Designer Gaetano Pesce Honored at The Glass House’s Annual Summer Party
The event also served as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of trailblazing American architect Philip Johnson’s masterpiece
On a delightful, albeit rainy, Saturday, June 14, 2025, friends and devoted supporters of The Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut came together for its much-anticipated annual Summer Party. More than just a highlight on the summer social calendar, the event served as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of trailblazing American architect Philip Johnson’s masterpiece. “The Summer Party is a 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. Despite the dreary weather, spirits were high and a buzzy energy permeated throughout the sprawling grounds.
A historic house museum designed by architect Johnson as his own residence in 1949, it is considered one of the most significant works of Modernist architecture in the world–lauded for its innovative use of glass and steel materials, seamless integration into the bucolic surrounding landscape, and its blurring of indoor and outdoor spaces. Johnson himself lived in the house from its completion until his death in 2005, continually evolving the 49-acre property with additional structures.
This year’s celebration held particular significance as The Glass House paid tribute to the late, legendary designer Gaetano Pesce (1939–2024). In a collaboration with Meritalia, the event’s highly anticipated auction included a limited-edition resin vase, Edizioni del Pesce, Big Surprise 2. Inspired by the site’s two iconic Feltri chairs, this expressive object, featuring a custom Glass House stamp, embodies Pesce’s spirit of functional art—a fitting homage to an innovator who consistently pushed the boundaries of design. Elsewhere, the auction included a number of interesting works for sale by both established and rising talent, with all proceeds directly supporting The Glass House’s mission. The festive atmosphere of the day was made possible through the support of Max Mara, with additional contributions from Design Within Reach and Land Rover Darien.
Guests enjoyed lunch on Design Within Reach outdoor seating under the large white tents and across the lawns, all served in the event’s signature picnic baskets courtesy of Elm—fresh quinoa salad with chicken, an Asian-inspired cucumber starter with peanut sauce, and caramel cheesecake, while DJ Pete Brockman’s set played in the background. After lunch, espresso was served at the UOVO Cafe Aroma coffee bar. Throughout the day, refreshments flowed freely with offerings from Whispering Angel Rosé, Elouan Wines, and Barvivda juices.
As always, performance art was a centerpiece of the day. The fearlessly creative dance troup Pilobolus Performances enchanted the crowd with two site-responsive works, “Awaken Heart” and “Branches,” gracefully unfolding across the landscape.
Another significant cultural highlight of the day was “Barbara Kasten: Structure, Light, Land,” a thoughtfully curated, site-wide exhibition spanning the Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, and recently reopened and renovated Brick House. The exhibition invited guests to immerse themselves in Kasten’s profound exploration of light, form, and architectural space.
The annual Summer Party once again shines a light on the unwavering commitment of its supporters to preserving this architectural jewel.