Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Art Museum stretches across three floors, with galleries layered above and below ground level. Most people enter from the parking lot side – there’s a lower entrance that leads straight into the first set of exhibits. Stairs and an elevator connect the floors, so moving between levels is straightforward and doesn’t require backtracking. The layout is compact enough to see in an hour or two, but there’s plenty packed in. Galleries move between modern and contemporary work – paintings, sculpture, photography, and a steady rotation of temporary shows. Names like Hockney, Calder, and Warhol are on display, along with pieces by Sam Francis and a mix of other artists, both local and international. One section holds Native American art and classic Western oils; another leans into pop and more experimental pieces. The arrangement shifts regularly, especially since the new curator arrived, so the experience changes from visit to visit. On the basement level, a café opens out to an outdoor sculpture garden. Most people pick up a coffee and head outside – seating runs along the edge, with sculptures scattered through the garden and a few visible from inside as well. The atmosphere stays relaxed and unpretentious, with plenty of natural light and open sightlines through the galleries. Just next door, the Aluminaire House sits on its own lot. It’s a silvery, aluminum-clad prefab house from the 1930s – worth a look for anyone interested in architecture, though a separate ticket is needed to go inside. The museum occasionally runs special exhibits for members, and on certain nights – like during VillageFest – entry is free for everyone. The whole setup is straightforward: easy to navigate, easy to duck in for a quick visit or linger longer if something catches the eye.