Bowlarama: The Architecture of Midcentury Bowling

Bowlarama: The Architecture of Midcentury Bowling by Chris Nichols with Adriene Biondo takes aim at the obsession that swept the post-war nation...bowling! More than just a sport or a hobby, bowling became the ultimate Modern lifestyle for Americans savoring the boom years that followed World War II.

Bowling alleys were modern palaces; companies constantly aimed to outdo each other, whether competing for the most spectacular architecture, luxurious lanes, snazziest bowling balls, or exciting refreshments they could offer.

The beautiful lanes and balls that roll down to strike those pins are often housed in equally beautiful, unique buildings. Bowlarama highlights many of these and their histories, often designed in Modern, Streamline Moderne, and Googie styles, showing off their eye-catching architecture to attract patrons. Unfortunately, many of these bowling alleys are no longer standing, but their influence and iconic place in American cultural history is celebrated in this book.

Bowlarama brings back—in living color—all the excitement in its lavishly illustrated pages, packed with vintage photographs, exciting ephemera, and detailed hand-drawn architectural renderings that capture all the optimism, enthusiasm, and joie de vivre of the spirit of bowling and its legacy.

$15

Things To KnowAges 13 and older
Wheelchair accessible
Parking and handicap parking available
Seated activity
Restrooms are available
No smoking or e-cigarettes

Important InformationModernism Week Theater is located at the south end of the hotel’s central atrium.
Ample free public parking is available. Enter underground parking at Hyatt on Palm Canyon Drive or in the multi-level public garage across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week CAMP Theater Activity.

Check-in Location Modernism Week Theater @ CAMP
Hyatt Palm Springs
285 N Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262View Map

Photo Credits: Angel City Press, Armet Davis Newlove, Charles Phoenix Collection, Chris Nichols Collection, Goodwin Steinberg, FAIA {"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}