Please note this program – The Glass House’s Other Half: The Restoration of the Brick House – will be presented during Modernism Week at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Register here. 

The Glass House in New Canaan, CT, by Philip Johnson is world-renowned for its groundbreaking architecture and stunning setting. But long overlooked is its companion, the lesser-known Brick House—built as part of the original 1949 design and completed 2 months earlier—which offers a fascinating counterpoint to its iconic counterpart.

Connected by a manicured courtyard, this solid brick structure contrasts with the Glass House’s transparency, featuring subdivided rooms, minimal windows, and a rich and colorful history that highlights Johnson’s evolving design philosophy. Unlike the Glass House, the Brick House underwent numerous transformations by Johnson from the 1950s through the 1990s, incorporating influences from the International Style, Neoclassicism, and Postmodernism. One of its standout features is the 1953 bedroom, adorned in luxurious Fortuny fabric, which famously became the backdrop for Andy Warhol’s 1964 photo shoot in bed. Closed to the public since 2008, the Brick House has been meticulously restored and reopened in 2024 through an award-winning project led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Kirsten Reoch, Executive Director of The Glass House, will guide us through the history, deterioration, and stunning restoration of this architectural gem, using captivating photos of the completed project. She will also share insights into the next phase of restoration at the site—the Pond Pavilion of 1962—and explore how the Brick House, now enhances and expands the visitor experience at The Glass House.