• Modern Phoenix Week

    is March 24 - April 2 in 2017

  • 31 Dynamic Speakers

    at 19 venues citywide

  • Modern Phoenix Home Tour

    in Paradise Gardens April 2
    SOLD OUT!

    GET ON THE WAITLIST
  • Many more events

    still availableBUY TICKETS

  • Proudly hosting

    the Docomomo US National Symposium on Modernism + Climate

    BUY NOW

10 Days of Modness!

March 24 through April 2 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona

It's our 13th year of award-winning tours, education and events for design professionals and enthusiasts alike

Tours

This year we're co-hosting tours with the Docomomo US National Symposium. The grand finale of our event is the Modern Phoenix Home Tour in Paradise Gardens on April 2. That tour has sold out, but smaller tours are held all week long before the big event!

Talks

The Docomomo Us National Symposium on Modernism + Climate has two full days of lectures and tours. Industry experts present on a variety of topics related to midcentury modern design and contemporary challenges all week long. VIP tickets unlock access to early registration before Feb 14.

Mixers

Lots of opportunities to mix with national experts on Modernism and meet enthusiasts involved in the preservation and restoration of Midcentury Modern design in the Phoenix Metro area. Many events are free with RSVP!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modern Phoenix Week Events

many events are independently ticketed and operated


  • Docomomo National Symposium VIP

    The one ticket to get!

    tktktk

    $75 - $350

    Held at 5 venues citywide

    Become a Docomomo US National Symposium VIP and unlock many of the events shown below! The only national event dedicated to all aspects of Modern design preservation offers two days of lectures and workshops, two evening receptions and tours, two lunches, plus a special VIP event at an exclusive location. Bus transportation included with many events. Continuing education credits available. Some tours ticketed separately.

    BUY TICKETS NOW

  • Modernique

    Book signing with Julia Buckingham

    Special Collections at ASU

    | Free

    Jonathan Adler Store at
    Biltmore Fashion Park

    MAP IT

    Kick off our week with cocktails and meet the interior designer behind last year's home tour smash Casa Lantana as she debuts her brand new book Modernique. At 7 pm, Julia will talk about how to blend vintage and modern style to create environments that are truly Modernique! The book, published by Abrams, will be hot off the press and sold for the first time at this special signing event.

    FREE WITH RSVP

  • SOLD OUT!

    Research Your Midcentury Home Workshop

    Research your Midcentury Modern Property with Modern Phoenix

    | SOLD OUT!

    Burton Barr Central Library
    MAP IT!

    John Jacquemart and Donna Reiner guide a small group through researching a midcentury home or neighborhood using local resources and online databases with our pop-up library of magazines, brochures, newspapers, maps and other materials. Presentation at 10 am, open expert-guided research time from 11 am onward. Hands-on, bring a friend and a camera!

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • SOLD OUT!

    Ultimate Tour of the Valley Ho

    Valley Ho Tour

    | SOLD OUT

    Valley Ho Lobby
    MAP IT!

    Explore the architecture and past of this mid-century-modern landmark, a Hollywood hideaway since 1956 and host to stars like Janet Leigh, Bing Crosby, and Natalie Wood. Designed by architect Edward Varney and Associates, Hotel Valley Ho is known for its “Flintstones meets Jetsons” style. Tour meets at the Valley Ho. Free parking is available on 69th Street and along Main, or use valet at the Ho and get validated for a special $5 (+gratuity) day rate.

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • Paolo Soleri's Cosanti

    With Roger Tomalty

    Cosanti

    | $15

    Cosanti, Paradise Valley
    MAP IT!

    Join us for a tour of Paolo Soleri's 1956 Cosanti complex led by his special assistant, now Director of Paolo Soleri Studios, Roger Tomalty. Limited to 35 participants. 20% discount on all books and publications about or by Paolo Soleri purchased by participants on day of tour. Wheelchair accessible. Meet in the gallery area at 9 am.

    RSVP VIA EMAIL

  • Executive Towers

    National Register Dedication

    Executive Towers

    | FREE WITH RSVP

    Executive Towers, Midtown Phoenix
    MAP IT!

    Join the Beadle Family, residents of Executive Towers, The Postwar Architecture Task Force of Greater Phoenix, and For the People at a public celebration of the listing of Executive Towers on the National Register of Historic Places. Large scale steel sculpture by Al Beadle will be staged for sale on the grounds. Roger Brevoort, who wrote the nomination with Donna Reiner's assistance, will give a brief talk at 4:45 pm. Refreshments will be served.

    FREE WITH RSVP

  • Repositioning Modernism Through Sustainability and High Design

    LFA For(u)m + AIA

    LFA Forum

    | $10

    Location TBA
    MAP IT!

    Between hotels, residences, restaurants, and retail shops, the impact of the Valley's middle-century is recentralizing around the style's inherent sustainability and sleek design, allowing a new crop of visionaries to highlight these practices and enhance them. This panel discussion features architects, builders, developers, and real-estate representatives behind such acclaimed rehabs as Hotel Valley Ho, multiple Al Beadle projects, Postino, and more.

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  • What is Desert Appropriate Architecture? One Point of View

    Will Bruder FAIA

    Phoenix Central LIbrary by Will Bruder FAIA

    | Free

    Copenhagen, Phoenix
    MAP IT!

    Join Copenhagen Imports at their vintage Ralph Haver-designed showroom for food, wine and music before Will Bruder speaks at 7pm. Bruder has been a student of the Sonoran desert since arriving at Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti in the summer of 1967. His architectural interventions include civic/cultural buildings, offices, private residences and mixed use multiples. Bruder believes that the most sustainable architecture is architecture that is loved by its users and appropriate to its place. RSVP the number in your party below or at 602-266-8060.

    FREE WITH RSVP

  • Welcome Docomomo US

    Evening reception

    tktktk

    Shepley Bulfinch at Phoenix Financial Center Rotunda
    MAP IT!

    Join us for cocktails and apps at sunset at the Docomomo US Modernism in America award-winning Phoenix Financial Center Rotunda by W.A. Sarmiento, recently restored by Shepley Bulfinch.

    BUY TICKETS

  • Docomomo US Symposium

    Day 1: Modernism and Climate

    tktktk

    Bulpitt Auditorium at Phoenix College
    MAP IT!

    Phoenix College, a WPA era campus that experienced a huge modern expansion in the late 60s by the architecture firm Haver, Nunn & Jensen, will host the first full day of lectures a national and local scope on the topic of modernism and climate. Architect, founder and Honorary President of Docomomo International Hubert-Jan Henket will give the morning keynote address tentatively titled: WHERE NEW AND OLD MEET: A plea for sustainable modernity.  Become a VIP to bundle this event with others.

    BUY TICKETS

  • SOLD OUT!

    Superlite Block Factory Tour

    tktktk

    Bus leaves from Phoenix College
    MAP IT!

    In the 1950s Phoenix became the concrete block capital of the world, all due to a new product called Superlite. Efficient, lightweight and inexpensive, CMU made with Besser Block machines was used by local architects from Wright to Haver and Beadle. Join Wendell Burnette FAIA for a tour the plant where it all started and see how this material is manufactured and has changed over the years. Bus meets at northeast side of south parking lot at Phoenix College.

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • Taliesin West

    Tour and sunset reception

    tktktk

    Taliesin West in Scottsdale
    MAP IT!

    Mingle with the Docomomo US Symposium attendees at an evening lecture and tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home Taliesin West. Architect and Docomomo US founding member, Gunny Harboe FAIA will provide guests with an overview of Taliesin West's recent preservation master plan and the evening will conclude with a very special sunset cocktail reception. Become a VIP to bundle this event with others.

    BUY TICKETS

  • Desert Modernism Lecture Series

    Wendell Burnette FAIA

    Special Collections at ASU

    Design Within Reach
    at Scottsdale Quarter
    MAP IT!

    Burnette will discuss his life, work and how modernism has informed his design approach. Burnette opened his practice in 1996 after years of self-study, training at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and extensive global travel. His practice is concerned with space and light, context and place, and with the environment and landscapes in which we live. Refreshments will be served.

    FREE WITH RSVP

  • Docomomo US Symposium

    Day 2: Modernism and Climate

    Special Collections at ASU

    | $100

    Arcosanti
    MAP IT!

    Co-president Jeff Stein and others will lead guests thorough tours, lectures and discussions exploring the legacy and future of Paolo Soleri's Arcosanti, what it is like to live and work there and their vision for the future. In the afternoon, Docomomo US will offer three half-day workshops, with in-depth sessions on how to lead successful advocacy campaigns, conduct historic resource surveys and a hands-on examination of concrete technologies. Transportation from midtown symposium hotel district is provided. Locals are welcome to drive themselves and meet the group at 9:30. Become a VIP to bundle this event with others.

    BUY TICKETS

  • SOLD OUT!

    Mesa's Neon by Night Bus Tour

    Mesa Main Street Neon Tour

    Park and Ride: Price Freeway at Apache Boulevard
    MAP IT!

    Join Marshall Shore the Hip Historian and Vic Linoff of the Mesa Preservation Foundation on a guided bus tour of Mesa's main drag. View and photograph the monumental and iconic signs. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arizona Vintage Sign Coalition and restoration of the Watson's Flower Shop sign.

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • SOLD OUT!

    Midcentury Midtown Bike Tour

    tktktk

    GRID bikeshare rack at the Clarendon Hotel
    MAP IT!

    Use Phoenix's GRID bikeshare program to explore midcentury modern architecture with two experts from the Postwar Architecture Task Force of Greater Phoenix with Greg Kilroy. We'll get you orientied to the smartphone-friendly bikeshare rental then take an 8 mile flat and casual ride through Phoenix's midtown midcentury marvels. Bring your camera! Host Derek Horn will also sign copies of his book Midtown Phoenix. Reserve your spot now, pay on day of tour.

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • Soleri's Cosanti and Dome House

    Bus tour with Roger Tomalty

    Cosanti

    | $120

    Cosanti, Paradise Valley
    MAP IT!

    Tour Paolo Soleri's 1956 Cosanti arcology, led by Director of Paolo Soleri Studios Roger Tomalty. Then board the bus to Cave Creek for an intimate and exclusive tour of The Dome House, the subterranean home that Soleri and Mills built in the 1950s. 20% discount on all publications about or by Paolo Soleri purchased on day of tour. Transportation from midtown symposium hotel district is provided. Locals wishing to drive themselves may meet the tour group at Cosanti at 10:30 instead of boarding bus at midtown.

    BUY TICKETS

  • Midcentury Banks

    Bus tour with Donna Reiner

    tktktk

    Tour starts at Federal Pizza. Park at the Windsor parking lot across the street
    MAP IT!

    Join Phoenix's expert on midcentury banks for a tour of four former and active midcentury banks by Pereira & Luckman, Weaver & Drover, Al Beadle, and Frank Henry. See how an aggressive design-focused program of growth at midcentury resulted in spectacular examples of organic architecture and regional modernism. A light lunch will be provided by Postino Highland. Transportation from midtown symposium hotel district is provided.

    BUY TICKETS

  • SOLD OUT!

    Founding Fathers of Modern Phoenix Tour

    tktktk

    Tour starts at Copenhagen
    MAP IT!

    Discover Phoenix's regional modern masters Ralph Haver, Fred Guirey, Frank Lloyd Wright and Mel Ensign on this bus tour guided by founder of Modern Phoenix, Alison King. Coffee and light fare will be provided by our host at Ralph Haver's Copenhagen in the morning, then we'll conclude with local farmer's market nosh at the Guirey House. Transportation from midtown symposium hotel district is provided.

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • Holy Houses!

    Bus Tour with Doug Sydnor FAIA

    tktktk

    Tour starts at Federal Pizza. Park at the Windsor parking lot across the street
    MAP IT!

    Explore magnificently modern churches by Frank Lloyd Wright, Harold Wagoner, Wendell Rossman and T.S. Montgomery in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Styles range from organic architecture to concrete expressionism and space age. You'll also experience the artistry of spectacular faceted glass by Glassart Studio and famed NASA space concept artist Robert McCall. Transportation from midtown symposium hotel district is provided.

    BUY TICKETS

  • SOLD OUT!

    Best of the Beadle Boxes Tour

    tktktk

    Tour starts at Federal Pizza. Park at the Windsor parking lot across the street
    MAP IT!

    Al Beadle is best known for his Beadle Boxes, which are made of deceptively simple modular forms. Tour two of his iconic private homes, Executive Towers and The Triad, whis is the only Arts and Architecture Case Study home to be built outside of California (Case Study Apartments #1). Transportation from midtown symposium hotel district is provided.

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • SOLD OUT!

    Modern Phoenix Home Tour

    Paradise Gardens Home Tour

    | Sold Out

    Check-in at Shadow Mountain High School
    MAP IT!

    Features full access to a dozen modern homes in Paradise Gardens, Arizona, many of which were designed by Alfred Newman Beadle in the 1960s. Now 50 years old, the neighborhood is experiencing another surge of development. The tour is park-and-walk with most homes clustered within walking distance of each other. A map will be provided at check-in on tour day. Rain or shine, terms and conditions apply. Join the general admission waitlist or become a DOCOMOMO VIP to unlock a password to purchase the last available home tour tickets.

    JOIN WAITLIST

    REDEEM VIP PASSWORD

Docomomo National Symposium ticketholders may qualify for special lodging rates through end of February.

Check Symposium Accomodations

Hotels with Midcentury Modern Flair

Hotel Valley Ho

6850 E. Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

The Clarendon

401 W Clarendon Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013

The Saguaro

4000 N Drinkwater Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ

The People Who Make it Happen

HOSTS

Presenting Sponsors





SUPPORTERS + COLLABORATORS























FRIENDS








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Questions? 602-363-6158

Please note that many events are independently ticketed by partner agencies and many are RSVP. Check each description for details above.