PS Art Museum in Palm Desert

I had the opportunity to enjoy a sneak peak of the new Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert the other night.

Greeting me inside the door was one of the centerpieces of the opening exhibit, Cybele, a monumental bronze seated figure by Auguste Rodin, ca 1890. The piece by the French artist is the perfect introduction to the exhibit on the history of sculpture in the modern era.

Moving into the open gallery, there's a sense of whimsical fun with Robert Therrien's pop art piece, No Title (stacked plates, butter), 2007.

The main room and smaller, connecting galleries will expand on the exhibit with works by other important artists of the twentieth century including Edgar Degas, Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Antony Gormley, Claes Oldenburg, Bettina Pousttchi, and many more.

"Ongoing and temporary exhibitions of internationally important art in different media" are planned for the 8,400 square foot building, according to the museum's website.

A key component of the new museum site is an ambitious education program with school tours, artist demos, family affairs, film screenings, and other community-minded events.

Finishing touches were still underway during my visit.
The museum will open to the public March 15. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, The Galen, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Located at Entrada del Paseo at the western most intersection of Highway 111 and El Paseo. 760-346-5600. http://www.psmuseum.org/