Tours

Docomomo is known for its uniquely crafted tours, bringing you to sites not usually open to the public, with expert guides leading the way. Make sure to book one or two to get the full picture of California Modernism.

AVAILABLE TOURS

See below for available tour offerings – most are now open to the public. Visit tour page to register. Continue scrolling to view and sign-up for waitlisted tours.

Featured
A Day with Charles and Ray: Living and Working at the Eames House (Mon)
Mar 16
A Day with Charles and Ray: Living and Working at the Eames House (Mon)

Spend a day experiencing the Eameses’ lives, work, and philosophies, guided by the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation team.

Mar Vista Tract Open House + Tea Ceremony
Mar 16
Mar Vista Tract Open House + Tea Ceremony

Experience the serene dialogue between California Modernism and the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Immerse yourself in the spatial harmony of architect Gregory Ain’s and landscape architect Garrett Eckbo’s iconic 52-home enclave.

Claremont Modern: Postwar California Dreaming
Mar 21
Claremont Modern: Postwar California Dreaming

Discover the modernist treasures of Claremont, CA where tree-lined streets and historic neighborhoods reveal stunning examples of mid-century modern design on this guided bus tour with Claremont Modern.

Modern Skyline
Mar 21
Modern Skyline

Note: You must be registered for the conference in order to register for this tour. Get up close to the public art tucked away within the plazas of sleek high-rises, and enjoy the views from the postmodern Bunker Hills Steps.

Killingsworth & Company: Modernist Mavericks in Long Beach
Mar 22
Killingsworth & Company: Modernist Mavericks in Long Beach

On this full-day bus excursion, tour the residences of local masters Edward Killingsworth and Raphael Soriano, while viewing landmark designs by Irving Gill, Richard Neutra, John Lautner, Hugh and Donald Gibbs, Cliff May, and more along the way.

Conjunctive Points: Deconstructivism in the Hayden Tract
Mar 22
Conjunctive Points: Deconstructivism in the Hayden Tract

The tour begins with a brief lecture about the history of The New City, also known as the Hayden Tract, the developers Frederick and Laurie Samitauer Smith, and is followed by an extensive self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood and a rare opportunity to tour the interior of the latest addition, the (W)rapper tower.

WAITLISTED TOURS

The following tours are waitlist only. If a spot opens up, you will be notified via email in the order in which you appear on the waitlist.
Registration instructions will be provided and you will have a set amount of time before the spot is offered to the next person in line.

Featured
WAITLIST ONLY | Icons of Innovation: Neutra and Wright in Bakersfield
Mar 16
WAITLIST ONLY | Icons of Innovation: Neutra and Wright in Bakersfield

With an economy fueled by oil and agriculture, Bakersfield drew master modern architects from Southern California to design residences and commercial buildings. This day-long tour includes a lecture, coach transportation, boxed lunch, and a guided tour of six sites.

WAITLIST ONLY | From Tradition to Tomorrow: The Architecture of Paul R. Williams
Mar 17
WAITLIST ONLY | From Tradition to Tomorrow: The Architecture of Paul R. Williams

Discover the modern genius of Paul R. Williams, an architect who sought to unite timeless design with his innovative vision.

WAITLIST ONLY | Grand Ambitions on Bunker Hill: LA’s Civic and Cultural Spine
Mar 17
WAITLIST ONLY | Grand Ambitions on Bunker Hill: LA’s Civic and Cultural Spine

Explore Grand Avenue and its environs, the city’s civic and cultural spine. Complements the Downtown Skyline and Modernism by Moonlight tours.

WAITLIST ONLY | A Day with Charles and Ray: Living and Working at the Eames House (Tues)
Mar 17
WAITLIST ONLY | A Day with Charles and Ray: Living and Working at the Eames House (Tues)

Spend a day experiencing the Eameses’ lives, work, and philosophies, guided by the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation team.

WAITLIST ONLY | Modern by Moonlight
Mar 19
WAITLIST ONLY | Modern by Moonlight

Join us for an evening walk downtown and admire the city’s skyline. Complements the Bunker Hill tour, which highlights the city’s civic and cultural center; duplicates material on the Modern Skyline tour.

WAITLIST ONLY | Neutra: At Home in the Colony
Mar 21
WAITLIST ONLY | Neutra: At Home in the Colony

Following a lecture by author and Neutra scholar, Barbara Lamprecht, PhD., at the historic Neutra Office Building (1950), participants will tour the office apartments, Reunion House (1950), VDL Studio and Residences (1932; 1964), and other homes along Neutra Place.

WAITLIST ONLY | Beyond the Craftsman: Pasadena’s Modern Vision
Mar 21
WAITLIST ONLY | Beyond the Craftsman: Pasadena’s Modern Vision

Tour the impressive collection of modern architecture tucked away in Pasadena’s neighborhoods – includes stops at Frank Lloyd Wright’s La Miniatura, two residences by Buff and Hensman, and the personal home of John Kelsey. Lunch is included; full-day bus tour.

WAITLIST ONLY | Lines and Light: Inside the Sheats Goldstein Residence (AM)
Mar 21
WAITLIST ONLY | Lines and Light: Inside the Sheats Goldstein Residence (AM)

Explore the soaring, cave-like interiors, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and breathtaking views of the Sheats Goldstein Residence.

WAITLIST ONLY | Lines and Light: Inside the Sheats Goldstein Residence (PM)
Mar 21
WAITLIST ONLY | Lines and Light: Inside the Sheats Goldstein Residence (PM)

Explore the soaring, cave-like interiors, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and breathtaking views of the Sheats Goldstein Residence.

WAITLIST ONLY | Cars to the Curb: The Radical Vision of Baldwin Hills Village
Mar 21
WAITLIST ONLY | Cars to the Curb: The Radical Vision of Baldwin Hills Village

Join us for an exclusive tour of the Village Green (originally Baldwin Hills Village), where we'll explore one of America's most significant examples of modernist community planning and environmental design.

WAITLIST ONLY | Cultivating Culture: Three R.M Schindler Residences
Mar 22
WAITLIST ONLY | Cultivating Culture: Three R.M Schindler Residences

Discover the bold vision of R.M. Schindler and explore his legacy in Los Angeles on this special half-day bus tour that offers an insider’s look at the MAK Center for Art and Architecture’s three remarkable Schindler-designed sites.