In 2020, Modernism Week, celebrating midcentury and modern architecture and design in Palm Springs, was in February just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the world and nation. The event attracted 162,000 people.

For 2021, Modernism Week will be divided into two parts: an online-only version in February and an in-person event in April that organizers hope can mark another milestone.

“In the same way that we were able to have the last big party before things shut down in 2020, we’re looking forward to being one of the first public experiences for people in 2021,” said Modernism Week Executive Director Lisa Vossler Smith.

The main house exterior, with the front fountain of the famous Sunnylands home. | Photo by Ken Hayden

In February, there will be streaming events featuring 20 new video programs and another 20 previously produced programs on Modernism Week.  There will also be an online auction February 1-14.

 "It is still in the works, but we plan to include exclusive overnight stays at architecturally significant properties, customized art and  architecture tours, a private helicopter charter over Palm Springs,  signed art books, photographs and prints, and more," Vossler Smith said.

The 2021 featured home tour in April will include Frank Sinatra’s former house, the Twin Palms Estate, constructed in 1947, and the Abernathy House, designed by architect William Cody.

There also will be garden tours and walking tours.

“We really think we can create daily experiences that both highlight the architecture of Palm Springs and provide people a safe touring experience,” Vossler Smith said.  “We are going to focus on smaller tours that can have timed entry and controlled capacity with all the safety protocols that are required at that time.”

Organizers of the event hope that spirits will be higher by April with a COVID-19 vaccine and life returning to normal

“With people starting to travel at least regionally, we’re expecting it could be a little bit like being let out of school for a break,” she said. “People can just enjoy being with friends and having some outdoor recreational activities.”

In a normal year, tickets would go on sale Nov. 1, giving visitors time to plan for travel and lodging. Tickets instead went on sale Jan. 1 for the April  8-18 in-person event.

“This year, everything has shifted because Nov. 1 was too soon to tell how things would be with the pandemic,” Vossler Smith said.

For more information on access to the virtual and in-person events for Modernism Week, visit www.modernismweek.com.