Parker Hotel
Credit : visitgreaterpalmsprings . com Visit Greater Palm Springs @ visitgreaterps
On the artistic front , one needn ’ t look hard to find art in Palm Springs because the city itself is a work of art , and art is embodied in the very fiber of the town . So much so that to wander the streets of Palm Springs is to walk through an open-air gallery . From the murals that pepper nearly every corner of the city to the mid-century modern homes with their low-slung profiles and vast expanses of glass , which seem to float above the desert floor , framing the landscape as art , Palm Springs is a city steeped in the language of art and architecture .
That said , it must also be acknowledged that Palm Springs ’ artistic soul extends well beyond its architecture , though the two often go hand in hand in the desert . Take the Palm Springs Art Museum , which features modern and contemporary art . The building that houses the museum was designed by visionary mid-century modern pioneer E . Stewart Williams and is itself part of the museum ’ s collection of architectural assets . So , the vessel for displaying the art is , like its contents , also art . It is this very kind of seamless marriage of art and architecture that is evident throughout the town .
Korakia Pensione
Credit : Korakia Pensione
Other notable museums in the city include the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum , dedicated to the history and culture of the Agua Caliente People , and the Palm Springs Air Museum , home to one of the world ’ s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft and a favorite of aviation fans .
Those in the mood to buy rather than look venture further into the city to the Heather James Fine Art Gallery for a more intimate encounter with the art world . This gallery offers a diverse selection of works in various styles and mediums , from abstract expressionism to pop art , by modern masters and emerging artists , making it a must-visit for art aficionados .
Another excellent option in a similar vein is the Backstreet Art District , an enclave of a dozen artist-owned galleries and working studios featuring exciting collections of original contemporary art , sculptures , photography , jewelry , ceramics , and more by nationally and internationally recognized artists . One of the best times to explore this creative community is during the monthly Art Walk , which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month .
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