The Glass House Summer Party 2024 was held on a gorgeous day in New Canaan, Conn. The event was presented by MAX MARA. Marking our 75th-anniversary milestone, this year's event was a celebration of art, design, and community. We were thrilled to welcome everyone to our stunning campus and newly restored Brick House (1949), sharing the rich history and vibrant spirit of this special occasion.
"The Glass House Summer Party took place on one of the most beautiful days of the year. We could not have asked for a better day to celebrate 75 years of architecture, art, culture, fashion, and design. The crowd was a lively mix of friends from New York City, neighbors from New Canaan, international artists, and modernist architecture fans from all over. It was my first Summer Party here, and I cannot imagine how we will ever top this!" said Kirsten Reoch, Glass House Executive Director.
The day was filled with memorable moments, from the captivating performances by Brendan Fernandes to the chilly summer vibes by DJ Rachel Winters. Ed Ruscha's limited-edition lithograph, Glass House 2024, added a distinctive new artwork, inspired by the unique environment of the Glass House (1949).
Max Mara hosted an alfresco shopping activation featuring the Spring/Summer 2024 Collection, complete with cold treats, special mementos, and an experiential photo moment. Guests received a custom-designed Max Mara tote filled with gifts to remember their visit. Aesop’s Garden Spritz fragrance activation delighted guests, who were encouraged to "Be Nosey." The entire site was open, thoroughly enjoyed, and explored, with picnicking across the grounds, including at the Pond Pavilion and alongside this year’s feature exhibition, Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House. At the Painting Gallery, works by Frank Stella from our permanent collection were admired, while the Sculpture Gallery featured his larger-than-life sculpture Raft of the Medusa. Beautiful pieces by Robert Morris, Michael Heizer, Bruce Nauman, and more.
The day exuded the warmth and tranquility of summer, punctuated by refreshing wines by Belle Glos and Elouan, along with handcrafted organic cocktails by Greenology and Litchfield Distillery. Guests lounged on furniture by Design Within Reach and relaxed on blankets around the lawn. Jack’s Coffee cold brew and the cookie bar provided by Drs. Orders Baking Co. were the perfect afternoon treat.
The 2024 Summer Party Benefit Auction, hosted by Artsy, added to the excitement, with artworks for sale under the tent. Highlights from the auction included Baccarat, Tyler Hays, Annie Leibovitz, Tom Otterness, Cindy Sherman, and Pierre Yovanovitch. All proceeds support the preservation of The Glass House site.
The Glass House Summer Party was Presented by MAX MARA Additional Support from Aesop, Design Within Reach, and Land Rover Darien.
Special thanks to: Antipodes Water, Belle Glos, Drs. Orders Baking Co., Earth Garden, Elouan, Fedrigoni Special Papers, Fine Art Frameworks, Govino, Greenology, Jack’s Coffee, Leuchtturm1917, Litchfield Distillery, Modern Houseplant, New Canaan Darien Magazine, Simply Gum, Terrapin Stationers, and WSHU Public Radio.
Image credit: Paul Bickford