The Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut
Image from The Glass House Facebook page
An Architectural Masterpiece
The Glass House, constructed by renowned architect Philip Johnson in 1949, stands as an iconic landmark in modern architecture. Located at 199 Elm Street, New Canaan, Connecticut, this masterpiece was inspired by Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House. Its innovative design features exterior walls made entirely of glass with no interior walls, creating a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
A Historical and Artistic Hub
Spanning a pastoral 49-acre landscape, the Glass House complex includes fourteen structures, such as the Guest House, Pavilion on the Pond, Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Ghost House, Studio, and Da Monsta. The site is adorned with outdoor sculptures by artists like Donald Judd and Julian Schnabel. This architectural marvel not only served as a home for Philip Johnson and his partner, David Whitney, but also as a gathering place for influential architects, artists, and designers.
Exploring the Glass House
The Glass House offers a variety of tours from April to December, with options ranging from one-hour concise tours to three-hour in-depth explorations. All tours start from the Visitor Center at 199 Elm Street and include shuttle transportation to the site. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the popularity of the tours.
Tour Options
Glass House Tour (1 Hour): This tour focuses on the Glass House and the newly renovated Brick House, with minimal walking required. Available on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Glass House + Galleries Tour (2 Hours): A comprehensive tour including the Glass House, Brick House, Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, outdoor sculptures, and Da Monsta, with a three-quarter mile walk. Available on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Extended Tour (2 1/2 Hours): This tour includes all elements of the Glass House + Galleries Tour, plus Philip Johnson’s Studio and an up-close view of the installation Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House. Participants must be able to walk a mile and climb moderate hills.
Self-Guided Tour (Up to 3 Hours): Available on Sundays from April to October, this tour allows visitors to explore the campus at their own pace. Educators are available across the site to provide information and answer questions.
Private Tour (Up to 3 Hours): Offering a personalized experience, this tour provides in-depth access to the buildings, art, design collections, and landscape. Available by appointment.
Visitor Information
Hours: Thursday to Monday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Parking: Parking is not available at the Visitor Center. Visitors can park at a nearby municipal metered lot on Park Street, about a 5-minute walk from the Visitor Center. Parking passes can be purchased at ticket checkout.
Train: Easily accessible via the Metro North New Haven line from New York City. The Visitor Center is located across the street from the New Canaan train station.
Plan Your Visit
To ensure a smooth visit, please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your tour’s scheduled start time to check-in at the Visitor Center. Latecomers may not be guaranteed site access. Tours operate rain or shine, so be prepared for inclement weather. Children must be at least ten years old to participate in tours.
A Space for Reflection and Innovation
Today, the Glass House continues to be a space for exploration and discussion, delving into the intersections of art, architecture, and social justice, including Philip Johnson's controversial personal history. Owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Glass House remains a testament to modern architectural innovation and artistic expression.
