What is The Glass House?
The Glass House, built between 1949 and 1995 by architect Philip Johnson, is a National Trust Historic site located in New Canaan, Connecticut. The pastoral 49-acre landscape comprises 14 structures, including the Glass House (1949), and features a permanent collection of 20th-century paintings and sculpture, a collection of Bauhaus design furniture, and periodic temporary exhibitions.

When is the Glass House tour season? When is the Glass House open for tours?
Tours of the Glass House are available mid-April through mid-December. Tickets are required for admission and can be purchased here. Tours are available on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Glass House is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

What hours is the site open?
The Glass House is open for tours from 9:30am – 5:00pm. The shuttle for the last tour of the day departs for the Glass House at 3:45pm (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and 3:00pm (Sunday) from April through October. The shuttle for the last tour of the day in November and December departs at 2:30pm.

How can I learn about upcoming programs?
For information on upcoming events, exhibits and happenings, please join the Glass House mailing list.

Can I visit during the off-season?
Yes, private and group tours are available year-round by appointment.

How long do tours last?
A few tour options are available, ranging between one and three hours.

How do I plan my visit?
Access to the Glass House is via tour only. Tickets are required for admission and can be booked online here. Advanced tickets are highly recommended as tours often sell out. Please check ticket availability prior to your visit. All tours of the Glass House originate from the Glass House Visitor Center + Design Store located at 199 Elm Street, New Canaan CT, 06840.

What is the Glass House address?
The Visitor Center + Design Store is located at 199 Elm Street, New Canaan CT, 06840.

Where is parking located for the Glass House Visitor Center + Design Store?
Parking is NOT available at the Visitor Center. Visitor parking is available in a municipal metered lot on Park Street, an  approximately 5 minute walk from the Visitor Center + Design Store. Parking passes which allow for all-day parking in metered lots can be purchased for $4.00 while making ticket reservations. Please select “parking pass” at ticket checkout to have the parking pass included in your order. Please print your E-ticket which includes the pre-paid parking pass and place on the dashboard of your car when parking in the recommended lots. Otherwise, metered parking is $1 per hour (3 hour maximum) payable by cash, credit card, or PayByPhone at the kiosk in the parking lot. Lots are metered or require parking passes on weekdays and Saturday. All parking is free on Sunday. All funds gathered for parking passes are paid back to the town of New Canaan.

How do visitors get to and from the Glass House?
Visitors are taken to and from the Glass House in a shuttle from the Visitor Center. All visitors must arrive and depart with Glass House staff in a shuttle. Visitors who approach the Glass House site directly in private vehicles, taxis, or Uber / Lyft vehicles will be routed back to the Visitor Center by site management.

Where do I check-in for my tour?
Please check-in at the Visitor Center, 199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840, at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled tour departure.

What happens if I am late for my tour?
Visitors arriving late for their tour may not be guaranteed access to the Glass House. Late arrival may result in a partial or truncated tour.

How far is it from the Visitor Center to the site?
The Glass House is approximately 2.5 miles from the Glass House Visitor Center. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes.

Is the Glass House accessible?
The Glass House welcomes all visitors. Guests with special needs should contact us in advance to arrange for use of our limited parking spaces. Most buildings at the Glass House site are or can be made accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. Advance notice is required to install temporary ramps. For visitors with other mobility needs, a golf cart, driven by a staff member, can be made available to drive visitors around the property while on their tour.

Are children allowed to visit the Glass House?
All children must be at least ten years old to participate in tours and must be accompanied by an adult. We regret that legal regulations regarding car seats prevent us from transporting infants and younger children to the Glass House. Connecticut state law requires children to use car seats while traveling in our shuttle bus. We are not permitted to install / de-install car seats in our shuttle bus for visitor use.

Are tours held during inclement weather?
Tours run rain or shine. In the event of rain, visitors should dress accordingly and bring umbrellas.

What is the policy for extreme weather?
The Glass House is primarily an outdoor experience, and the safety of our guests is paramount. While tours will run rain or shine, in the case of extreme weather (severe thunderstorms and lightning, hurricanes, tornado warnings, snow, ice) tours may be interrupted, delayed or canceled.

What happens if my tour gets canceled due to extreme weather?
In the event that the Glass House cancels your tour for weather-related issues, we will endeavor to reschedule for a convenient date and time. If it is not possible to reschedule a tour canceled by the Glass House due to weather, a refund will be issued.

What should we wear on our tour?
Weather appropriate and comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Glass House tours include a 3/4 mile – 1 mile walk outdoors through the site including hills, grass, and gravel paths.

Is photography permitted?
Yes, photography is allowed on all tours for personal use only. Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks and drones are not permitted.

Can I reproduce photography for commercial reasons?
Photography may not be reproduced, distributed, or sold without permission from the Glass House.

What is the policy for bringing pets to the Glass House?
Pets authorized as service animals are permitted at the Glass House. Other support pets are not permitted. Please contact us in advance to arrange access for your service animal.

Can I bring food or drinks with me to the Glass House?
Outside food and drinks are NOT permitted. Bottled water is recommended, especially during hot weather. Picnicking is not permitted.

Is smoking permitted at the Glass House?
No, smoking is not permitted.

When is the Glass House Design Store open?
During the tour season, mid-April through mid-December, the store is open Thursday through Monday, 9:30am – 5:00pm. While the site is closed during the winter, the Glass House Design Store is open January through mid-April by walk-in or appointment, Monday through Friday.

Does the Glass House have a membership program?
Yes, Glass House Membership helps to preserve one of the world’s most celebrated works of Modernism and to develop new exhibitions, programs and educational initiatives. Learn more about membership programs here.

What is the National Trust for Historic Preservation?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places. The National Trust fosters a sense of community, commitment, and passion. Learn more about the National Trust Values in Action here.