The Glass House will continue to launch programs and projects to capture the site’s legacy as a place for innovation and new ideas. We aim to share a selection of these programs with you online and through media partners:
GLASS HOUSE CONVERSATIONS
The Glass House has been described as "the longest running salon in America," as great minds in architecture, art and design gathered in New Canaan, CT at the invitation of Philip Johnson and David Whitney. These conversations are legendary as we recognize their enormous influence on our culture in the second half of the 20th century. Glass House Conversations, a series of six invitational dialogues, brings together thought leaders from across society for conversations that explore important issues and new ideas. Oldcastle Glass is the exclusive sponsor of this program.
NEW CANAAN MODERN HOME SURVEY
The New Canaan Modern Home Survey is a comprehensive survey of 90+ architect-designed mid-20th century Modern homes in New Canaan, Conn. This project is the fundamental first step towards scholarly evaluation of Modernist resources with research, fieldwork and photography. The survey will be promoted as a model for use by other states and communities with dense concentrations of modern resources. The Glass House will share photos and a Modern glossary and biographies online fall 2008. The Survey is supported by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.
GLASS HOUSE COMMISSIONS Limited Editions available in the Glass House Shop
Glass House Commissions is a line of limited edition objects produced exclusively for and available in the Glass House Shop. Visits to the site inspire designers to create objects that become limited editions exclusive to the Glass House Shop. Each year will launch a new selection of artists and designers. Designers include: Yves Behar, Jessica Kagan Cushman, Frances Palmer, Josh Jakus, Jens Risom, Denyse Schmidt, Jacquie Shapiro for French Bull, and Julius Shulman.
GLASS HOUSE MOLESKINE® SKETCHBOOK | ONLINE GALLERY
In partnership with Moleskine®, the Glass House is launching a custom sketchbook project and online gallery featuring 29 sketches by architects, designers, and artists inspired by the site, with relevant quotes by Philip Johnson, and many blank pages for notes or sketching. Available May 17, 2008.
ON-SITE PRESERVATION PROJECTS
Each year the Glass House embarks on projects to preserve and protect the structures, artwork, and landscape at the Philip Johnson Glass House. Past projects include the conservation of artwork in the collection by Nicolas Poussin and Frank Stella, the replacement of the Glass House roof, and the installation of pathwork to adhere to ADA standards. This year the Philip Johnson Glass House will focus on the preservation of the Brick House.
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
The Glass House will launch an Oral History initiative in 2008 with initial funding received from the National Endowment for the Arts. Artists, architects, scholars, clients and close friends of Philip Johnson and David Whitney will be target of this Glass House project to capture and collect conversations, musings, and insight from people who frequented and contributed to the Glass House since it’s completion in 1949.
THE VIEWSHED PROJECT
The view into the landscape from the Glass House is critical to the experience and historical context of our National Trust Historic Site. The Viewshed Project aims to eliminate imminent development threats, and secure preservation of open spaces by purchasing adjacent land. Currently, three adjacent parcels of land (approx. 14 acres), that impact the view from the Glass House are on the market and are being threatened for development (e.g., 6 homes with an average footprint of 10,000 sq. feet).