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Palm Springs Art Museum: A Desert Oasis of Art and Culture

Explore modern & contemporary art, architecture, and design at the Palm Springs Art Museum, a cultural hub in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

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The Palm Springs Art Museum, established in 1938, has evolved into a leading cultural institution in the Coachella Valley. Located in downtown Palm Springs, the museum boasts a significant collection of modern and contemporary art, Native American artifacts, and Western art. Its architecturally significant building, designed by E. Stewart Williams, is a landmark of mid-century modernism.

A brief summary to Palm Springs Art Museum

  • Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursday evenings for free admission, courtesy of the City of Palm Springs.
  • Take a docent-led tour to learn about the museum's permanent collection and special exhibitions.
  • Explore the outdoor sculpture gardens and the Museum Store for unique gifts and art books.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions, events, and programs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, walk east on Tahquitz Canyon Way. Turn right onto Museum Drive. The museum will be on your left. This is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    SunLine Transit Agency operates bus services throughout the Coachella Valley. Several bus routes stop near the museum. Check the SunLine website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ride fare is approximately $1.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Palm Springs. A short ride from Palm Springs International Airport or other downtown locations to the museum typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    From Palm Canyon Drive, turn east onto either Tahquitz Canyon Way or Amado Road. Turn onto Museum Drive. The museum will be on your left. Free parking is available in the Downtown Project Parking Garage, accessible from Museum Drive. Street parking is also available, but may be limited. There is a four-hour time limit for parking in the garage.

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Discover more about Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum stands as the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley, offering a rich blend of art, architecture, and design. Founded in 1938 as the Palm Springs Desert Museum, its initial focus was on natural science exhibits and Cahuilla Indian artifacts. Over time, it shifted its emphasis to fine art and performing arts, officially becoming the Palm Springs Art Museum in 2005. The museum's main building, an architectural masterpiece designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1974, spans 150,000 square feet and houses diverse galleries and a 433-seat theater. The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, photography, glass pieces, and Mesoamerican artifacts, with works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams. The museum also showcases Western and Native American art, including an impressive collection of Cahuilla basketry. In addition to its permanent collection, the Palm Springs Art Museum hosts temporary exhibitions and offers a variety of programs, including art classes, workshops, and theatrical and musical performances in the Annenberg Theater. The museum also preserves architectural history, owning the iconic Frey House II, a modernist residence designed by Albert Frey. The Palm Springs Art Museum has satellite locations including the Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, and the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert.

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