Survival Through Restoration: Neutra’s Legacy in Palm Springs

This panel conversation brings together Beth Edwards Harris, PhD, and Catherine Meyler, who each contributed heroic efforts to preserve Richard Neutra’s legacy in Palm Springs. Catherine rescued the Grace Miller House (1936) from disrepair. Beth Harris rescued the Kaufmann Residence (1946) when it could have been sold as a tear-down. 

Historian Alan Hess will moderate this discussion about the challenges and successes of these two restorations, regarded as significant milestones in the preservation of Palm Springs’ architectural heritage, and the personal inspiration that led them to take on these efforts. 

The Miller House was Neutra's first design in the desert, created for Grace Miller, a St. Louis widow starting a new life as an instructor in the Mensendieck System of dance and wellness. Neutra's progressive ideas aligned seamlessly with Miller’s desert lifestyle. The Kaufmann House was commissioned by wealthy patrons Edgar and Liliane Kaufmann, who had notably worked with Frank Lloyd Wright on Fallingwater, pursuing Neutra’s vision for a contemporary winter retreat in the desert.

Restoring historic homes often involves unexpected discoveries, surprises, and difficult choices. Attendees will gain insights into the unique technical hurdles and remarkable efforts that were undertaken to ensure that Neutra's vital contributions to the Palm Springs School are preserved for future generations to appreciate.

The discussion will examine how these influential clients shaped Neutra's designs, will provide insights into the unique experience of living in a Neutra-designed Residence, and ask how Neutra’s ideas are still relevant today.

$18

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

Important InformationThe entrance to the Annenberg Theater is located behind the Annenberg Theater Box Office, adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum's North Parking Lot.
Ample free public parking is available in the multi-level public garage across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity.

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

Photo Credits: Julius Shulman Archives Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10), Marmol Radziner, David Glomb, David Schreyer, Catherine Meyler{"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}