Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour

Modernism Week’s signature tour! The Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus 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 offers unique, exterior perspectives of Desert Spanish and Midcentury Modern architecture, two predominant styles found in Palm Springs. From the oldest existing structure in Palm Springs, the McCallum Adobe, and the expansive grounds of the exclusive Villa Paradiso Estate, to Albert Frey’s 800 square foot “Frey House II” perched on the mountainside, passengers will gain a better understanding of the historical richness and architectural diversity found in this desert oasis.

Tour highlights include exterior views of William Krisel’s House of Tomorrow, Richard Neutra’s architectural masterpiece, the 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. Other architecturally significant buildings on the tour will include Palm Springs City Hall, Saint Theresa Parish, and the iconic Tramway Gas Station, now the Palm Springs Visitors Center. Discover why Palm Springs is synonymous with Desert Modernism!  

$120

Things to Know
All Bus Tours will depart across from Palm Springs Art Museum on N. Museum Drive at Museum Way.
Ample public parking is available in the adjacent parking structure.

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to tour departure time to check-in and get your boarding pass.
Boarding is 10 minutes before departure. If you have not checked in, your seat may be sold to a stand-by guest.
Bus tours will depart on time.
Latecomers cannot be accommodated.

Seating: Tickets are for upper deck only.
Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended for sun exposure.
Wheelchair accessible for lower deck only.
Prohibited: Alcoholic beverages, smoking, vaping, food, glass containers, and pets.
Comfort Stop: Yes.
This event is EXTERIOR VIEWS ONLY.
This tour is for ages 12 and older.
The organizer of this tour is Modernism Week.  

Event Check-in Location
101 Museum Dr at Museum Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
View Map

Photo Credits: David A. Lee, Arianne Keens