One of the coolest modernist landmarks in America is just an hour north of Manhattan: the Philip Johnson Glass House.
Why is the Philip Johnson Glass House so important?
This place is a big deal because it kicked off a whole movement in 20th-century architecture. Alongside legends like Frank Lloyd Wright, Philip Johnson was a game-changer in American design. The Glass House in Connecticut was the first to bring the International Style into home architecture.
You might not think of architecture when planning a trip to Connecticut, but this landmark is a must-see for design lovers. Perched on a rocky plateau in New Canaan, this historic CT site is a prime example of mid-century design. Johnson believed the surrounding countryside was the real star, viewing his estate more as a landscape park than just a building.
Map design by Stanton House Inn
Map design by Stanton House Inn using resources from Flaticon.com
A Brief Biography of the Philip Johnson Architect
Philip Cortelyou Johnson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1906. His passion for architecture sparked during trips to Europe. He dedicated his life to designing some of America’s most iconic buildings, often using glass in his creations, making them instant city icons.
Notable works by Johnson include:
Johnson was a major influence in architecture, art, and design throughout his life. In 1949, he built the unique homestead now known as the Philip Johnson Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Appreciation for the Glass House
Johnson designed this home using glass walls inspired by German architect Mies van der Rohe, a director at Bauhaus. Their discussions led to both the Glass House and van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. Johnson was such a fan that he organized a retrospective of van der Rohe’s work at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in 1947.
The Philip Johnson Glass House Design
The Glass House is the epitome of modern architecture. It’s a large, 55’ x 33’ rectangular room with 1,815 square feet of living space. The four glass walls offer views of a pond and surrounding woods, making you feel like you’re part of the landscape. The only walled-off area is the bathroom, for obvious reasons.
The illusion of being in nature was so strong that when Frank Lloyd Wright first visited, he joked he didn’t know whether to take his hat off or leave it on. Johnson lived in the Glass House from 1949 until his death in 2005.
The Original Open Concept Loft
Imagine living in a place where the furniture decides the rooms! That’s exactly what Philip Johnson did with his Glass House. The home feels open, yet each area has its own vibe thanks to clever furniture placement.
- Kitchen
- Dining Room
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Hearth Area
- Entrance Area
Today, it’s still set up just as Johnson had it. Tricks like using area rugs to define spaces were all part of his genius. The landscape opens up the space, yet when you’re seated at the low table, it feels cozy.
Original Johnson Furniture
Johnson’s Glass House is also a mini-museum of sorts. It houses furniture and art that Mies van der Rohe used in Johnson’s New York apartment, including a custom-designed daybed.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- A 17th-century Nicolas Poussin painting, “The Burial of Phocion,” handpicked by Alfred H. Barr, Jr., the first director of MOMA
- “Two Circus Women,” a sculpture by Elie Nadelman, sits opposite the painting
Privacy with Cabinets
Johnson cleverly used walnut veneered built-in cabinets to separate his bedroom from the rest of the house. Despite these dividers, he could still see everything from anywhere in the house. He loved watching the sunset and moonrise from the same spot.
Home for Entertaining
The Glass House wasn’t just a home; it was a hub for the art world. Johnson and David Whitney, an art curator and critic, hosted some of the most prominent minds in architecture, design, and art here. Picture nights filled with deep conversations and debates among elite circles.
On the Edge of Danger at the Philip Johnson Glass House
Johnson’s weekend retreat is tucked away from roads and buildings. He did admit that living in a glass house had its risks. He once said,
“…somebody just might be looking—naturally you don’t want them to be looking. But what about it? That little edge of danger…”
The Grounds of Philip Johnson’s Glass House
Did you know that the Glass House isn’t just a one-hit wonder? Johnson designed 14 other structures on his estate, all blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Here’s a peek at what’s on the property:
- The “Brick House”: A cozy guest house
- The Pavilion on the Pond
- The Painting Gallery: Showcasing 20th-century American art
- The Sculpture Gallery: More 20th-century American art
- The Study
- The Ghost House
- The Kirstein Tower: Named after Johnson’s friend, choreographer Lincoln Kirstein
- Da Monsta: Yes, that’s its real name!
The Brick House
The Brick House is the Glass House’s solid, private counterpart. Built in 1949 as a guest house, it later became Johnson’s primary residence. With a bathroom, library, and a single bedroom boasting vaulted ceilings and shag carpeting, it’s got a cozy vibe compared to the transparent Glass House.
Johnson also added a painting gallery and a skylit sculpture gallery. Inspired by his friend Frank Gehry, the Ghost House is made of chain-link fencing over an old barn foundation, with lilies inside. The last additions were a library and a striking red and black reception building.
Johnson once said that his collection of one-room buildings formed a complete work of art.
Philip Johnson’s Glass House Tours
Managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Glass House offers daily tours. It’s a fantastic way to dive into Johnson’s world and the landscape that inspired him.
Tours run from May 1st to November 30th. Experienced guides will answer all your questions and share fascinating details about this iconic home. Tours often sell out, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance!
Here are your tour options:
- Glass House Tour: This hour-long tour focuses on the Glass House and its stunning surroundings.
- Glass House + Galleries Tour: A 2-hour tour that includes the Glass House, painting gallery, and the outdoor sculpture “Da Monsta.”
- Extended Tour: This tour covers everything in the Glass House + Galleries Tour, plus a visit to Johnson’s studio.
- In-Depth Tour: This comprehensive tour lets you explore the entire estate, including the house, gallery, studio, sculpture, and lower landscape.
- Self-Guided Tour: Available on select days, this option lets you explore the campus at your own pace.
More things to do in New Canaan, Connecticut
Finished exploring the Glass House? Don’t worry, there are plenty more things to do in New Canaan, CT and the nearby area.
- Grace Farms: Another modern architectural gem in New Canaan.
- Waveny Park: A former estate with an impressive mansion from the early 1900s.
- Irwin Park: A lovely town park featuring a pavilion designed by Landis Gores, one of the “Harvard Five” architects. The New Canaan Historical Society restored the original pool house on the property.
If you’re up for a short trip, Stamford, Connecticut has more modern architecture worth checking out. Don’t miss the Fish Church on Bedford Street.
Where to find even more unique architecture in Connecticut
While the Philip Johnson Glass House is the star of Fairfield County, Connecticut has plenty of other unique and quirky buildings:
Connecticut’s charming towns are also great for exploring architectural treasures. Downtown Greenwich, Connecticut, for example, has several historic sites from various periods.
Fun fact: our bed and breakfast in downtown Greenwich sits in a home designed by renowned architect Stanford White in 1900.
Just going to put that out there!
