03/02/2026
Modernism Week Offers Exciting Events and Activities
at CAMP in Downtown Palm Springs
Guests Will Enjoy Talks, Films, Special Free Events, Libations, and More
PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 3, 2026: Modernism Week’s CAMP (“Community And Meeting Place”) will provide a central hub for Modernism Week from February 12 - 22, 2026. CAMP returns to the dramatic and beautifully designed Hyatt Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive at 285 North Palm Canyon Drive with free underground parking. Entrance into CAMP is free and open to the public every day during Modernism Week starting February 12 from 9 AM to 5 PM. CAMP is also the ‘depot’ for arrivals and departures of all of Modernism Week’s Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours.
Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, CAMP will include talks and films, free events, an information desk, all day food and beverage offerings from Hyatt Hotel, complimentary daily coffee provided by Koffi, and a popup store and events by Destination PSP, including multiple book signings. Two, free ‘Friday Afternoon Fun’ events will take place each week featuring a themed costume contest and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. In addition, there will be displays from Modernism Week sponsors, including Dunn-Edwards Paints, Flor, and Tidelli.
“CAMP is the central meeting place for all things Modernism Week,” said David Dixon, Creative Director and CAMP Manager. “Our guests may discover activities to attend, find unique items at our Destination PSP pop up store, and relax and visit with fellow modernists. I am most excited about the new, dramatic 60-foot-long LED video wall that will showcase curated video and photos featuring the Coachella Valley’s collection of incredible modernist architecture. If Palm Springs is the epicenter of modernism, CAMP is the epicenter of Modernism Week.”
Here are some of the many the activities available this year at CAMP:
Special Events
The new Newcomers Reception on Thursday, February 12 at 2 PM is a casual drop-in gathering where participants may meet fellow attendees, chat with experienced Modernism Week insiders, and discover hidden gems they might otherwise miss. The event is free to attend and will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar while mingling with new friends in the heart of CAMP.
New inside CAMP this year will be a dynamic, large video display wall showcasing a series of stunning curated videos and photos depicting iconic, local midcentury modern architecture and scenes of Modernism Week. Adjoining CAMP will be the video lounge where guests may drop-in throughout the day and view free Modernism Week-curated video programs.
Friday Afternoon Fun Themed Costume Contests
Modernism Week guests are encouraged to participate in two free ‘Friday Afternoon Fun’ events at CAMP, featuring themed costume contests hosted by the fabulous Bella da Ball. On Friday February 13, the fun kicks off with Kaftan Royale. It’s a day in the life of pure Palm Springs chic with flowing kaftans, bold prints or sequins, oversized sunglasses, statement jewelry, and a touch of drama. The following Friday, February 20, the fun continues with Tiki Time as it captures the fun of classic tiki lounges and backyard luaus with floral prints, leis, grass skirts, straw hats, or a coconut cup in hand. Each event runs from 2:30 to 3:30 PM and prizes will be awarded for the most creative and stylish looks at both events. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a full bar will be available for cocktails, wine, and more (available for purchase).
On-Site Modernism Week Shop
The Modernism Week Shop, a special pop-up store by Destination PSP, will offer a wide range of newly created merchandise that captures the retro vibe of Modernism Week. New products to be showcased include the official 2026 Modernism Week poster designed by celebrated artist S**G, commemorative 2026 Modernism Week t-shirts, and a line of vintage barware and entertainment accessories.
Destination PSP Events
Multiple book signings: Destination PSP and Modernism Week will host a Palm Springs Authors and Artists Reception and Book Signing at CAMP on Monday, February 16 from 3 to 5 PM. The event is free to the public. This is a great chance to meet local authors and artists and highlight the incredible talent at Modernism Week. This is a unique fun event is designed to bring together all the creators to mingle and for the public to meet. Authors scheduled to appear to include Laura Ackerman, Josh Agle, Nancy Baron, Bridget Bartel, Andrew Blauvelt, Jim Cook, Adele Cygelman, Tom Dolle, Steven Drucker, Don Flood, Tony George, Jake Gorst, Catherine Graham, Justin Gunther, Sheldon Harte, Alan Hess, Sven Kirsten, Janice Lyle, Chris Menrad, Peter Moruzzi, Christopher Rawlins, Melissa Riche, John Stark, Jeff Stork and David Wills.
Honoring Brian Ellis: On Tuesday, February 16 from 3 – 4:30 PM the Shop will feature a free reception and book signing honoring Brian Ellis, who is celebrating his 50th year as maitre d’ of Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn. Ellis collaborated with coauthor Robyn Tornabeni to produce his memoir, entitled Ellis: Palm Springs Maître D’: A Memoir ~ Secrets and Stories from Behind the Podium. Filled with humor, heart and never-before-told tales, the book invites readers to pull up a chair at one of the most storied tables in town. Readers will be taken inside a world of celebrities, cocktails and confidential conversations as Ellis recalls moments with Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, Liza Minnelli and countless others painting a vivid portrait of Palm Springs’ golden age of hospitality and charm. The book includes more than 250 photos from Ellis’ personal archival memorabilia bringing the nostalgia and sparkle of five decades in the Palm Springs hospitality industry to life.
Honoring Nelda Linsk: On Saturday, February 21 at 12 PM, Modernism Week will present a meet and greet at CAMP with Nelda Linsk, iconic Palm Springs resident and First Lady of Modernism Week. Linsk will be available to sign items and pose with guests at a ‘Poolside Gossip’ inspired photo-scene. Additionally, Destination PSP will have a special ‘Poolside Gossip’ pop-up shop throughout Modernism Week, that will include Palm Springs Life cover prints, notebooks and notecards. Additional items include photographs from the iconic photo shoot on specialty merchandise, and a new set of never-before-seen outtakes from the Slim Aarons photo shoot. The set will consist of ten 11” by 14” high quality photographed prints in a limited-edition collector’s box. The photographs will also be on display at CAMP.
Eames / Vitra Pop-Up Shop: Through a special collaboration with Vitra and Eames Office (the official legacy brand devoted to the honoring the work of Charles and Ray Eames), Destination PSP will feature a special pop-up shop at CAMP. Items featured will include rare Vitra Eames elephants and miniatures, and exclusive Eames items offered for the first time outside of the Eames Office and Charles and Ray Eames Foundation. Rare vintage Eames collectibles will also be offered including The Computer House of Cards that date back to the IBM Pavilion at the 1970 World’s Fair and The Eames Molded Leg Splints, made in 1943 of molded plywood. The Eames Office found several surviving splints years ago and decided to make this beloved piece of history available in limited numbers. These items are truly beautiful and an important milestone on the Eames journey.
Vintage Vera Collection
Through a special collaboration with the Vera Neumann Artwork Trust, Destination PSP will be offering limited edition vintage Vera scarves only at CAMP. The Vera Neumann Artwork Trust, created in October 2023 by Susan Seid, the former president and founder of The Vera Company and author of Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon, aims to honor Vera Neumann's legacy by making her artwork accessible to all.
Play at CAMP
With modernist play as a recurring theme through Modernism Week, Destination PSP will set up play areas in CAMP. These will feature a variety of modernists games and toys, including:
Destination PSP’s midcentury architecture interlocking brick sets, LEGO® Brick-Compatible.
The Introduction of Destination PSP’s new Mod Jong – Mah Jong set and Mod Flower Game Mat.
Midcentury houses and Pop Art Jigsaw Puzzles.
Eames Little Toy and House of Cards.
Modernism Week and retro Palm Springs playing card sets.
New merchandise to be offered includes apparel and mugs featuring the 2026 S**g artwork, a new line of cotton mod shirts featuring atomic and tiki themes, an expanded Palm Springs Airlines travel collection, a new collection of modernist-themed dishtowels, custom designed Palm Springs midcentury modern LEGO®-style brick sets, and one of the most exciting collection of modernism books available.
Sponsor Experiences at CAMP
Furniture sponsor Tidelli Outdoor Living will offer The Tidelli Lounge, a space where guests can gather, socialize and share their Modernism Week experiences. Colorful area rugs in CAMP will be provided by FLOR and will feature the pattern called Gatsby. Dunn-Edwards Paints will offer a colorful and compelling display. They will also showcase the Dunn-Edwards 2026 Color of the Year, Midnight Garden DE5657.
Student Art Exhibition
An art exhibition organized by Coachellart will be on display at CAMP near the Hyatt atrium’s south entrance. It will feature work created by local high school students in various mediums with the theme “William Krisel Reimagined.” All artworks will be offered for sale by the students.
Modernism Week Theater at CAMP Programming
A 150-seat theater adjacent to the main CAMP space will be the location for more than 30 insightful and compelling presentations throughout the festival. Featured presentations include:
· The Weird and Wonderful World of Industrial Musicals (21/3 and 2/14, $25) An astonishing look at the secret corporate musical theater we were never meant to see—via bizarrely funny vintage film clips presented by Letterman Show and The Simpsons writer Steve Young!
· Desert Utopia: Oases of the Future in the Landscape of the Past (2/15, $18) Architectural historian Luke Leuschner presents a utopian history of the Coachella Valley's architecture and urbanism, from early 20th-century Bohemian colonies to Modernist country clubs.
· Montevideo Modernism (2/16, $18) This talk will share details about the April 2026 multi-day event of symposia and tours of Modernist architecture in and around the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo. It will be followed by a separate ticketed screening of Unforgettable Montevideo: When Cities Forget–The Global Battle for Architectural Heritage (2/16, $18), a cinematic reflection on memory, identity, and the universal challenge of protecting architectural heritage.
· Landscapes for Leisure: Modernist Design in the Coachella Valley's Desert Playground (2/17, $18) Architectural historian Steven Keylon explores the rich history of the designed landscape of the Coachella Valley during the 20th century.
· Aqua Modern: Indoor & Outdoor Pools of the Catskills (2/19, $18) Join photographer Isaac Jeffreys as he illuminates historic Catskills resort pools at night, bridging past and present in a visual journey of midcentury Modern glamour and American leisure.
Information Desk
The welcoming volunteers at the Information Desk will assist customers with event or ticket questions, directions, and purchase information. The free Official Modernism Week Program Guide and printed schedule brochures may be picked up at this desk inside the Hyatt Palm Springs.
Modernism Week top sponsors include Ferguson Home, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Monogram, Cotino, DWR, Flor, and Natural Retreats. The City of Palm Springs is the Civic Presenting Sponsor. To receive Modernism Week updates, visit modernismweek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X.
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About Modernism Week
Modernism Week is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization providing scholarships to local Palm Springs students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design as well as giving grants to local and state organizations for their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.
