Nestled in the rolling hills of New Canaan, Connecticut, The Glass House is a modernist masterpiece designed by architect Philip Johnson in 1949. A National Trust Historic Site, the house and its surrounding 49-acre landscape offer a striking exploration of transparency, minimalism, and the relationship between architecture and nature. More than just a home, The Glass House is part of a larger composition of structures, art installations, and curated vistas that reflect Johnson’s lifelong engagement with art, design, and architectural experimentation. A visit to this iconic site is both a journey through mid-century modernism and an invitation to see the landscape anew. Keep reading to get to know the organization a little bit more below!

Q: What do you want everyone to know about your organization?

The Glass House, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a historic Modernist site designed by architect Philip Johnson between 1949–2005, where he lived with his partner David Whitney.

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Q: Can you highlight a recent initiative, program, or exhibition?

Barbara Kasten: Structure Light Land is now on view. For five decades, Chicago-based artist Barbara Kasten has created photographs and sculptural installations that reorient our sense of perception and explore the dynamic relationship between space, material, and form. Her artistic influences are deeply rooted in modernist architecture, the principles of Constructivism, and the interdisciplinary legacy of the Bauhaus, particularly the photograms of László Moholy-Nagy and Lucia Moholy.

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Q: What is something about your organization that most people don’t know or might be unfamiliar with?

We have a 20th-century art collection and outdoor sculptures on 49 acres.

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Q: What is something in your neighborhood or area that you would recommend doing, seeing, eating, etc., if someone were visiting?  

Grace Farms is amazing so is the Aldrich Museum.

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Q: How does your organization’s mission intersect with Archtober’s mission?

The Glass House is a center of modernism and preservation of architecture.

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Q: What was the biggest change that your institution has witnessed in recent years?

We are happy to see the audience of preservation grow and more historic sites are being saved.

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Q: How does your organization see the future of architecture and design in NYC?

We see architecture and design growing as New York City is a center and has so many historic and important landmarks. This is growing along with the design scene.

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Q: What is a design object in your collection (or a building on your campus) that you would like to highlight?

The Johnson Kelly 1953 Lamp. We are reissuing this iconic lamp with BassamFellows and it will be sold through Design Within Reach this fall. This is a very important and essential light found in Modern homes, including The Glass House, designed by Philip Johnson and Richard Kelly in 1953.