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!  

This event qualifies for 2.5 AIA/CES Learning Units (LU).

$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.
Please check-in 30 minutes prior to your tour at the bus tour kiosk near the park..
You must exchange your ticket for a Boarding Pass.
This tour is for ages 12 and older.
This tour is EXTERIOR VIEWS ONLY.
Seating: Tickets are for upper deck only.
Wheelchair accessible for lower deck only.
Prohibited: Alcoholic beverages, smoking, vaping, food, glass containers, and pets.
The organizer of this tour is Modernism Week.  

Event Check-in Location

101 Museum Drive at Museum Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
View Map

Photo Credits: David A. Lee, Arianne Keens