Midcentury Top Ten Tour: Ten Architects Who Made Palm Springs Modern

A group of unusually talented architects came to Palm Springs in the city’s midcentury heyday, all of them firmly rooted in the new modernist philosophy that came out of Europe in the 1920s and 30s. Together, often working side-by-side, these young architects created the “desert modernist” style for which Palm Springs has become famous. And in the last 70 years their work has, in turn, influenced modernist architects and designers around the globe.

Join us for an exploration of the work of these brilliant local architects: Albert Frey, William F. Cody, Donald Wexler, E. Stewart Williams, William Krisel, Richard Harrison, John Porter Clark, Robson Chambers, Hugh Kaptur and Walter S. White.

Led by top-rated architectural tour guide Trevor O’Donnell, you’ll travel with fellow modernism fans in a small, enclosed motor coach (22-seats) to visit representative works, consider how they relate to one another and ask where they fit in the sweep of modern architectural history.

It’s a fun, fascinating traveling group discussion designed to identify the distinctions and commonalities, successes and failures and enduring achievements of the Palm Springs architects whose humble work in a small desert town ended up captivating the world.

$130

Things to Know
This tour is designed for curious adult learners; it may not be appropriate for children.
No pets, other than service dogs, are allowed on the mini-coach.
Free parking available.
Handicap parking is available.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week.

Event Check-in Location
Palm Springs Visitors Center
2901 N Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
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Photo Credits: Tramway Gas Station Courtesy Darren Bradley.