Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, is a 13,000-square-foot midcentury International style building located in downtown Palm Springs. The building was renovated by Marmol Radziner and accessibility improvements were incorporated during rehabilitation, including the addition of an elevator providing access between the main gallery level and the lower level study center. The building is elevated above street level, with original terrazzo floors restored throughout. General admission to the Architecture and Design Center is included with Palm Springs Art Museum admission, and admission is always free for children under 18, active-duty military and their families, and NARM and ROAM members. Free admission is also offered on Thursdays from 5:00–8:00 pm, funded by the City of Palm Springs.

The main level features gallery space, a museum store located within the original bank vault, and offices, while the lower level houses a study center, archive and collection spaces, and a library — all accessible via the elevator added during renovation. The building features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sustainable desert landscaping. While the museum’s official website does not publish a dedicated accessibility page for the Architecture and Design Center, the broader Palm Springs Art Museum system provides information on access features across its locations.

Visitors note that the building is elevated above street level with steps at the main entrance, and recommend confirming elevator access and accessible entry points before visiting, particularly for those using mobility devices. Some visitors have found the downtown Palm Springs location convenient for drop-off, as street parking and nearby public parking are available in the area. The open terrazzo floor plan is generally reported as easy to navigate, though the historic building’s layout may feel compact in some areas during busy exhibition openings.