The Glass House Summer Party honoring Gaetano Pesce

The Glass House is proud to announce the return of its most celebrated annual event, the Summer Party, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Set across the site’s iconic 49-acre landscape, this vibrant gathering is more than a seasonal celebration—”it is a very special occasion to come together and directly support the preservation and continued vitality of one of the most important works of Modernist architecture in the world,” says Executive Director, Kirsten Reoch. This event is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Max Mara, and additional support from Design Within Reach, and Land Rover Darien.

Each ticket purchased, each auction bid placed, and each story shared about The Glass House helps advance a powerful mission: to safeguard and interpret modern architecture, landscape, and art, and to inspire new generations through bold, experiential programming. By attending the Summer Party, you are not only celebrating design and creativity—but also contributing to an enduring cultural legacy.

A Day of Culture, Creativity, and Community

The 2025 Summer Party will transform The Glass House into an afternoon-long celebration of artistic expression and shared experience. Land Rover Darien will provide a complimentary shuttle service from West School and will showcase their latest Range Rover Sport models on site. Guests will enjoy a chef-curated picnic lunch inspired by the flavors of the season from one of New Canaan’s beloved restaurants, Elm, while the sounds of DJ Pete Brockman fill the air, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere across the site’s historic grounds.

For the first time, The Glass House is honored to host the internationally acclaimed modern dance company Pilobolus, known for its inventive use of the human form and collaborative spirit. The company will present two performances—Awaken Heart and Branches—which will unfold against the natural and architectural backdrop of the site. Adding a touch of whimsy to the event, guests will experience an interactive performance element that will gracefully move through the landscape and mingle with fellow guests

Honoring Design Innovation: Gaetano Pesce

This year, The Glass House pays special tribute to the life of legendary designer Gaetano Pesce (1939–2024) with the debut of a limited-edition resin vase, Edizioni del Pesce, Big Surprise 2, created in collaboration with Meritalia®. Inspired by the site’s two iconic Feltri chairs, this expressive object embodies the spirit of functional art and will feature a custom Glass House stamp. Available in two vibrant colorways, Big Surprise 2 will be included with the purchase of VIP Friend Tickets and will also be available for purchase on-site. All proceeds directly support preservation efforts at The Glass House.

Sip, Shop, and Support

Guests are invited to experience a special activation presented by Max Mara. Throughout the day, visitors can savor wines by Whispering Angel and Elouan, cocktails by Litchfield Distillery paired with refreshing cold-pressed juices by BARVIDA, enjoy crafted iced espresso beverages UOVO: Art, Fashion, and Wine Lounge powered by Café Aroma Especial, and indulge in cookies from Drs. Orders Baking Co. Comfortable and exquisite outdoor seating by Design Within Reach will be placed across the property, creating inviting moments for conversation, relaxation, and reflection.

Silent Auction: Take Home a Unique Work of Art

The Glass House’s silent benefit auction will launch on Friday, June 2 at 12 PM ET and close on Monday, June 16 at 12 PM ET, hosted online by Artsy. The auction features an exciting array of artworks across all mediums, contemporary design objects, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and fine jewelry. All pieces will be on view in the Art Tent and professionally framed by Framebridge. Each bid placed is more than a gesture of appreciation for great art—it’s a meaningful contribution to sustaining the future of The Glass House.

Highlights from the auction include luxury experiences and works by renowned artists such as Lindsey Adelman, Simone Bodmer-Turner, Deborah Brown, James Casebere, Cody Hoyt, Alfredo Jaar, Mitchell Johnson, Danny Kaplan, Barbara Kasten, Richard Meier, Naudline Pierre, Cindy Sherman, and Robert Wilson.

Exhibition On View: Barbara Kasten, Structure, Light, Land

A key highlight of this year’s celebration is the exhibition Barbara Kasten: Structure, Light, Land, a compelling display installed across the campus, and featured in prominent buildings, such as the Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, and Brick House. Kasten’s work, including photographs and sculptural installations, explores abstraction, spatial perception, and the shifting relationships between material and form.

Preserve the Past, Inspire the Future

As a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Glass House serves as a catalyst for the preservation and interpretation of modern architecture, landscape, and art, and as a canvas for inspiration and experimentation. Your participation in the Summer Party sustains this mission and ensures that The Glass House remains not only a masterpiece of the past, but a living, breathing platform for creative exchange and cultural exploration for the future.

Proceeds from the Summer Party support vital preservation work, site-wide programming, and seasonal exhibitions that spark conversation and deepen understanding of the built and natural environments.

By attending, donating, bidding, or simply sharing the story of The Glass House, you are helping protect a Modernist icon and empowering future generations of artists, architects, and visionaries. All attendees will receive a custom-designed Max Mara tote bag filled with curated gifts as a thank-you for their impact.

We hope you will join us!

Tickets are available now!

$20,000 Platinum Table – SOLD OUT
Ten VIP tickets; Private champagne reception in the Glass House for up to 10 guests; Top priority seating; A limited edition by Gaetano Pesce; Ten VIP gift bags.

$10,000 Gold Table
Ten VIP tickets; Reserved priority seating; Ten VIP gift bags.

$4,250 VIP Friend Ticket(s)
One VIP Ticket; Reserved priority seating; A limited edition by Gaetano Pesce; One VIP gift bag.

$1,000 VIP Ticket(s) – SOLD OUT
One VIP Ticket; Reserved premium seating; One VIP gift bag.

$750 Individual Ticket(s)
One ticket; One gift bag.

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

$100 of each Individual and VIP ticket is not tax-deductible. $3,600 of each VIP Friend and $4,500 of the Platinum Table is not tax-deductible. All proceeds support preservation of The Glass House.

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

Special Thanks to: BARVIDA, Café Aroma Especial, D.S. & DURGA, Drs. Orders Baking Co. EIRA Water, Govino, Litchfield Distillery, Look Optic, Longfield Farm, LMNT, Meritalia®, Modern Houseplant, New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton Magazine, and WSHU Public Radio.