Originally imagined as a weekend retreat for shared discovery, The Glass House has always been a place where architecture, art, and social exchange intersect. The Summer Party carries this founding spirit forward, opening its iconic campus for a chic Saturday afternoon picnic inspired by Philip Johnson and Dominique and John de Menil’s legendary 1967 Country Happening. 

Bringing together a community of leaders and enthusiasts across art, architecture, design, fashion, philanthropy, and beyond, The Glass House Summer Party invites guests to explore the landmark grounds while enjoying curated food and drink, live performances, and a silent auction featuring contemporary art and one-of-a-kind experiences. The afternoon offers moments of connection, creativity, and celebration in a setting that continues to inspire.

Every ticket purchased, auction bid placed, and experience shared directly supports The Glass House’s mission to foster community and preserve and interpret modern architecture, landscape, and art.  

The 2026 Summer Party is presented by Knoll, with generous support from Max Mara, and with additional support from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, Design Within Reach, and Land Rover Darien.

An Immersive Day of Art, Dance, and Music

The Summer Party is an afternoon‑long celebration of artistic expression. This year, SAINT HERON will curate two performances. Malcolm J. Merriweather + Voices of Harlem and Artina McCain will perform an excerpt from Saint Heron’s ‘Glory to Glory’ showcasing the works of Mary Lou Williams, and Kyle Abraham will choreograph an accompanying dance performance. Gio Escobar from Standing On The Corner will DJ the event, providing melodic grooves and nostalgic sounds throughout the afternoon.

Design Activation by Knoll: Sensory Experience, Materiality and Form

A highlight of this year’s event is the design activation presented by Knoll. For one day only, the interior of the Glass House will be thoughtfully reimagined through a site-specific installation featuring a new collection by artist and designer Dozie Kanu alongside contemporary versions of the original modernist furnishings from the Knoll collection.

As part of this experience, select historic pieces ordinarily on view in the Glass House will be temporarily removed and carefully replaced with pieces that will invite sitting, gathering, and a more tactile engagement with the space. This approach offers a unique opportunity to encounter the Glass House not solely as an icon of architectural history, but as a living environment designed for conversation, comfort, and exchange.

Importantly, this installation has been developed with deep respect for the site’s architectural significance. The original floor plan and spatial relationships will remain intact, allowing guests to encounter one of Philip Johnson’s central ideas about experiencing the site —bringing the architecture to life and allowing guests to sit on a Mies van der Rohe chair or daybed and experience the Glass House and surrounding landscape as originally intended. All this while still preserving the building’s integrity and continuing the site’s longstanding role as a place where contemporary artists, designers, and ideas converge.

Max Mara, as the exclusive fashion sponsor, will present an Italian Summer Café set within a grassy enclave on the grounds. The immersive moment of understated luxury will feature a custom Piaggio cart serving a full menu of classic Italian espresso drinks and a curated selection of artisanal gelato. 

Guests can personalize their coffee experience with simple Italian touches by turning gelato into affogatos with freshly pulled espresso, or by elevating the moment with Baileys or prosecco for a spirited twist. The branded café extends into a shaded seating area with tables, chairs, and signature umbrellas. Designed for relaxing and savoring the moment, the Max Mara Italian Summer Café brings together style, setting, and the essence of la dolce vita.

Guests will arrive in complimentary Land Rover Darien vehicles, featuring the sleek Range Rover Sport. Thoughtfully crafted picnic baskets by New Canaan’s Elm, inspired by the flavors of early summer, will be provided, paired with crisp Elm Côte de Provence Rosé, refreshing craft spirits by Litchfield Distillery, and hydration by Loonen, creating the perfect setting to relax, indulge, and savor the moment.

In the Auction Tent, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund will present a Bar + Lounge  experience inspired by its ongoing work to preserve sites of African American activism, achievement, and resilience. Guests may unwind in plush lounge seating provided by Design Within Reach and sip on a signature cocktail created in honor of the Action Fund’s preservation initiatives, enjoying an inviting setting to gather, relax, and savor the moment. 

Silent Auction and Limited Art Edition by Dozie Kanu

The Glass House’s silent benefit auction will open May 22, 2026, at 12 PM ET and close Monday, June 8, 2026, at 12 PM ET, hosted online by Artsy. Featuring contemporary artworks, design objects, and exclusive experiences, the auction offers collectors and supporters the opportunity to acquire art while advancing The Glass House’s mission. Auction highlights include Diango Hernández, Tomashi Jackson, Sam Moyer, Hayal Pozanti, Herb Ritts, and Martha Stewart, among many others.

The Glass House is honored to produce a limited-edition artwork by Dozie Kanu, whose practice spans sculpture, photography, and object-based work. Kanu’s photographic contribution contemplates memory, repetition, and recognition, exploring how images function as objects and how meaning is shaped over time. The limited-edition photograph will debut at the event and is available online here.

TICKETS STILL ON SALE

Saturday, June 6, 2026
12:00–4:00 PM
The Glass House, New Canaan, CT 

$400 Young Artist + Collector Ticket (ages 35 and under)
One ticket; one gift bag. 

$750 Individual Ticket
One ticket; one gift bag. 

$2,000 – Friend Ticket
One Individual Ticket; One limited-edition artwork by Dozie Kanu; One gift bag.

$1,000 Individual VIP – SOLD OUT
One VIP ticket; reserved premium seating; one VIP gift bag.

$10,000 Gold Table – SOLD OUT
Ten VIP tickets; priority seating; ten VIP gift bags.

$20,000 Platinum Table – SOLD OUT
Ten VIP tickets; private champagne reception in the Glass House for up to 10 guests; priority seating; ten VIP gift bags.

All proceeds directly support site preservation, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

Benefit Committee
Andrea + Keith Attkiss
Kathy Auda + Peter Skaperdas
Abby + Matt Bangser
Selina Beltrone Plotkin
Laura + John Barker
Lindsay Burn
Barbara Calaba
Fred + Michael Canoro
Elizabeth + Michael Chu
Matt Cohler
Diane Discenza + Mike Connor
Diane + Douglas Dooley
Adina + Brian Frasca
Julie Geden
Jessica Golden + Scott Lippstreu
David Harrison
Susanne Kenna
Chandler + Anderson Kenny
Jim Kovacs
Thomas Krizmanic
Thomas Majewski
Amanda Martocchio
Fatou Niang
Jim Panichella
Heather + Brian Payne
Valerie + Jeffrey Peltier
Kristin Peterson Edwards
Susan + Elihu Rose
Maaren Shah + Matthew Wilkin
Lisa Sher-Chambers
Tina + James Snyder
Sonal Soveni / The Table & Gallery
Mimi Reichert Sternlicht
Sabina + Harlan Stone
Courtney Stroum Meagher + Anthony Vinci
The Tohir Family
Jorie Waterman + Laurence Jurdem

Art Logistics
Cadogan Tate

Framing
Fine Art Frameworks

Silent Auction
Artsy

Special Thanks to Byredo, Elm Côte de Provence Rosé,  Govino, Litchfield Distillery, Loonen, Modern Houseplant, New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton Magazine.

Tickets are transferable but not refundable. A portion of each ticket purchase may be tax-deductible. 

Can’t make it? Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible donation in support of our event.