Modernism Week kicks off in Palm Springs this week. What's Modernism Week? We wondered too.
The festivities, which run through Feb. 21, are a 10-day homage to the ideals of mid-century modern design which include tours of famous architecture and celebrity homes.
The party kicks off Friday with a ceremony on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars to honor former Palm Springs architect Albert Frey, who died in 1998, said city spokeswoman Amy Blaisdell.
Frey, who was born in Switzerland and later moved to Palm Springs, is known for integrating the surrounding landscape into building design, which is typified by clean, simple lines.
The architect's designs contributed to establishing Palm Springs as a Mecca for innovative modern architecture during the 1950s, `60s and `70s.
Architectural tours will include the former homes of Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore, as well as part of the former estate of Elizabeth Taylor.
