Glass House Launches "Community Day": Free Tours May 1 for Town Residents

The Philip Johnson Glass House announced Thursday that New Canaan residents will be able to schedule free tours for May 1, the first-ever “Community Day” on the renowned Ponus Ridge property.  

“New Canaan is a very special community and we are lucky to be a part of it,” Henry Urbach, director of the Philip Johnson Glass House, said during a reception for community leaders at the National Historic Trust site that included representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, New Canaan Library, Red Cross, League of Women Voters and Rotary Club.  

Community Day officially marks the opening of the Glass House’s seventh tour season as a public historic site. Advance tickets are required for Community Day—see details below.  

Johnson lived out his last years (he passed at age 98 in January 2005) on the 49-acre estate that includes the house, which was completed in 1949, and 13 other structures that he designed. Given to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the house can be toured this year between from Community Day—May 1—through November.  

Urbach described the Glass House’s deeper integration into the New Canaan Community as “Glass House 2.0.”  

Here’s what part of the statement said: “Beginning with the Community Day, the Glass House seeks to expand partnerships with local organizations and serve as a resource for education and enrichment to residents of all ages. The 2013 season also features after-school programs for children and a new Readings series co-hosted with the New Canaan Library.”  

Here are some details on how to take advantage of Community Day:  

• What: Free tours on May 1, 2013 for New Canaan residents.   
  
• How: Go to http://www.theglasshouse.org/visit and use promotional code NC2013 to book tickets online or by phone, 203-594-9884.   
  
• Where: Tours begin and end at the Glass House Visitor Center, located at 199 Elm Street directly across from the New Canaan train station.   
  
• When: Tours depart the Visitor Center at 9:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.