The Amazing Art and Culture of Palm Springs

Palm Springs, California, can easily be considered a playground of resort-style living and star-studded encounters–with maybe a few grandpas cruising around on golf carts. 

But there is more to this oasis. It's time to uncover the hidden gems of Palm Springs' culture, sprinkled throughout its art and museums. Let’s talk about the secret treasures that make this already-alluring resort town extra captivating.

Palm Springs Culture

Diving into the vibrant art scene of Palm Springs, it's essential to understand the city’s cultural roots. Early Spanish explorers, enchanted by the area, named it La Palma de la Mano de Dios or "The Palm of God's Hand." Fast forward to 1853, and the map-makers dubbed it “Palm Springs,” a fitting tribute to the iconic and beloved palm trees.

In the 1870s, this area was just a quaint desert town with a sprinkle of railroad tracks and Dr. Welwood Murray's hotel. It wasn't until 1909, though, that the town became more popular. The Desert Inn was built this year; this interesting structure combined a hotel with a sanitarium. By 1927, the Desert Inn was a modern-day hotel.

All of this historical recounting matters because one of the hotel’s founders was Nellie N. Coffman. She was the force behind Palm Springs becoming more of a tourist attraction. 

By the 1930s, movie stars were escaping Hollywood for the dry, sunny, and secluded area, even during two world wars. Architectural modernists flourished around this time with commissions from the stars, which led to experimenting with unique and innovative designs like steel houses with prefabricated panels and folding roofs, glass-and-steel houses tucked into the boulder-strewn landscape, and even a carousel house that rotated to avoid the sun's glare. 

In the 1950s, Palm Springs was the ultimate “spring break” hotspot. Amidst the chaos and parties, the culture and art scene of Palm Springs emerged becoming the beloved icon it is today.

LGBTQIA+ Culture

One of the more unique aspects of Palm Springs's culture is its openness. Born of both the spring break hotspot and growing art scene, Palm Springs also has a welcoming LGTQIA+ culture. 

Escape the mundane with events like The Dinah, a five-day music festival and weekend getaway for the lesbian community. Embrace your inner movie critic at the Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival. 

In Palm Springs, the only thing more diverse than the people is the richness of the area’s art.

Palm Springs Art

The art world of Palm Springs is filled with endless creative realms from film to architecture. 

Film

As the birthplace of countless movie stars, Palm Springs boasts not only the renowned International Film Festival and Short Films Festival but is also the stage for many other captivating events, all rooted in its Hollywood past.

Postmodern Architecture

Palm Springs culture steps back to its architectural roots every February during Modernism Week, an 11-day festival with over 350 events. Mid-century modern architecture is showcased through films, lectures, and tours of historic homes in 30 neighborhoods in the area. There’s also a preview event in the fall. All events are open to the public, and many of them are free.

Palm Springs Museums

Palm Springs has a plethora of museums to explore in addition to their rotating roster of events. Popular historical museums include the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum; two homes available to tour through the Palm Springs Historical Society; a 1930s General Store Museum; and the Palm Springs Air Museum, dedicated to the impact of the Air Force during WWII. For art gazing, check out the Palm Springs Art Museum. You can also find unique cultural oddities, like the Forever Marilyn sculpture by Seward Johnson, in downtown Palm Springs.

Escape to Palm Springs, where the sun shines and the culture thrives. Beyond the typical spring break scene, this desert oasis is home to a vibrant community. Discover stunning homes for sale in Palm Springs and embrace the unbeatable climate that draws visitors from around the globe. If you're not already sold, take a stroll through nearby beach towns. No matter your style, Palm Springs is the perfect place to escape, live, or experience something new. 

Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities in Palm Springs today!

Contributed to Your Home blog.