Palm Springs is home to some truly unique art experiences. Visit for a festival that focuses on an architectural time period. See how the desert location serves as a backdrop for an ecological, cultural, and spiritual contemporary art exhibit. Explore all three locations of the only major museum in the Coachella Valley. View public art while walking through town. Support local artists at the oldest arts association in the Valley.
Modernism Week is an 11-day celebration of midcentury modern architecture, design, and culture. The April festival boasts tours of designer homes, fashion events, and talks. Ticket holders can view the colorful expressions of fun at the 1956 Sunburst Palms property. Retailers and private dealers showcase vintage apparel at a pop-up event. An outdoor event will entertain with movie clips of Las Vegas from the early 1900s through the 1970s. This year also features an online experience. Get a glimpse of the fun from afar then make plans to join in person next year.
Palm Springs is an ideal hub for Desert X. This project began in 2017 as a way to bring art outside of the walls of museums and galleries. It started with the work of 16 artists with site-specific desert art installations. This year, it is featuring the timely topics of the global pandemic and racial and political protests. The event runs from March 12 through May 16, 2021. All of the exhibits are free and are located across the Coachella Valley. A majority of the sites can be visited in one day or you can spend more time exploring and spread it out over a few days.
The Palm Springs Art Museum boasts three locations for visitors to explore. The main Art Museum is within walking distance of the inn. The collection focuses on architecture and design, art of the Western Americas, modern and contemporary art, photography, and studio glass. The intimate Annenberg Theater showcases visual and performing arts. Admission to the museum is free on Thursday evenings. The Architecture and Design Center focuses on exhibitions, education, community programs, and research space. Lastly the Palm Desert location boasts a free sculpture garden that is open from sunrise to sunset.
Palm Springs and the surrounding area are home to many public art installations. Visitors walking around town are treated to a variety of art. Be amazed by Isabelle, a polished stainless-steel sculpture created by a quantum physicist turned artist. Marilyn Monroe wears a crown of flowers in a mural titled “Love and Peace.” The mesmerizing Rainmaker Fountain is a rhythmic work of art that was created in part because of a decree by then mayor Sonny Bono. The vibrant Woman in Glasses was created by Los Angeles street artists James Haunt and Zes MSK.
The Desert Art Center is the oldest arts association in the Valley. The artists who formed the Center wanted to make a contribution to their community through classes and events. It provides affordable and accessible art classes for all ages. It also houses a gallery where member artists can showcase their piece for sale.