Museums and Art Galleries

Today's desert art scene is lively and thriving all around the valley. Much of it is outdoors and requires a certain amount of footwork. There is something for every taste in the museums and galleries, and true art lovers will want to look and look.

Aerie Sculpture Garden and Gallery

Painter and sculptor, Clonard Thomas and her husband, Bruce, invite you to their gallery and garden, which is really their 20-acre estate home high on a hill above Palm Desert. The 3-acre sculpture garden contains ponds, trees, cacti and galleries in addition to her own work. Call for directions and appointment to view from November to May.

71-225 Aerie Road, Palm Desert
760-568-6366.

El Paseo Art Galleries

Palm Desert upscale art. Nationally known artists of every style are represented in these opulent establishments.

Coda Gallery (73-151 El Paseo), features an eclectic mix of colorful, upbeat paintings and sculptures in a wide range of prices.

Heather James Gallery (73-080 El Paseo), high-end treasures from the Roman Empire and other ancient art.

S.R. Brennen (73-080), a variety of figurative and landscape art rooted in naturalism.

Roberge Gallery (73-995), paintings and sculpture in contemporary, post-modern and traditional styles in a gorgeous setting.

Palapas Nursery and Art Gardens

A 13-acre oasis of greenery and magical places, combining a retail nursery with a place where local artists can work and display their wares and the public can see it and buy. The property is also available for private parties, corporate events, weddings and other occasions. Call for hours.

3255 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
760-416-1818

Palm Canyon Art Galleries

Kaufman Fine Art (456 N. Palm Canyon), owned by Charles Kaufman, son of one of our original pioneers.

The Adagio Galleries (193 S. Palm Canyon), specializes in masters of the Southwest such as R.C. Gorman, and also has one of the largest collections of Latino art on the west coast.

Thomas Kinkade Gallery (245 S. Palm Canyon), known as the "painter of light," Thomas Kinkade shows original work and limited editions.

Reflections of... (285 S. Palm Canyon), features one of the largest art glass collections in the country.

The Palm Springs Desert Museum

It is one of the most impressive museums between Phoenix and the Greater Los Angeles and amenities include a gift shop, the clubby little Herbert Toor Cafe lined with photographer Bill Anderson's nostalgic photos from the heyday of the Racquet Club, an outdoor sculpture garden and the Annenberg Theater, which houses the performing arts.  Call for museum hours.

101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
recorded message: 760-325-0189  administration: 760-325-7186

Public Art

Lucille Ball sitting on a bus bench at the corner of Tahquitz and Palm Canyon, sculpted by Emmanuil and Janet Snitkovsky, placed there by the Palm Springs Art In Public Places program. The two huge Agua Caliente Women in front of the Spa Hotel and Casino is by Doug Hyde. There are several such pieces scattered through the shopping area in Palm Springs and up and down El Paseo in Palm Desert. Don't miss the new statue of beloved former mayor, Charlie Farrell at the entrance to Palm Springs International Airport by actor/sculptor, George Montgomery and up and down the median strip of El Paseo you will see 17 new pieces of Art in Public Places, a non-narrative contemporary exhibition of pieces 8 to 14 feet high.

Entertainment

From film festivals to theatre, all over the Valley, you'll find entertainment ideas to please the whole family.

Annenberg Theater

The 450-seat Annenberg Theater offers series emphasizing jazz, dance and plays with such programs as "Forever Plaid," the Juliard String Quartet and the Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival. It also features a popular Sunday afternoon concerts through the season.

Call for showtimes and ticket prices: 760-325-4490

Located in the Palm Springs Desert Museum at 101 Museum Drive in Palm Springs.

Children's Discovery Museum

This museum is made especially for children. It's fun, and educational, and it doesn't hurt a bit. Features include interactive exhibits and children can see how a skeleton fits together, paint, rock climb and design their own pizza.

Information: 760-321-0602

71-701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage

Desert IMAX Theatre

IMAX technology is based upon the largest film frame in motion picture history, and the screen is stands six stories high, delivering outstanding clarity. It's capable of showing both 2D and 3D images as well as first-run films whose effects lend themselves to the enhanced impact of the oversized screen.

Call for show times and ticket prices: 760-324-7333

On E. Palm Canyon at Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City.

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies

A fabulous live musical production featuring an entire cast of entertainers aged 50+. Be sure to call ahead for showtimes and tickets as this show brings people from all over by the busloads!

Information: 760-327-0225

100 Jack Benny Plaza, Palm Springs.

The McCallum Theatre

Features the most popular Broadway shows, concerts, pop, symphony, jazz, and ballet. Located on Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert.

Information: 760-340-2787

73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert

Nortel Palm Springs International Film Festival

Every year in January, this festival in one of the most popular events in the desert. An eclectic mix of more then 100 feature films and an increasing scene of Tinseltown glamour.

The black-tie awards gala honors major film figures. Past recipients of the Desert Palm Achievement Award include Sophie Loren, James Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Sylvester Stallone, and John Travolta.

Events are staged at six Palm Springs theaters. Call for information and locations: 760-322-2930.

The Palm Springs International Short Film Festival

Held in August, it's reported to be the largest event of its kind, showcasing short films, experimental films, animation, and videos.

Free seminars are conducted between screenings, and opening night showcases award-winners from other festivals and academics.

Palm Springs theaters. Call for information and locations: 760-322-2930.

Small Playhouses

Palm Canyon Theatre, presents professional theater productions through May 28.

760-323-5123

538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.

Top Hat Playhouse, presents a variety of productions year-round.

760-416-4339

210 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs.

Nightlife

The nightlife in the desert isn't limited to a few chic nightspots reserved only for the rich and famous. Today's choices can go from chic to Saturday night casual.

Casinos

The Indian casinos now feature Las Vegas style gaming and are doing record business. In return, they offer their clientele dining, dancing and entertainment options, including top singing personalities and boxing matches.

You're guaranteed a great time even if you don't win the ultimate jackpot!

Casino Morongo
909-849-3080
46-750 Seminole, Cabazon

Fantasy Springs Casino
760-342-5000
84-245 Indio Springs Drive, Indio

Spa Hotel & Casino
760-325-1461
100 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Shallmar Sports Center
760-863-8246
46-350 Arabia. Indio
This county-run facility offers off-track betting and televised horse races from around the country.
On the Riverside County Fairgrounds

Spotlight 29 Casino
760-775-5566
49-200 Harrison St., Coachella


Bars, Supper Clubs & Dance Clubs

The Bamboo Lounge
760-325-1281
Located in The Racquet Club of Palm Springs
2743 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Old haunt of famous celebrities from the past such as Michael Douglas, Cary Grant, and Sophia Loren.

Swing, karaoke, DJ parties, champagne brunch,TV room and pool tables.

Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. Entertainment by Jimmy Fontane and dancing Wed.-Sun.

Enjoy cool rhythms with a Latin flair. Frisco Rangel entertains Thurs.-Sun. 7 p.m.-midnight, Sat. lunch and Sunday Brunch.

A popular downtown restaurant and nightclub featuring an outdoor Palapa, an array of Margaritas, the Tequila Hall of Fame, and nightly live entertainment featuring Mexican to Blues, Pop, and Rock. Mark Guerrero's Hot Rox performs Wed.-Sun., StreetLights Mon.-Tues., P.S. Sound Co. Sat.-Sun. afternoon and the Lino Vazquez Quintet Sat.-Sun. morning.

Swank and chic! Caters to an up market, sophisticated crowd. Cuisine is eclectic, interior boasts a colorful design and on warm nights, the club will open up it's movable walls connecting the outdoor patio. Top name entertainers, big band swing sound, dancing, salsa, jazz and bayou rhythms are part of the scene.

Nightly entertainment, full bar, cigar bar upstairs, large patio, two levels.

Go and see for yourself why it's also called a beach club.

This intimate concert nightclub draws world-class blues every weekend, and owner Kal David and his Real Deal band, featuring David's wife, singer Lauri Bono, continue the authentic blues concerts on weeknights. Two shows nightly.

Live R & B every Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The coffee craze has got a lot more going for it than just coffee. Patrons listen to music, recite poetry, chat up their friends, and work up a latte buzz.

Tuesday open mike night may be fun for some, or scary for the listeners, but there's also an eclectic range of music from blues to golden oldies, and the tarot and palm readers will forecast your future while you sip.

Features Dixieland and blues on Saturday nights, and a full bar for those who want something stronger than coffee.

Palm Springs FYI © 2002 California
Photography and video by Jeff Spillman
Webmaster@palmspringsfyi.com