If you're in downtown Palm Springs, don’t miss a visit to the dynamic and inspiring Palm Springs Art Museum. Originally founded in 1938 as The Palm Springs Desert Museum, this cultural hub has evolved into a world-class visual arts institution. With impressive collections, rotating exhibits, and a commitment to celebrating creativity in all forms, the museum offers an enriching experience for art lovers, families, and curious travelers alike.

Recommended For

The Palm Springs Art Museum is perfect for:

  • Art and design lovers interested in contemporary, modern, and Native American works.
  • Families and educators looking for engaging, educational art experiences.
  • Architecture buffs fascinated by mid-century modern design and architectural archives.
  • Photography enthusiasts drawn to iconic desert and celebrity images.
  • Visitors to Palm Springs wanting a cultural experience in the heart of downtown.

About the Museum

  • Founded in 1938 as The Palm Springs Desert Museum, it was renamed in 2005 to reflect its broader arts mission.
  • Located in its permanent home since 1958 at the corner of Tahquitz-McCallum Way and Indian Avenue.
  • Under the leadership of Frederick Sleight in the 1960s, the museum expanded its size and influence to become “the prime cultural center of the desert.”

Permanent Collection Highlights

  • The Museum spans over 150,000 square feet and features 28 galleries.
  • Its holdings include modern and contemporary art, glass, photography, architecture and design, and Native American and Western art.
  • Works by notable artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Ansel Adams, and others are part of the collection.

Special Collections & Features

  • Architecture & Design – Includes archives from Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams, and renderings by L.J. Cella.
  • Contemporary Art – Features work by Paul Jenkins, Robert Bechtle, and Kenneth Noland.
  • Contemporary Glass – A growing area of strength featuring global glass artists and experimental design.
  • MesoAmerican Collection – Ancient funerary figures more than 2,000 years old, depicting warriors, musicians, and religious icons.
  • Photography Collection – Focuses on Palm Springs celebrity life and desert landscapes.

Additional Facilities & Amenities

  • Two outdoor sculpture gardens perfect for a quiet stroll.
  • Artists’ center, four classrooms, and five storage vaults supporting education and preservation.
  • 85-seat lecture hall and 433-seat theater host talks and performances.
  • Café offering American specialties and a 1,000-square-foot museum store filled with unique gifts and local finds.

Museum Mission

  • Dedicated to being a creative, community-centered visual arts destination.
  • Continues to honor founder Frederick Sleight’s goal to remain “the prime cultural center of the desert.”
  • Focuses on three core areas:
    • Preserving unique cultures and their historical contributions.
    • Acquiring and showcasing groundbreaking art through curated exhibitions.
    • Offering innovative education through workshops, events, and school programs.

Planning Your Visit

  • Location: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, California 92262
  • Phone: 760-322-4800
  • Website: psmuseum.org

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