Learn Tucson's history at these Modernism Week events
You don't have to be an expert on Gottschalk furniture or the architectural works of Alexander Girard to get the most out of Tucson Modernism Week.
The annual homage to the city's Mid-Century past, running Friday, Oct. 5 to the 14, has numerous events that appeal to broader audiences.
Here are some of the best ways to get the most out of Modernism Week.
Find a full list of events on Preserve Tucson's website.
Modernism market — Friday, Oct. 5-Oct. 14
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This year's Modernism Market will be hosted at Midtown Mercantile Merchants antique mall, 4443 E. Speedway, and will offer an array of midcentury pieces for sale, from chairs to clocks to pottery, all of the era.
A free, opening night gala for the market will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, but the market itself will be open during Midtown's regular business hours, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, through October 14.
Chinese Markets Tour — Saturday, October 6
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Empire Food Market, 526 E. Ninth St.
Tucson Modernism Week and the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center are joining forces this year to showcase the long history of Tucson's Chinese markets, some dating back to the late 1800s.
While these community markets declined in number after World War II, according to the Modernism Week website, several survived and a handful still operate today.
The bus tour of Tucson's Chinese markets, past and present, will last about 3 hours and will require some walking, the website said.
Tickets are $35 apiece.
Miracle Mile Gateway Car Show — Saturday, Oct. 6
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A 1964 Chevrolet Impala during a vintage car show in Marana
Vintage car aficionados can head out to this free car show to see some "groovy" classic cars from the mid-century era.
The show, located at the Golden Pin Lanes Bowling Center, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Tour Tucson's Landmark Neon Signs — Sunday, October 7
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The classic “Diving Girl” neon sign, outside the Pueblo Hotel and Apartments.
Take a twilight and evening tour of some of Tucson's most iconic neon signs.
The tour will feature historian Carlos Lozano, who worked for eight years on the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission and worked to preserve some of these vintage signs.
The bus tour lasts three hours and will require some walking. The tour runs from 7 to 10 p.m.
*Update* Tickets are already sold out.
IGNITE Sign Art Museum — Wednesday, Oct. 10
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Jude Cook, who has been saving historic signs around Tucson, works on a part of the sign from Jerry’s Lee Ho Market, formerly located at 600 S. Meyer Ave. Preservationist Demion Clinco says Cook has become a force nationally in promoting the recognition of mid-20th-century neon signs as important examples of American art.
The 7,000-square-foot building was once home to Clyde Hardware, 331 S. Olsen Ave., is getting new life as the Ignite Sign Art Museum, which is hosting its grant opening on Oct. 10.
The museum houses more than 250 signs, clocks and other advertising pieces of varying makes, shapes and sizes, that once promoted businesses and products in Tucson and across the country.
Tickets are $15.
Vintage Trailer Show — Saturday Oct. 13
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Husband and wife Alex Mastrangelo and Michelle Haller pose for portraits inside their vintage 1957 El Rey trailer at their midtown home on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013.
You can get a peek inside a dozen retro renovated travel trailers at the sixth annual Vintage Trailer Show.
Trailer owners will be on hand to talk about the history, restoration and their adventures with the trailers.
The run shows for two days, Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14.
Tours are $10.
Modernism Week Home Tour — Sunday, Oct. 14
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The Harrenstien House, which was featured as part of Tucson Modernism Week in 2016, is a circular house with a concrete roof that is a series of six hyperbolic paraboloids.
Need some mid-century modern inspiration for your own home?
This tour will take you through some of Tucson's iconic properties by celebrated Tucson architects and designers of the mid-century era.
The tour is self-directed, and participants drive themselves and can visit the properties anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Tickets are $30.
