Edris House in Palm SpringsPhotography: Lance Gerber courtesy of TTK Represents
02 February 2021: You can tune in for a dose of desert architecture, wherever you are, courtesy of Palm Springs Modernism Week 2021, which has launched a virtual programme that includes video house tours and film screenings.
In any other year, the event would be hosting in-person home tours, bus trips through Palm Springs, presentations and parties, but like many others has had to adapt its plans in the wake of Covid.
Getting to see inside some of Palm Springs’ iconic architecture is a highlight of the week, and this year the organisers are taking ticket-holders through ten homes – including William Cody’s Southridge Glass House and Hal Levitt’s Morse Residence. Those still dreaming of visiting Palm Springs can hop on a remote architectural tour, conducted from a 1966 convertible Mustang.
As well as an insider view of some of the city’s iconic houses, Modernism Week 2021 is hosting ticketed film screenings, including documentaries dedicated to the influential Albert Frey – often described as the founding father of Desert Modernism – and an introduction to Desert Modern with Alan Hess.
In a normal year, visitors would also have been able to see Frey and A Lawrence Kocher’s 1931 Aluminaire House, which has taken up permanent residence in the grounds of the Palm Springs Art Museum. But in the absence of a real-life experience, organisers are streaming a film exploring its history.
Tickets for screenings and events start at $10, with the programme available until 1 March 2021.
