SCA AGM 2022

Pre-Conference Cultural Heritage Activities

Thursday, May 19, 2022

These activities are in close proximity to each other in downtown Palm Springs, and are only a few miles away from the conference hotel. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will require transportation as it is in the north entrance of the city. Downtown is less than a mile from the hotel and an easy walk away.

Palm Springs Art Museum

2:00 pm–7:00 pm

Founded in 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum has a wide-reaching and growing permanent collection of over 12,000 objects rooted in modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design that has developed from its unique history, culture, and place.  Both museum buildings were designed by famed desert modern architect, E. Stewart Williams and are list on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 and 2016. Check website to determine if admission ticket is required in advance.  Please bring conference badge for professional courtesy admission to both locations.

Location: Main Museum 101 Museum Drive and Architecture and Design Center 300 South Palm Canyon Drive

Website: www.psmuseum.org

Cost: Free!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)

On Your Own Schedule, 10 am – 6 pm

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has the world's largest rotating tram cars which carries visitors from the Valley Station, elevation 2,643 feet, to the Mountain Station located at the 8,516-foot level of Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. The Upper Station designed by midcentury architect E. Stewart Williams and Lower Station by Albert Frey.  Enjoy a hike, valley views, and lunch.

Location:  1 Tram Way

Website: https://pstramway.com/

Cost: $28.95 plus parking

Palm Springs Downtown Walking Tour (schedule during registration)

9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join the Palm Springs Historical Society on a remarkable trip through Palm Spring's past with a professional docent guide. “The Heart of the City” tour is a 2 hour long and features an overview of the history of Palm Canyon Drive. This is a walking tour so please be prepared as it may be hot! Bring a hat, water, sun screen and wear comfortable shoes.

Location: Tour departs from the Adobe, 221 South Palm Canyon,  easy parking in lot off of Baristo and Belardo

Website: http://www.pshistoricalsociety.org/

Cost: $35-$40 depending on number of people attending

Palm Springs VillageFest

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Located in the core of beautiful downtown Palm Springs, the VillageFest or Palm Springs Street Fair, provides a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks, and sweets. A great way to experience the local scene.

Location: Downtown, Corner Tahquitz and Palm Canyon Drives.

Website: http://villagefest.org/

Cost: Free!

Other points of interest to explore during your stay in Palm Springs!

Renaissance Palm Spring Hotel’s area guide: https://activities.marriott.com/property/PSPBR

Palm Springs Life: https://www.palmspringslife.com/things-to-do-in-palm springs/

Visit Palm Springs: http://www.visitpalmsprings.com/

Palm Springs

Indian Canyons: https://www.indian-canyons.com/indian_canyons

Mid-Century Architecture Self-Guided Tour: https://visitpalmsprings.com/mid-century-architecture-self-guided-tour/

Moorten Botanical Garden: http://www.moortengarden.com/

Palm Springs Air Museum: http://www.palmspringsairmuseum.org/

Palm Springs Art Museum: http://www.psmuseum.org/

Palm Springs Historical Society: http://www.pshistoricalsociety.org/

Desert Hot Springs

Cabot's Pueblo Museum: http://www.cabotsmuseum.org/

Palm Desert

Historical Society of Palm Desert Museum and Archives: http://www.hspd.org/

The Living Desert Zoo and Garden: http://livingdesert.org/

Rancho Mirage

Sunnylands Center & Gardens: https://sunnylands.org/visit-the-gardens/

Sunnylands Historic House Tour (on sale April 15 for the month of May): https://sunnylands.org/tour-the-historic-estate/

Tolerance Education Center: http://toleranceeducationcenter.org/

Other Desert Cities

Coachella Valley History Museum: http://www.cvhm.org/

General Patton Memorial Museum: http://generalpattonmuseum.com/

Hi‐Desert Nature Museum: http://hidesertnaturemuseum.org/

Joshua Tree National Park: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

La Quinta Historical Society Museum: https://laquintahistoricalsociety.com/

Coachella Valley Preserve: http://coachellavalleypreserve.org/