La Jolla Modernism and Architecture Week
The week includes the La Jolla Modernism Tour, Saturday, Oct. 3, for self-driving or bus tours of Mid-Century Modern residences, guided by expert docents, with a
catered lunch provided at a historic location. Tour locations are kept secret before the event.
LA JOLLA – The fourth annual La Jolla Modernism and Architecture Week, an expanded celebration of the architecture, design, history and innovation that have shaped the coastal community, will start Friday.
Presented by the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla (formerly La Jolla Historical Society), the week-long series of events is anchored by the popular La Jolla Modernism Tour on Saturday. The tour will provide rare access to a curated selection of privately owned Mid-Century Modern residences throughout the Jewel.
The museum’s 2026 program, however, goes beyond just the annual tour, offering special access to significant architectural sites, guided experiences, talks and programs exploring La Jolla’s distinctive built environment.
“The event has grown and this is the biggest year ever,” noted the museum’s executive director Lauren Lockhart. “As we begin this new chapter as the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla, Modernism and Architecture Week reflects the breadth of what we offer our community. By expanding beyond the tour, we can create new ways to experience and appreciate La Jolla’s remarkable architectural heritage.”
Lockhart noted La Jolla’s expanded architecture week will have “something for everyone,” adding that addresses of historic homes on the tour will be kept secret until disclosed in a printed program issued the day of the event for ticket holders. She said the self-driving tour will feature six homes, while the Platinum Bus Tour will offer a special bonus house for guests, and lunch.
Wrist bands and tour programs can be picked up starting at 9 a.m. the day of the event at the museum’s campus, 780 Prospect St.
The “UCSD effect” is the overarching theme of this year’s architecture week series, said Lockhart.
“We chose a number of homes on one of the tours which were actually commissioned to be built by UC San Diego professors during the ‘60s (and) created by local architects,” she said adding, “Some of these family homes are incredible, like time capsule pieces of architecture that were made possible because of all the talented people UC San Diego attracted in the ‘60s.”
Other events include:
- “From Concrete to Redwood: UC San Diego’s Modernist Masterpieces,” Sunday: Guided access to William L. Pereira’s iconic Geisel Library and Lloyd Ruocco’s 1963 Munk Laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
- “Modernism 101: From Bauhaus to Our House at the La Jolla Woman’s Club,” Oct. 8: Joan Gand presents a program exploring the ideas, influences and personalities that transformed architecture and visual culture in the 20th century.
- ‘Discover the Story of Scripps Institution of Oceanography,” Oct. 10: Brings together historians and Scripps leaders to explore the institution’s history, architecture, pioneering founders, and scientific achievements, followed by opportunities to experience its historic campus and landmark buildings.
La Jolla Architecture week ends Oct. 11 with the 2026 La Jolla Jewel Awards from 3-5 p.m. at La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St.
“We’re so excited about this opportunity for us to acknowledge preservationists in the community, both individuals, businesses and designers who care about protecting and preserving historic places in La Jolla,” said Lockhart. “We will be presenting a number of awards celebrating both residential and commercial historic sites that have been preserved or rehabilitated in the last year.
“There are so many interesting sites – and stories to be told – about architecture in La Jolla. It’s our biggest tour ever and we hope to just continue to grow.”
