The California Mid-Century Modern Buildings You Have to See

Clear lines, muted curves, floor-to-ceiling windows—no, we’re not describing Spanish-style architecture at all. Think Frank Sinatra, Palm Springs, Eichler homes… Does it ring a bell? That’s right, we’re talking about California’s mid-century modern architecture. Symbolizing the Golden State lifestyle with minimalism and efficiency, these architectural masterpieces are ones that make you stop and stare for a while. You’ll find examples of this iconic California architecture all over the state, from the Bay Area all the way to Palm Springs. 

California Mid-Century Modern Architecture to Admire

1. Marin County Civic Center

An aerial view of San Rafael will expose you to the stunning blue buildings of the Marin County Civic Center. To say that the center is an architectural masterpiece is an understatement—the building has been turning heads since it was built in 1960. The Marin County Civic Center was architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest, most famous, and final public project. The buildings have curved blue roofs covering the tops of three hills—they’re connected by circular blue domes. Anyone visiting the center agrees that the mid-century modern building in California is as confusing as it is beautiful—it conjures images of the Middle East, perhaps even the galaxy far, far away?

2. Sunnylands

Constructed in the mid-60s, Sunnylands is essentially an English country estate reimagined for the California desert. Famous mid-century modern architect A. Quincy Jones designed the building with floor-to-ceiling windows, letting the outdoors inside. Over the years, several presidents and movie stars have visited the iconic estate—some people have even exchanged vows here. Today, the building is known as the only pure modernist estate in the United States; it’s open to the public for touring.

3. Stahl House

A glass structure floating over the Hollywood Hills offering magnificent views of the Greater Los Angeles area—is this a dream or is it an architectural sensation? This mid-century modern building in California is one everyone should visit. Stahl House, aka Case Study House #22, is the brilliant work of architect Pierre Koenig who designed this in 1960. The architect is famous for using glass, steel, and concrete in his iconic architectural masterpiece in Los Angeles. Koenig created a space brimming with tranquility, solitude, and breathtaking views. 

4. Twin Palms

Also known as the Frank Sinatra House, the Twin Palms is an iconic example of mid-century modern excellence. Designed by prolific Palm Springs architect E. Stewart Williams, the Twin Palms feature four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows, all in a single story. As archetypical as the building is, Sinatra had originally asked for a Georgian-style property. Williams, on the other hand, had different plans. Choosing to go against Sinatra’s wishes, the architect designed a home with low rectangular wings built from unconventional materials. Most rooms in the estate have long perpendicular volumes with sliding glass doors that connect to the outdoor patio, where the piano-shaped pool is located. The good news is that you can trace the footsteps of Sinatra by staying the night at the Twin Palms—perhaps you’d host spectacular parties just like he did… 

5. Palm Springs City Hall

Designers Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams, Robson Chambers, and John Porter Clark joined forces to design the Palm Springs City Hall. This mid-century modern building is one you can’t miss during Modernism Week. One of the most striking features of the Palm Springs City Hall is the screen wall in the front of the building that’s made of metal tubing cut at angles and piled up in rows. The wall serves as a shield against the hot desert sun. However, the most significant part of the building is the large central opening in the portico overhang, where palm trees stand tall and reach the skies. 

6. Altadena Public Library

The Altadena Public Library was designed by local architect Boyd Georgi. Completed in 1967, the mid-century modern building in California is composed of concrete flat surfaces and dark glass walls. The landscape on which the library was built is filled with trees planted in the 1880s—it only made sense for Georgi to bring the outdoors inside. The architect covered the full perimeter of the building with clerestory windows to let the sunshine in. Sitting in the central reading area feels like being in the middle of a forest. 

Famous Mid-Century Modern Architects from California

E. Stewart Williams

The Coachella Valley owes its distinct architectural style to architect E. Stewart Williams. The Palm Springs-based architect was the person behind most of the mid-century modern buildings in the area. You’ll notice his works spread all over Palm Springs. The Twin Palms, Palm Springs City Hall, and Palm Springs Art Museum are just a few of his brilliant designs—some would even go so far as saying Williams was the person who brought the city to prominence. 

Joseph Eichler

After Joseph Eichler moved to Northern California, he got inspired to design mid-century modern buildings. In less than 20 years, Eichler developed distinctive residential subdivisions of mid-century modern-style tract housing. As a result, more than 10,000 homes in the Bay Area and around 900 in Southern California were built. Eichler homes typically feature glass walls, post-and-beam construction, open floor plans, and an atrium. Long after his passing, Eichler’s designs continue to inspire up-and-coming architects—you can see his style all across the Golden State.

Donald Wexler

Donald Wexler was one of the most influential and famous mid-century modern architects who predominantly worked in Palm Springs—he helped shape the architectural facade of the city. Wexler was the pioneer of using steel in residential designs. After his move to Palm Springs in 1951, he continued to erect mid-century modern buildings for six more decades. Some of his works include the Royal Hawaiian Estates and Palm Springs International Airport.

Pierre Koenig

Pierre Koenig is one of the most renowned names in California modernism. The architect rose to prominence in the mid-1900s thanks to his popular use of steel frame structures and industrial technology. Proud and bold with his designs, Koenig always chose the natural expression of materials over ornamentation. The Bailey and Stahl Houses are two of his most popular works.