If you’re mid-century modern fan, The Mingei Museum in Balboa Park has an exhibit for you this summer. Masters of the Mid-Century California Modern covers the careers of Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, designers whose home accessories, furniture and architectural elements were at the forefront of the now iconic design movement.
In celebration of the exhibit, the museum is hosting Hollywood Modern: Modernist Set Design in Mid-Century Cinema, a film series with screenings on three consecutive Thursdays in July.
The three films they’ve selected all feature amazing mid-century modern design and hilarious hi-jinks: the romantic comedy Pillow Talk, the Doris Day and Rock Hudson classic (July 2); the spy spoof Our Man Flint starring James Coburn (July 9); and Blake Edwards’ raucous comedy The Party with the incomparable Peter Sellers (July 16).
I don’t know about you but I love me some Peter Sellers!
Hollywood Modern at The Mingei also features that staple of the 50’s and 60’s – the cocktail party – with film-inspired cocktails and appetizers from 6 – 7 p.m.
Admission is $10 for members and students and $15 for non-members.