If you are desperately craving a peaceful escape from the city, you do not need to book a flight. Just a short train ride from NYC, you will find a breathtaking “invisible” house hidden in the woods.
The Glass House is a 49-acre pastoral landscape located in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Created between 1949 and 1995 by architect Philip Johnson and curator David Whitney, the site features fourteen distinct structures.
The crown jewel, of course, is the Glass House itself, built in 1949. Its transparent walls completely blur the line between the indoors and the stunning nature outside.
A brand-new exhibition for 2026
While the architecture alone is worth the trip, there is a timely reason to visit right now. The site is currently hosting Tomashi Jackson and Robert Rauschenberg: The Catch One.
The exhibition is running now through December 14, 2026.
Organized to mark the centennial of Robert Rauschenberg’s birth, the showcase places his historic works in dialogue with newly commissioned paintings by Tomashi Jackson.
Jackson’s beautiful new pieces feature archival images related to Jewel’s Catch One, a historic Black lesbian-owned nightclub in Los Angeles.
Under the leadership of Jewel Thais Williams, the vibrant community institution fostered a sense of joy, care, and belonging.
How to get there from NYC
Getting there is surprisingly easy. You can hop on the Metro North New Haven line directly to the New Canaan train station.
The Visitor Center is located right across the street! From there, a shuttle will transport you directly to the pastoral campus.
What to know before you go
📍The Glass House Visitor Center + Design Store, 199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840.
🎟️Advance tickets are strictly required. Access to the site is via tour only, and they often sell out!
Tours range from a 1-hour Glass House Tour ($25 weekday / $30 weekend) to an Extended 2.5-Hour Tour ($75 weekday / $85 weekend).
🗓️ The tour season runs from mid-April through mid-December.
⏰The site is open Thursday through Monday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
🧒All children must be at least eight years old to participate in the tours.
