The Movie Colony neighborhood began in the 1930s with the beautiful El Mirador Hotel as its centerpiece. After WWII Frank Sinatra made it “his” neighborhood when his home, known as “Twin Palms,” became party central. Neighbors Jack Benny, Tony Curtis, Cary Grant and many other stars enjoyed this charming and prestigious area. This tour affords a visual feast blending classic Spanish Colonial Revival with the sleek midcentury Modern designs by the renowned E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler and William Cody. https://tickets.modernismweek.com/f/fp19/frank-sinatra
Modernism Week’s signature tour!
The Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour provides guests with a 2.5 hour overview of significant civic and commercial buildings, as well as residential properties located within notable Palm Springs neighborhoods, including the midcentury “leisure lifestyle” communities in South Palm Springs. Lead by knowledgeable guides, this open-air experience offers unique, exterior perspectives of Desert Spanish and Midcentury Modern architecture, two predominant styles found in Palm Springs. From the oldest existing structure in Palm Springs, the McCallum Adobe, and the expansive grounds of the exclusive Villa Paradiso Estate, to Albert Frey’s 800 square foot “Frey House II” perched on the mountainside, passengers will gain a better understanding of the historical richness and architectural diversity found in this desert oasis.
Tour highlights include exterior views of William Krisel’s House of Tomorrow, Richard Neutra’s architectural masterpiece, the Kaufmann Desert House, Donald Wexler & Richard Harrison’s Steel Development Houses, and E. Stewart Williams’ legendary “Twin Palms” estate, the former residence of Frank Sinatra. Other architecturally significant buildings on the tour will include Palm Springs City Hall, Saint Theresa Parish, and the iconic Tramway Gas Station, now the Palm Springs Visitors Center. Discover why Palm Springs is synonymous with Desert Modernism!
Check-in: Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time or risk the possibility of your seat being sold to stand-by passengers. Bus tours depart promptly.
This tour is EXTERIOR VIEWS ONLY.
Seating: Tickets are for upper deck only
Prohibited: Alcoholic beverages, smoking, vaping, food, glass containers, and pets.
Hats and sunscreen highly recommended.
Comfort Stop: Yes
Wheelchair Accessibility: Lower deck only.
This event is for all ages.
Free parking is available on nearby streets.