Keynote Presentation: Dr. Raymond Neutra–Survival Through Design

Modernism Week is honored to welcome Dr. Raymond Neutra, President of the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design, as our Keynote Speaker for Modernism Week 2025.  

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Modernism Week and its enduring legacy, it seemed fitting to invite a speaker who has been a longstanding supporter of Modernism Week and shares a deep personal connection to the architectural heritage of the desert.  

Dr. Neutra is the youngest son of renowned architect Richard Neutra (1892–1970), who designed three emblematic residences in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage over four decades: The Grace Lewis Miller "Mensendieck" House (1937); The Edgar J. Kaufmann House (1947); and the Samuel and Luella Maslon House (1962, demolished 2002). This familial connection enriches his commitment to preserving and promoting his father’s architectural legacy, ensuring its relevance for future generations. We are fortunate to honor him in this capacity.  

As President of the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design, Dr. Neutra champions a vision of responsible design grounded in the principles laid out by his father. The Institute is dedicated to advancing socially and ecologically responsible practices that enhance human health and the well-being of our planet.  

Under Dr. Neutra’s leadership, whose background is in environmental medicine and epidemiology, the Institute has flourished, bringing renewed attention to the preservation of Neutra’s legacy while fostering creative research that enhances both human health and planetary well-being. 

Dr. Neutra will discuss recent innovations at the Institute, share personal stories about his father, the fascinating people who surrounded him throughout his childhood, and reflect on his family life at the Neutra VDL Studio and Residences, an experimental live/workspace designed by Richard Neutra in 1932, where architects worked, clients visited, apprentices lived, with always someone knocking on the door to visit. 

Following Dr. Neutra’s presentation, Modernism Week board member, Frances Anderton, will lead a moderated discussion and Q&A session. After the program, there will be a limited number of tickets to attend a meet & greet wine and hors d’oeuvres reception (separately ticketed event) in the museum’s sculpture garden adjacent to the theater. 

$35 Presentation ONLY General Admission Rows F–P

$100 Reception & VIP Presentation Seating–First 5 rows (must be 21+)

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

Important Information1:00–3:00 PM Reception and VIP Presentation Seating (21 and older)
1:00–2:00 PM Keynote Presentation
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity.

Check-in Location Annenberg Theater
Palm Springs Art Museum  
101 N Museum Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262View Map

Photo Credits: PBS SoCal/The Range, Neutra Institute, Raymond Neutra {"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}