Modernism Week Begins
Modernism Week 2026 has kicked off in Palm Springs, celebrating the region's midcentury modern architecture and design. The festival, running through February 22, features tours, lectures, and events focused on preservation, including a deep dive into the restoration of John Lautner's Hotel Lautner.
- The 2026 keynote speaker is architect Elizabeth Diller, a founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro and a professor at Princeton University. Her firm's work has been recognized on TIME's list of "100 Most Influential People," and she was among the first to receive a MacArthur Foundation fellowship in the field of architecture. - For the first time, the World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize Ceremony will be held outside of New York City, taking place during the festival. This biennial prize recognizes outstanding projects in modernist building conservation. - The festival includes a "Modernism and the Future of Housing" symposium, which will examine early modernist design principles as a basis for addressing contemporary housing challenges. This is part of a broader educational offering of over 80 presentations and films, many of which qualify for AIA Continuing Education credits. - A recurring series, "Stories Untold," will feature a presentation on Japanese American designers and their significant contributions to modernism in the wake of forced internment during World War II. This highlights the festival's commitment to showcasing the work of professionals from historically overlooked groups. - Neighborhood tours, a cornerstone of the event, generate significant funds for local preservation efforts. These tours have collectively raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for neighborhood organizations to fund improvements such as landscaping, signage, and restoration projects. - The event's economic impact on the Coachella Valley has grown substantially over the years. While specific numbers for 2026 are not yet available, the festival has historically generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses annually. - Featured home tours for 2026 include the "Marquee at Twin Palms," a 1957 post-and-beam house restored by H3K Home + Design, and "Soleil House," a 1963 residence reimagined by designer Trina Turk. These tours provide access to privately-owned, architecturally significant homes that are not typically open to the public.
