The National Trust For Historic Preservation Will Open

The Philip Johnson Glass House To The Public This Spring

WASHINGTON, D.C. and NEW CANAAN — The National Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the Philip Johnson Glass House, one of the most celebrated examples of modernist architecture in the world and a National Trust Historic Site, will open to the public for the first time in its 50-plus year history this spring.

Limited capacity tours, slated for the preview months of April, May, and early June, precede two events that will serve as the official opening of the Glass House to the general public. A civic opening and ribbon-cutting with state and local officials and leaders from the National Trust will be held at the Glass House on Thursday, June 21. Then, on Saturday, June 23, a Gala Picnic will be held at the site to inaugurate the Glass House’s full capacity operation.

Designed by Philip Johnson (1906–2005) as his private residence, the Glass House sits on a 47-acre site that features 14 structures, a major collection of contemporary art, and a meticulously sculpted landscape. The Glass House serves as an architectural survey of the second half of the 20th Century showcasing innovations in the field of modern architecture from each decade of Mr Johnson’s storied career. Mr Johnson donated the Glass House to the National Trust in 1986, retaining a life estate. Before his death in 2006, David Whitney, a renowned art collector, curator, art advisor, and Mr Johnson’s longtime partner, directed his estate to support the National Trust’s preservation and programming of the Glass House.

“We are deeply indebted to Philip Johnson for donating his masterpiece to the National Trust and to David Whitney, whose generous bequest has secured a vibrant future for the Glass House,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The National Trust’s stewardship of the Glass House will honor the wishes of these two men by ensuring that it remains an innovative center for people interested in modern architecture, and a central place for people who care about art, design, landscape, and preservation.”

The mission of the Philip Johnson Glass House is for the 47-acre campus to become a centerpoint and catalyst for the preservation of modern architecture, landscape, and art; and a canvas for the cultivation of new ideas and talent honoring the spirit of Philip Johnson and David Whitney.

The gala picnic on June 23 will mark the official opening of the Glass House to the public with tours of the site and its structures, as well as a site-specific performance by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, which will restage parts of its 1967 performance at the Glass House that featured music by John Cage and The Velvet Underground.

“This Gala Picnic is the perfect celebration of the past and the future as we open to the public,” said Christy MacLear, executive director of the Philip Johnson Glass House. In its inaugural year, the Glass House will introduce a wide range of programs, including guided tours, seminars, and residential fellowships.

*Guided Tours: To ensure that all guests enjoy an intimate experience, capacity will be strictly limited to ten people. Tours will begin at the Glass House Visitor Center in downtown New Canaan (199 Elm Street, opposite the Metro-North train station), and guests will travel to the Glass House by shuttle.

All tours include a three-quarter mile walking tour across the grounds with access to the Glass House, Brick House, Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, and da Monsta. Tours will begin in April and continue until October. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and visitors must check in at least ten minutes before their scheduled start time or risk losing their space on the tour.

Tours are recommended for ages 10 and up.

Glass House Tours are 90-minute guided tours ($25 per person), with photography not permitted; Glass House End-of-Day Tours are two-hour guided events ($40), which allow more time in each location and encourages visitors to sketch and photograph; and Patron Tours are personalized two-hour group events ($500 per person) that offer emphasis on painting and sculpture, modern preservation, or landscape and gardens, and include a picnic lunch on the grounds. Group tours are also available and must be reserved in advance; call for rates, capacity and availability (202-588-6205).

Members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation will receive a 50 percent discount on standard tours upon check-in.

Tours take place rain or shine. Weather-appropriate and comfortable attire is essential. Shoes should be suitable for diverse terrain.

Tickets and additional information are available online at www.PhilipJohnsonGlassHouse.org.

*Three- to five-day Glass House Seminars will provide in-depth explorations on architecture, landscape, art, and design, beginning fall 2007.

*Glass House Residential Fellowships for talented young people in the fields of architecture, art, landscape, and preservation will begin in 2008. The fellowship will be housed at the former home of David Whitney on the Glass House campus.