South Palm Canyond Drive in Palm Springs, CA with palm trees and Modernism Week banner

Twin Palms Guided Walking Tour: An Insider’s Perspective of the Desert’s First Modernist Neighborhood

Twin Palms was the desert's first completed Modernist neighborhood and it established concepts and techniques later emulated throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. This tour will introduce you to the innovative, insightful, and influential architecture of William Krisel and his extraordinarily productive relationship with the Alexander Construction Company. It will also familiarize you with significant midcentury works from architects Hugh Kaptur, Donald Wexler, and Hal Levitt, as well as notable and one-of-a-kind contributions of more-recent vintage.

Beyond architecture, many prominent writers and entertainers have called the neighborhood home, and Twin Palms currently hosts two pieces in the City's public art collection. It's no wonder its residential designs, rich cultural history, and enduring appeal continue to make it a subject of coffee-table books, articles in travel and lifestyle publications, and a frequent location for television commercials, print advertising, and music videos.

Your guide for this two-hour, two-mile tour will be Eric Chiel, a 16-year Twin Palms resident and founding past-Chairperson of the Twin Palms Neighborhood Organization. Eric was co-creator, creative director, and author of The ONE-PS Guide to Palm Springs Neighborhoods published by Palm Springs Life, and he specializes in the stories of Palm Springs neighborhoods. His uniquely engaging narrative will reveal neighborhood architecture, history, and culture, and its impact on the community—all designed so you'll get to know Twin Palms from “An Insider's Perspective.”

A portion of tour proceeds is donated to the Twin Palms Neighborhood Organization to help preserve, beautify, and encourage appreciation of this distinctive destination.

Photo Credits: Ketchum Photography, Eric Chiel, Clark Dugger Photography, Eric Chiel, Henry Connell, Henry Connell / Eric Chiel

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash Pets and animals not permitted
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking activity with exterior and/or interior steps
  • What type of parking is available?Car Parking & handicap parking available
  • Is photography permitted?Camera
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms not available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor and outdoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Guided interior/exterior tour

View more Home Tours

  • House of Tomorrow Home Tour

    Experience the Alexander Estate, known as the House of Tomorrow, and popularly as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway where Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967.

    Activity Date(s)Calendar
    Feb 13th - Feb 23rd
  • Frank Sinatra's Neighborhood: The Hollywood Elite

    This tour affords a visual feast blending classic Spanish Colonial Revival with the sleek midcentury Modern designs, including Frank Sinatra's avant-garde Modernist jewel by renowned architect E. Stewart Williams.

    Activity Date(s)Calendar
    Feb 13th - Feb 23rd
  • Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Passes

    Hosted by Palm Springs Art Museum, these self-guided tours are a rare opportunity to see the residence of Modernist architect Albert Frey.

    Activity Date(s)Calendar
    Feb 13th - Feb 23rd

Even More To Do At Modernism Week