Charles Phoenix: Grand Tour of Europe in the 50s & 60s–A Midcentury Dream Vacation Slide Show Travelogue

“Fasten Your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff!” says Retro Pop Culture expert, Charles Phoenix, as he launches the classic European vacation into a fun, festive extravaganza!

With his unbridled enthusiasm, keen expertise and eagle-eye for oddball detail, Charles lavishes spirited commentary on colorful, vintage Kodachrome slides taken by tourists visiting Europe in the 50s & 60s.

Experience the local color, fragrant foods, fine fashions, monumental museums, iconic attractions, legendary landmarks, fun festivals,planes, trains, buses, boats and automobiles and the exquisite Midcentury Modernism of the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels!

Be prepared for your imagination to be inspired and spirit will soar like never before!

The New York Times says, “Call him the King of Retro”. Midcentury pop-culture expert and humorist, Charles Phoenix is a performer, author, explorer and collector celebrating classic and kitschy American life and style. He is known for his spirited slide show performances, classic car Joyride videos, colorful coffee table books, test kitchen creations and fun field trip tours. Growing up in Ontario, California in the 60s and 70s, he was educated at theme parks, thrift stores, shopping malls and his dad’s used car lots.

Photo Credits: Bruno Pinheiro, Nelson Kon, Eduardo Camara, Luiz Knud Correia de Araújo, Getty Images, Pedro Kok

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 No pets, service animals permitted
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Seated activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Parking & handicap parking available
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Wheelchair accessible
The organizer of this event is: Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity

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