The Glass House Offers After-School Tours for Children

The Glass House, built by architect Philip Johnson in New Canaan, now offers after-school tours for children in fifth through eighth grades. The tours aim to introduce kids to architecture in a fun and easy way to understand.

the philip johnson glass house

Architect Philip Johnson built The Glass House between 1949-1995.

The Philip Johnson Glass House, a National Trust Historic Site, presents 49 acres of modern architecture and a unique and imaginative appreciation for structures to all patrons who walk the grounds. Painting galleries, sculpture galleries, and unique buildings all stimulate visitors’ imaginations along the walking tour.

A new after-school program will be offered to children beginning this month. Special after-school tours begin May 5, repeating weekly through June 16th (closed Memorial Day) from 4-5:30pm. Children ages 9-13 in fifth-eighth grades are invited to attend.

“You’re walking around this park, and it’s one fun building after another,” says Christa Carr, marketing director at The Glass House. “It’s a great introduction to architecture. It starts with the basic shapes—circles, squares, and rectangles. It’s very easy for children to understand. It’s all balanced and laid out in a way that it’s in harmony with the landscape so it really, for children, is so much fun.”

The Glass House features a permanent collection of 20th century paintings and sculptures, as well as temporary exhibits. Six different tours are also offered for regular visitors at various times during the day.

Tickets for the after-school tours are $20 each, and fall dates will be announced on the website.