January 13, 2021
Irwin house
Why did so many renowned architects decide New Canaan was the place to design and build groundbreaking mid-century modern homes following the end of World War II and the late 1960’s?
The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society will attempt to answer that question on Friday, February 12th when it hosts a presentation on the history of the mid-century modern phenomenon in New Canaan, followed by a film that focuses on three of the community’s iconic homes.
The virtual event begins with ticket holders picking up boxed appetizers and signature cocktails provided by the South End Restaurant Group from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Take the appetizers home, download the virtual link, and enjoy the presentation and film.
Tickets are priced at $150 for a couple, which includes appetizers and cocktails for two from South End, located at 36 Pine Street in New Canaan. If you just want to enjoy the historical presentation and film, tickets are $50.
The three New Canaan residences featured in the film are the Boissonnas House designed by Philip Johnson, the Celanese House designed by Edward Durell Stone, and the Chivvis House designed by Eliot Noyes.
Johnson and Noyes are two of Harvard 5 architects who came to New Canaan in the late 1940’s and began building many of the unique homes that can still be found throughout the community. About 100 mid-century modern homes existed at one time, with about 80 still remaining.
Purchase tickets at https://nchistory.org/modern-new-canaan/.