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Modernism Week News

Palm Springs is Ground Zero for Mid-Century Modernism

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 31 PRNewswire — The ultra hip mid-century modern confab called Palm Springs Modernism Week is slated to take place February 15 - 24, 2008 in various venues in Palm Springs.

"The City of Palm Springs is very pleased to be the Presenting Sponsor of Modernism Week 2008 and to welcome modernism aficionados from around the country and beyond to Palm Springs for this exciting event," said Mayor Steve Pougnet. "Our cache of mid-century modern architecture is among the world's largest and it is one of the many characteristics that create our unique Palm Springs tourism experience."

The 3rd Annual Modernism Week (http://www.modernismweek.com) is a fun-filled 10-day homage to the ideals of mid-century modern design and architecture. The style which originated in the early 1950s and 60s, typified by clean, simple lines that celebrated elegant informality, came to define desert modernism. Last year's Modernism Week drew thousands of people from around the country and the world. "We have so many visitors who come to see our mid-century modern architecture from around the world that it has become a niche market," says Mary Jo Ginther, director of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.

Numerous renowned architects such as Richard Neutra, John Lautner, Albert Frey and other notable pioneers of mid-century modern architecture (1940-1960) contributed to Palm Springs' stellar examples of modernism. Inspired by the California desert climate and topography, they helped create in Palm Springs one of the most important concentration of modernist architecture in the world.

Modernism Week begins Friday, February 15 at 2 p.m. with a Palm Springs Modern Committee-sponsored Star Dedication on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars for pre-eminent Palm Springs architect Don Wexler. Following the Star Dedication, on Friday evening a reception benefiting the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation kicks off the 8th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show (Feb 16 & 17) at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The Modernism Week events continue through February 24 with numerous events, including a vintage car show, a vintage fashion show, films, architecture tours, lectures, and parties in celebrated private mid-century modern homes.

For the full schedule for Modernism Week visit http://www.modernismweek.com

SOURCE Modernism Week