from all Modernism Week events, offering the authentic midcentury living experience that brings the festival's celebrations to life. After a day of touring iconic homes and attending lectures, there's nothing quite like relaxing in your own midcentury masterpiece.

With tickets selling fast and accommodations filling up quickly, now is the time to secure both your Modernism Week experiences and your stay at ModMansions. Don't miss your chance to be part of the world's premier celebration of midcentury modern design.

Book your stay at ModMansions today and start planning your Modernism Week 2026 adventure. The desert is calling, and it speaks the language of clean lines, open spaces, and timeless design.