Modernism Week 2025 comes to a close, concluding the event’s 20th anniversary

Modernism Week brings in millions on dollars to the local Coachella Valley economy every year, and 2025 was no different. This year, the big event celebrated a major milestone, its 20th anniversary, ringing in the new year with art shows, bus tours, and extravagant house designs. As always, the globally renowned event brought in thousands of visitors from all over the world who came to experience greater Palm Springs’ iconic architecture, and some of the area’s most recognizable homes.

In 2024, Modernism Week brought in around 130,000 tourists, adding more and $68 million dollars to the local economy. Lisa Vossler Smith, the CEO of Modernism Week, says the ten day event was the best in years.

"It really feels like it was our best modernism week ever," said Smith. "This was our 20th anniversary celebration, and the town was packed. Every restaurant was busy. Every shop had customers, and we were headquartered here at the Hyatt in downtown Palm Springs, which was a very busy headquarters all week long.”

Smith also believes 2025 drew in a record crowd, with the highest return its ever seen.

"We expect our economic impact to be even greater this year," said Smith. "Over the last 20 years, we've had an economic impact of over a half a billion dollars. So we're thrilled to be supporting the Coachella Valley through our ticket proceeds. But with that, we think it's potentially our largest attendance ever, which would mean upwards of 150,000 visitors."

Since 2011, Modernism Week and its partner organizations have raised more than $2.5 million dollars for its non-profit. Of that, over $360,000 has been given to local students in the form of scholarships, something Smith says drives the organizers year after year.

"One of the best outcomes of Modernism Week is that we're able to give away scholarships to local Coachella Valley students," explained Smith. "So as a result of this, we'll be able to fund at least 10 scholarships for students who want to study architecture and design."

Every year, funds are also donated to preserve local neighborhood, community groups, and homes. The return is reliant on the success of modernism various events, including more than 350 bus tours, art shows, and home visits.

Smith says the double decker bus tour is always a crowd favorite.

"The bus tours are always the most popular thing we do, because it's the only time we have a double decker bus here in the city," said Smith. "So you can take a beautiful architecture tour of Palm Springs and learn about our beautiful historic city, but also the home tours. That's the most special thing that we do, because we get to work with our local homeowners, and we're so grateful to them for opening their doors."

One of the most popular homes this year was the Alexander Estate, also known as the 'House of Tomorrow', where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon after their wedding in 1967. Michelle Boudreau, owner of Michelle Boudreau Design, had her hand in several projects during Modernism Week, including designing the 'House of Tomorrow'.

"My mother is a big architecture lover, and I've been coming to see the home since I was a little girl," said Boudreau. "My grandmother actually took me here to see it, and so we've been touring the house since I was a little girl and its an honor every time I step inside it."

She also says it was a dream come true to be chosen for the project, a job she didn't take lightly.

"Truly, it was one of my dreams to remodel that home," said Boudreau. "I took a lot of time making sure I got it right, paying homage to the original design, home owner, and designer. The preservation and celebration of mid century and modernist architecture, I think, is so special. And having young people learn about that is really, really incredible.”

Organizers took one last picture together to celebrate the job well done. And now, Smith says she is already looking ahead to next year.

"We are already starting to plan it out right now, and we invite the entire Coachella Valley to join us next year," said Smith. "Plus, we have a festival in the fall. We do a four day event in October, so if you missed this one in February, catch us again in October.

The impact study for 2025 has not yet been released. For more information on Modernism Week click here.