The Movie Colony, once home to Hollywood's brightest stars

City National Bank, Victor Gruen & Associates, 1959

L'Horizon Hotel, William F. Cody, 1952

BANNER PHOTOS

• Home: Classic "butterfly roof" home, Palmer & Krisel Inc., Twin Palms Estates
  
• The Tour: Tramway gas station (Palm Springs Visitors Center), Frey &       Chambers, 1965
  
• Reservations: Meticulously restored Alexander Co. tract home, William Krisel
  
• Palm Springs Modernism: Desert landscaping accents Indian Canyons custom home
  
• About: Stunning fairway-adjacent home with dramatic roofline and clerestory
  
• Contact: Tropic Hills Estates (now Rimcrest Condominiums), Leroy Rose & Harold Carson, 1964
  
• FAQs: Palm Springs Unified School District building, E. Stewart Williams, 1962
  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the Palm Spring Visitors Center, 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA (in the Albert Frey-designed gas station with the soaring roofline). Please wait INSIDE the center and mention that you're there for Palm Springs Modern Tours (our customers receive 10% off in the gift shop). 

Do we need a reservation?

Yes. All tour goers must have a reservation. Reservations may be requested by phone or email at any time, however, no reservation is guaranteed without a return confirmation.

How much does the tour cost?

The price per-person is $95 (USD), payable at the end of tour by cash or check.

 

How many people can go on a tour?

 For maximum comfort the tour is usually 4-5 people.  However, the van can accommodate up to 7 passengers.

How long does the tour last

The tour takes approximately three hours.

What should I bring?

It's the desert so it's always good to have plenty of water; chilled bottled water can be purchased at the Visitor Center. The tour is a very comprehensive citywide overview, so there may be limited opportunity for photos...but you are welcome to bring a camera.

Will we go inside any houses or buildings?

The tour is a survey of the Palm Springs significant modernist homes, neighborhoods and building of all types. It is an exteriors only tour, however, you will learn about the numerous interior tours offered throughout the year. 

Will we see movie star homes?

Yes. You'll see and learn about homes that belonged to or were visited by Hollywood greats from the silent era through the golden age. 

Is the tour appropriate for children?

The tour is intended for anyone who has an interest in architecture and can sustain focused attention for over 2 hours. If there is a child 7 or under, California law requires that they ride in an approved child safety seat/carrier (tourgoers must provide that).

UpdateD mid-century modern home, Deepwell Estates.