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Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

Explore iconic mid-century modern designs at the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, a hub for architecture and design exploration.

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The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, is a creative hub dedicated to exploring mid-century modern architecture and design. Housed in the historic Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan building, designed in 1961 by renowned architect E. Stewart Williams, the center stands as the first historic structure transformed into a freestanding architecture and design museum in the U.S.. After years of disuse, the Palm Springs Art Museum purchased the building in 2011 and launched a major fundraising campaign to restore and repurpose it. The renovated building, which reopened in 2014, features steel finned columns, walls of wrap-around glass with sliding sun screens, and a gravity-defying cantilevered concrete platform. Inside, visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, participate in community programs and events, and browse the Bradford W. Bates Vault: The Museum Design Store. The center also holds significant portions of the Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams, Arthur Elrod/Harold Broderick, and Hugh Kaptur archives. The center's exhibitions highlight various aspects of architecture and design, showcasing the work of renowned architects and exploring the evolution of different design styles. Past and present exhibitions include 'Modern Women: The Influencers Who Shaped Palm Springs' and 'Fashioning Architecture: What the Runway Borrows from Architecture'. The center also serves as a hub for educational programs, workshops, and lectures related to architecture and design.

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursday evenings for free admission, courtesy of the City of Palm Springs, and experience the museum's exhibitions in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through downtown Palm Springs to appreciate the city's overall modernist aesthetic and explore nearby shops and restaurants.
  • Check the museum's website for upcoming lectures, workshops, and special events to enhance your understanding of architecture and design.
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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

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. This is a straightforward, easily walkable route.

  • Public Transport

    The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center is accessible via SunLine Transit Agency. Several routes serve the downtown Palm Springs area. Check the SunLine website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $3, including free transfers to other local routes.

  • 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. The City's Downtown Project Parking Garage is also an option and is free with a four-hour time limit.

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