- By CAROLINE LENHER
Architect Albert Frey (1903 – 1988) was one of the most influential architects in the world. Frey’s style of modernist architecture, centered in Palm Springs, is now known as “desert modernism.” His mid-century contributions and a few other notable architects are partly credited with making Palm Springs the destination it is today.
In celebrating Frey’s life and work, the Palm Springs Art Museum created a comprehensive exhibition and publication on the architect’s life and work.
Born in Zurich, Switzerland, Frey began his career in Paris and New York. He and architect Kocher designed the Aluminaire House, a metal and glass structure exhibited at the 1932 New York Architectural League Show. Seen by more than 100,000 people there, it went on to travel around the U.S. playing a prominent role in the development of the American modern movement. The house also brought Frey to Palm Springs.
Frey’s buildings are prevalent in the desert valleys and include Frey House II (which can be toured), The Raymond Loewy House (featured in Life Magazine), and the Tramway Gas Station (Palm Springs Visitor Center and Palm Springs City Hall).
This large-scale retrospective, curated and designed by Brad Dunning, shows Frey’s rare and previously unexhibited architectural models, drawings, films, photographs, and furniture. The exhibit runs from January 13-June 3, 2024.
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