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Frey House II: A Desert Modernism Icon

Explore Albert Frey's architectural masterpiece, Frey House II, in Palm Springs: a stunning example of Desert Modernism with panoramic views.

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Frey House II, designed by Swiss-American architect Albert Frey in 1964, is a renowned example of Desert Modernism. Perched on a hillside in Palm Springs, the 800-square-foot residence integrates seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring glass walls, a boulder incorporated into the interior, and panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.

A brief summary to Frey House II

Local tips

  • Book tours in advance, especially during Modernism Week, as space is limited.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and navigating stairs.
  • Bring water, especially during warmer months, as the desert climate can be intense.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Architecture & Design Center.
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Getting There

  • Shuttle

    The primary way to access Frey House II is via a shuttle service provided by the Palm Springs Art Museum. Purchase tour tickets in advance, which include the shuttle. The shuttle departs from the Aluminaire parking lot on the south side of the museum. There is no other way to access Frey House II. Shuttle tickets are around $75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    While a taxi or ride-share can get you to the Palm Springs Art Museum (where the shuttle departs), they cannot take you directly to Frey House II. From a central Palm Springs location, a taxi or ride-share to the museum will cost approximately $10-$15. From the Palm Springs Airport (PSP), expect to pay around $20-$30. Be sure to factor in additional time for parking congestion at the museum, especially during events.

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Discover more about Frey House II

Frey House II, completed in 1964, stands as a testament to Albert Frey's innovative vision and enduring legacy in Desert Modernism. Frey, who worked with Le Corbusier before moving to Palm Springs, designed the house as his personal retreat, carefully considering the desert landscape. It took Frey five years to choose the site and another year to track the sun's movement. Perched on the mountainside, the 800-square-foot house integrates with its surroundings, offering views of the Coachella Valley. The design incorporates a large boulder into the interior, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Glass walls, built-in furniture, and a swimming pool that doubles as a carport roof contribute to the home's unique character. The house exemplifies the principles of modernist architecture with its clean lines, simple geometric forms, and emphasis on functionality. Frey oriented the house to maximize shade in the summer and sunlight in the winter. Upon Frey's death in 1998, the house was bequeathed to the Palm Springs Art Museum and is now open for tours. Visitors can explore this iconic piece of architecture and gain insight into Frey's design principles and his relationship with the desert environment.

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