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Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center: A Mid-Century Modern Gem

Explore Palm Springs' iconic modernist architecture at this downtown design hub, featuring rotating exhibits and community programs.

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Housed in a former bank designed by E. Stewart Williams, the Architecture and Design Center celebrates Palm Springs' unique modernist architectural heritage with rotating exhibitions and community programs. It's a must-see for design enthusiasts exploring the city's iconic style.

A brief summary to Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • 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.
  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Explore the gift shop for unique architecture and design-related items.
  • Take time to notice the plants surrounding the building, and how the cacti cast shadows onto the windows.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs, walk south on Palm Canyon Drive for approximately 3 blocks. The Architecture and Design Center will be on your left (east side of the street). Look for the distinctive white, mid-century modern building.

  • Public Transport

    The SunLine Transit Agency has several routes that stop near the Palm Springs Art Museum. From the nearest bus stop on Palm Canyon Drive, walk south to the museum. A single ride fare is typically around $1 [n/a].

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 300 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Limited street parking is available on Palm Canyon Drive and surrounding streets. Metered parking costs approximately $1.00 per hour, with varying time limits. There are also paid parking lots within a few blocks of the museum, with hourly rates typically ranging from $2 to $4.

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Discover more about Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, is a vital hub for exploring the region's celebrated modernist architecture and design. Located in downtown Palm Springs, the center resides in the former Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan building, a 1961 design by renowned architect E. Stewart Williams. The building itself is a prime example of desert modernism, featuring steel finned columns, walls of glass with sunscreens, and a cantilevered concrete platform. The Palm Springs Art Museum acquired the building in 2011 and meticulously restored it, reopening it in 2014 as a dedicated space for architectural exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. The center also houses research space and archives related to architecture and design. Inside, visitors can explore rotating exhibitions focused on architecture, design, and the built environment, with a focus on Palm Springs' modernist legacy. The center also holds significant archives of prominent architects like Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams and others who shaped the city's architectural identity. Don't miss the Bradford W. Bates Vault: The Museum Design Store for unique gifts.

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