Palm Springs Visitor Center

Initially built in 1965 as a gas station for the Tramway.

Designed by
Albert Frey and Robson Chambers

Created by Culver Nichols as a welcoming landmark for Palm Springs, its roof is a hyperbolic paraboloid formed by steel beams and corrugated metal held up by tubular steel supports. In the 1998-1999 redesign, Albert Frey advised turning it into a sculpture gallery. Frey’s design combines a striking, soaring roofline with the desert setting that Palm Springs is known for.

Historic Site Preservation Board #33

Today, the Visitor Center offers information, maps, and recommendations for exploring the area’s vibrant attractions, including modernist architecture, outdoor adventures, and cultural highlights. It is both a functional resource for travelers and a tribute to Frey’s enduring architectural legacy.