Visitors to the first public tour of Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan, Conn., take in the view of the 47-acre property behind the house.

One of the many Harry Bertoia chairs found in and around the house.

On the first day of public tours at the Glass House, visitors explore the area between the living room and the bedroom. Reflected at right is the rounded cover of the fireplace.

The natural view from the back of the Glass House is seen reflected looking into the living area. The glass table, day bed and chairs were designed by Mies van der Rohe.

Just steps from the living room doors is the panorama of the 47-acre property where the Glass House stands.

One of the glass tables in the house.

A detail of the living room carpet, the brick floor and the electrical socket for the living room's lamp.

A detail of the tile work in the Glass House's shower, as well as the shower curtain, which shows the wear and tear of a functioning bathroom.

A view from the bedroom area, as well as Phillip Johnson's bed, desk and night table.

The stove of the Glass House, tucked away in the kitchen area.

A visitor to the Glass House takes in the view from the bedroom area

The evening sun begins to set behind the Glass House.

(photos Todd Heisler/The New York Times)

Living area of the Glass House, which Johnson designed as a weekend home (Christopher Capozziello for The New York Times)

A vision of openness: Johnson in 1998 at his Glass House, which was built in 1949 (Thomas McDonald for The New York Times)