With more than 350 planned events, it can be hard to squeeze everything in during Modernism Week, Palm Springs’ largest celebration of mid-century architecture and style. Held Feb. 15-25, 2024, attendees can tour homes, view civic treasures from the comfort of a double-decker bus, take in a fashion show, enjoy a musical, shop, attend lectures, dance the night away, well…you get the idea. There is a lot to do!

To help us plan our agenda, Modernism Week CEO Lisa Vossler-Smith shared the events she's most excited about this year. 

Musical Theatre at Modernism Week

“Each year, Modernism Week offers fun and creative opportunities for our guests to celebrate modernism. This year, we are especially excited about a series of performances called ‘Shag With A Twist – A Murder Mystery Musical,’” Lisa said. 

The musical is set amidst a swanky 1960s Tupperware party “somewhere in Palm Springs” and follows true-crime podcasters Twinkie and Bun as they unravel the infamous case of the Tupperware Party Killer. 

 

Actors perform in Shag With A Twist – A Murder Mystery Musical

 

To create this murder mystery musical, artist Josh Agle (Shag) joined choreographer and director Cindy Bradley and composers Chris Lang and Cesar Benitez to create a Broadway show that has been described as “bringing some of Shag’s most beloved characters to life in a colorful cocktail of song and dance.”

The show runs four times throughout the first weekend, and the Sunday, Feb.18, show includes a ticketed VIP Pre-Show meet-and-greet reception with Shag.

 

Trina Turk Fashion Show at Twin Palms Estate

The cool of Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate meets the bright colors and bold fashion of Trina Turk! Attendees will enjoy previews of Tina Trunk’s Spring line and an exclusive, limited-edition collection. Twin Palms, the legendary former residence of Frank Sinatra, was designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947. Touring this historic home is one of the highlights of the week!

Designer Tina Trunk debuts an exclusive collection!
Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms Estate was designed by Architect E. Stewart Williams in 1947.

“Only a limited number of guests will be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, a live fashion show at a notable midcentury masterpiece of architecture,” she said. “Palm Springs has been the setting for debut fashion shows from world-renowned designers, including Emilio Pucci, Bill Blass, Louis Vuitton, and Helen Rose. We are delighted that Trina Turk will join this illustrious group at this special Modernism Week signature event.” 

 

Modernism Week Desert Disco

“Our opening night party, Disco in the Desert, is the most anticipated bash of the year and will be held at a legendary venue that will be transformed into a tony, velvet-rope-entry dance club. We expect to see inventive and outrageous outfits at this solid-gold extravaganza!”

It will be a night to remember! Disco in the Desert is being held at the Palm Springs Air Museum for the first time, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to boogie down! 

 

Disco in the Desert is the most anticipated bash of the year at Modernism Week.

 

“I’d like to take this moment to acknowledge the generous support and gorgeous lighting that will be provided by the evening's presenting sponsor, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Our extraordinary entertainment will be provided by Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa and The Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation.”

 

‘That Pink Door House’ Tours Extended

The Villa Sierra home, famously dubbed That Pink Door House, has become such an iconic example of Palm Spring mid-century style that tours of the home have been extended to two days, and tickets are available for an evening cocktail party! 

 

 

Dive Into Modernism Week with Natural Retreats

Natural Retreats is proud to be a premium sponsor of Modernism Week. We hope that attendees learn, laugh, and enjoy the upcoming week—while enjoying events and parties at several Natural Retreats’ managed properties (Twin Palms Estate and Villa Sierra are two of our incredible properties).