The Glass House “Summer Party”—called “our town’s best party” by “Who Knew?” columnist Laura Ault—is scheduled for Saturday, June 14 (tickets and info here).
We put some questions to the organization’s communications director, Christa Carr, about the party itself and its importance to The Glass House.
Here’s our exchange.
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New Canaanite: Talk to us about how your single annual fundraiser, the Summer Party, showcases the campus and its structures.
Inside The Glass House, May 2, 2025. Courtesy of The Glass House
Christa Carr: The Summer Party honoring legendary designer Gaetano Pesce is generously sponsored by Max Mara, with additional support from Design Within Reach and Land Rover Darien. This is truly a unique opportunity to experience The Glass House in a way that no standard tour can offer. Set across our 49-acre landscape, the party invites guests to freely explore all corners of the site—from the iconic Glass House and recently restored Brick House to the Pavilion in the Pond, and the Painting and Sculpture Galleries. The day is carefully curated to create an immersive dialogue between architecture, art, history, and landscape. This year, performances by the renowned dance company Pilobolus—staged against the natural and architectural backdrop—further highlights the connection between the built and the organic environments. It’s a rare occasion when every structure and every vista on the property becomes part of a living, celebratory experience. Tickets to purchase here: https://theglasshouse.org/whats-on/the-summer-party-2025/
How important is the Summer Party to the operations of the Glass House?
The Glass House Summer Party, June 8, 2024. Courtesy of The Glass House
The Summer Party is essential to our operations. It is our largest annual fundraiser, it supports the core of our mission—preserving a modernist architectural masterpiece, caring for an extraordinary landscape, and producing vibrant programming and exhibitions that reach thousands of visitors each year. Every ticket purchased, every auction bid placed, and every moment spent celebrating directly contributes to sustaining The Glass House, a site of the National Trust for History Preservation, as a place of cultural relevance, artistic and design innovation, and community engagement. Quite simply, the Summer Party makes our year-round work possible.
What are some of the special features of this year’s Summer Party?
The Glass House Summer Party 2018. Courtesy of The Glass House
This year’s Summer Party promises to be especially exciting, with the sounds of DJ Pete Brockman filling the air throughout the day. We are so grateful for the generous support of local vendors who have been instrumental in making this celebration come to life.
Max Mara, our Presenting Sponsor, is marking the 10th anniversary of their Whitney Bag with a life-sized art installation, a custom gelato cart in summer flavors, and a co-branded tote gifted to all attendees. The event also features a curated silent auction powered by ARTSY, with artworks framed by Framebridge. The auction includes luxury experiences and works by artists Alfredo Jaar, Cindy Sherman, Mitchell Johnson, and more. Guests will enjoy a seasonal picnic by Elm, relaxing and playful lounge, and lawn games by Design Within Reach. Visitors can savor wines by Whispering Angel and Elouan, cocktails by Litchfield Distillery paired with cold–pressed juices by BARVIDA, and iced espresso creations courtesy UOVO.Art. Fashion, Wine lounge powered by Café Aroma Especial offers an elegant space to relax while enjoying Drs Orders cookies. The full-sensory experience is completed with stunning floral arrangements by Longfield Farm in New Canaan. Every detail of the event is designed to honor design, creativity, and community.
The Glass House Summer Party, June 10, 2023. Courtesy of The Glass House
What would you tell someone who has never visited the Glass House about the Summer Party? What about someone who’s toured but never attended this event?
The Summer Party is an unforgettable introduction to The Glass House- a time to relax and enjoy the site, and all the festivities. The experience begins from the moment you arrive, with Rover Darien ride—it’s a rare opportunity to explore a world-renowned historic site in a celebratory, open atmosphere complete with picnic, silent auction featuring exceptional art, vibrant array of drinks and treats, and fun lawn games to enjoy with your friends and family. The Summer Party invites you to stroll the pastoral landscape, discover contemporary art, enjoy music, and engage with a dynamic community.
Barbara Kasten Structure Light Land. Credit: Michael Biondo
Guests are free to wander throughout the property, explore its iconic buildings, and take in the art collection and current exhibition: Barbara Kasten: Structure, Light, Land. For those who have toured before, the Summer Party offers a fresh perspective. It’s a way to reconnect with the site, and its deep cultural legacy, while experiencing and participating in its ongoing vitality. When else will you have a chance to grab a glass of Whispering Angel rose, settle into the landscape with your picnic basket, and enjoy the music and scenery around you?
What else would you like to say about the Glass House or this year’s Summer Party?
The Glass House Summer Party, June 9, 2018. Courtesy of The Glass House
The Glass House is not just a preserved historic site—it’s a living platform for creative exchange. The Summer Party reflects this spirit of community. It celebrates our modernist legacy while inviting bold new conversations across art, design, and performance. This year’s event honors that duality. From the tribute to Gaetano Pesce to the premiere of a new campus-wide exhibition by Barbara Kasten, it’s a reminder that the past and future of The Glass House are deeply interconnected. Whether you attend, bid in the auction, or simply share your experience, your support is preserving this modern icon for generations to come. We are grateful for the generous support from our community.