Part of the museum's Curated Places: Inside the Home series, this evening at the Ford Estate invites guests to experience one of Coachella Valley's most significant private residences in an intimate and thoughtfully designed setting.

The experience provides rare access to the interiors of the estate, highlighting its architectural presence, layered history, and continued life as a private residence shaped by care and stewardship. The evening begins with a welcome reception on the grounds, offering guests time to arrive, gather, and take in the setting before moving onto a guided tour of the home.

Built in 1978, The Ford Estate represents a time of cultural emergence for Rancho Mirage on the international stage. Designed by architect Welton Becket for President Gerald and Betty Ford, the estate was built on an acre of land gifted to the former president by friend and neighbor, Ambassador Firestone. It remained their primary residence until Betty's passing in 2011. Mr. Damaschke and Mr. McILwee were selected by a family out of multiple interested parties to become the estate's new architectural stewards.

As guests move through the home, the evening unfolds as a closer look at the stories embedded within the space, from its architecture and design context to its evolution over time.

Restoration by Marmol Radziner was completed in 2014, with interiors by Darren Brown and landscape design by Studio John Sharp. Because the house was purchased in the original condition, including furnishings and art, the owners worked closely with the team to reimagine the historical DNA of the house for today's Modern world. As avid collectors, Damaschke and McIlwee have filled the house with art and photography from 1970 to 1990, a focus of theirs, as well as contemporary works by artists including Roy Lichtenstein, Allen Jones, Patrick Nagel, Mark Bradford, and Catherine Opie.

Light culinary offerings and beverages will be served throughout the evening, intended to complement the relaxed, immersive nature of the evening.

This is an invitation to experience the Ford Estate as a living space, shaped by history, preservation, and the ongoing relationship between past and present. 

Hosted by Bill Damaschke and John McIlwee.