DLNews
PALM SPRINGS, CA – Modernism Week dazzled this February, celebrating its 20th anniversary by shattering records with more than 500 captivating events across an exciting 11-day festival held from February 13–23. Drawing approximately 115,000 enthusiastic visitors, this internationally acclaimed celebration of midcentury and modern architecture, art, and culture once again proved its pivotal role as a cultural and economic powerhouse for the greater Palm Springs region.
The festival generated a remarkable economic impact estimated at $62.7 million this year, contributing to an impressive cumulative total exceeding $500 million since the festival began two decades ago. Attendees enjoyed a spectacular lineup featuring architectural tours, insightful presentations, vibrant parties, and beloved returning favorites. The festival expanded impressively across Palm Springs and five neighboring desert cities, involving more than 60 partner organizations, 30 neighborhoods, and 90 sponsors, including the City of Palm Springs as the Civic Presenting Sponsor and substantial support from the cities of Indian Wells La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage.
Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to education and community support, Modernism Week’s leadership confirmed plans this spring to provide multi-year college scholarships for local students in architecture and design fields. The Board of Directors also proudly donated $10,000 to the California Community Foundation’s Los Angeles Fire Relief Fund, joining efforts to assist Californians impacted by recent wildfires. This gesture reflects the festival's continued dedication to regional humanitarian causes.
“Our festival celebrates the global influence of Modernism and the extraordinary architectural heritage of Palm Springs,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week. “Hosting guests from all 50 states and over 20 countries is a genuine privilege. We deeply appreciate the generous backing from sponsors such as Ferguson, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Monogram, Cotino, Design Within Reach, Flor, Natural Retreats, and Willis, whose steadfast support allows us to deliver an unparalleled festival experience continually.”
CAMP, the festival’s bustling ‘Community and Meeting Place’ at the Hyatt Hotel, welcomed nearly 28,000 visitors, making it a vibrant focal point.
Board Chairman and Modernism Week co-founder William Kopelk reflected, “For our milestone twentieth year, we proudly introduced innovative new events alongside beloved traditions, showcasing the best modernist architecture, historic neighborhoods, and preservation efforts. From compelling keynote presentations, including one by Dr. Raymond Neutra, to unforgettable home tours and sparkling parties, attendees universally expressed their delight with Modernism Week 2025.”
The festival's expansive audience included visitors from every U.S. state, with California residents representing approximately 45% of attendees. Impressively, guests hailed from 460 out of California’s 482 cities, with Coachella Valley locals comprising 38% of statewide ticket sales. Beyond state lines, visitors traveled from states such as Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Washington and international attendees from Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and 21 other nations.
A perennial highlight, the Palm Springs Modernism Show celebrated its 25th anniversary with robust attendance, attracting over 14,000 guests, including more than 1,200 at its exclusive opening night preview, which benefitted Modernism Week’s initiatives. Rosemary Krieger, President of Dolphin Promotions's producer, noted, “We experienced outstanding sales and enthusiasm, cementing the show’s place as a central attraction of Modernism Week.”
The festival’s international prestige was underscored by extraordinary media coverage, amassing over 4.9 billion impressions—more than double last year’s coverage—from influential global outlets such as Architectural Digest, Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, NBC Los Angeles, Vogue Korea, and many others across nearly 30 countries.
Excitement is already building for upcoming editions, with Modernism Week October set for October 16–19, 2025, and the subsequent annual Modernism Week scheduled for February 12–22, 2026. For details and tickets, visit modernismweek.com.
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