Modernism in Litchfield County: A Tour of Historic Home Interiors

The northwestern corner of Connecticut, Litchfield County is known for its colorful fall foliage. Another delight of its landscape is its modernist architecture. Join us this autumn to enjoy both on our Modernism in Litchfield County tour!

Modernist architecture in America flourished from the 1930s through the 70s and encompasses Midcentury Modern, Brutalist, International, and other movements that produced a wide range of expressions. What they all have in common, as described by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is "a design language with an emphasis on form rather than ornament; structure and materials rather than picturesque constructions; and the rational and efficient use of space."

This tour will highlight modernist architecture in towns around Litchfield County at several special stops to step inside some great modernist homes! Interior tours include the 1975 Forest House in West Cornwall, described by architectural critic Paul Goldberger: "…as well-conceived as one could imagine… tall and grand yet comfortably proportioned, it is rich in light and open to its glorious setting…" Additional tours at the 1970s Peg White House and Shed, aka Wild Acres, by Andrew Geller in Washington; a 1960s mountaintop retreat; and the iconic Gagarin House I by the legendary Marcel Breuer and Herbert Beckhard in the town of Litchfield!

Some preview pics shown here.

This tour is offered one day only. Space is limited.
Participants will provide their own transportation to each location.

We will begin in Washington, CT, and end in West Cornwall, CT. Specific meet-up location will be provided in confirmation email. Participants will have a break for lunch (approximately one hour) in Litchfield town center, where there are a number of eateries to grab a bite. Another option, bring your lunch and enjoy it on the grounds of the Oliver Wolcott Library, where you can enjoy the building's prominent addition, designed by Eliot Noyes and completed in 1966.

Each ticket reflects the cost per vehicle. Up to four people per vehicle max. Grab your friends and family! There is a strict maximum amount of vehicles that can register.

Email info@histoury.org if you are interested in connecting with other modernist fans to ride with. We will circulate group emails to assist in facilitating your connections.

At check out, you will be asked to enter information for only one participant; up to four per vehicle are allowed.

Photo sources: Smithsonian Institute, Archive of American Art; Marcel Breuer Digital Archive; Chris Mottalini; homeowners.