Palm Springs is a living museum when it comes to mid-century architecture thanks to the 7th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show and Modernism Week, taking place Feb. 13-21. Names such as Albert Frey, E. Stuart Williams and Donald Wexler are a few of the architectural rock stars who put “mid-century modern” on the map. Fans of the 1950s and beyond can immerse themselves in the past with a marvelous menu of events. This year it kicked off on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars with a star dedicated to architect William Krisel, making Friday the 13th a lucky day. That evening the preview reception for the Modernism Show and Sale at the Palm Springs Convention Center transformed the floor into a museum of mid-century design from a cozy sofa that was once the front seat of a vintage black 1957 Cadillac to functional Danish modern furniture displayed by Lookmodern.com that turned back the pages of time. A fascinating exhibit inspired by the film “Somewhere in Time” revealed a cache of art nouveau jewelry discovered in a trunk, displayed with beaded antique handbags and glass buttons.
The M Modern Gallery showcased artist Shag’s solo exhibit of 1960s-style paintings in his show aptly titled “The Last Days of Magic.” The Modcom benefit “All You Need is Love” raved on until midnight with 280 guests dressed in hippy style right down to psychedelic inspired duds and hair-dos. It took place at a private home that was transformed into a timepiece of the last century with a disco and two glitzy ladies festooned with red boas welcoming guests.
The world premiere of Palm Springs architect Donald Wexler, tours of Albert Frey’s home and a double-decker bus architecture tour of mid-century homes and commercial property revealed just how profoundly mid-century architecture continues to impact the desert in the present.
On that note, the opening of the 180-room Ace Hotel in Palm Springs this week symbolizes the enduring quality of mid-century architecture. Once a typical motel on Palm Canyon Drive, a complete renovation has moved this desert landmark into the 21st century with pizzazz. Guestrooms start at $89, confirming what one reviewer called the “Ace” concept “the place between boutique and cheap.” General Manager Jonathan Heath pointed out the Ace is dog- and family-friendly. The front desk offered my Maltese, “Little One,” a dog bone and mentioned the convenience, a private dog park. For dining, The Mod Diner and Dive Bar feature a hip menu with flashy cocktails and fruit drinks.
A few miles down Palm Canyon Drive is the new Cheeky’s, a small restaurant open for breakfast and lunch only, with an intimate patio that is also dog-friendly. It offers highly original entrées you won’t find elsewhere, such as baked sourdough French toast with sour cherry compote and crème fraiche, and a Spanish-style tuna sandwich, served with a caper remoulade, sliced organic eggs and arugula.
Today Palm Springs is recognized as the world’s mecca of modernism thanks to the Palm Springs Modern Committee, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, the Architecture and Design Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum, and the Palm Springs Historical Society.
Contact Information: www.modernismweek.com; www.acehotels.com
Pamela Price is the coauthor of the 7th edition of “Fun with the Family in Southern California” (www.globepequot.com).