The Glass House names new director

The Glass House and The National Trust for Historic Preservation announce Henry Urbach has been named director of The Glass House. Urbach will assume this role on April 2, 2012. Rena Zurofsky, museum consultant, will continue as interim director through the end of March.

Previously, Urbach served as curator of architecture and design at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His exhibitions -- known for their provocative and timely ideas, breathtaking installations, and broad appeal -- were widely lauded. Urbach left SFMOMA in May 2011 to pursue independent writing and curatorial work, including research toward a project about the Glass House compound as a laboratory for curatorial experimentation.

"I can hardly imagine a place more full of potential than the Glass House," Urbach said. "It has long contributed to culture by bringing together art, architecture, landscape, and people in significant and inventive ways. That is exactly what I hope to foster."

Urbach holds a degree in history and theory of architecture from Princeton University, a masters degree from Columbia University's School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and a Master of Arts in history and theory of architecture from Princeton University. He will reside in New Canaan.

The Glass House is owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a part of the Sites Department led by Dr. Estevan Rael-Gálvez, vice president of Historic Sites.

"I am delighted that Henry will become a part of our team. His passion, intellect and skill make him the ideal director for the Glass House at this moment in time," Rael-Gálvez said. "I am confident Henry will work to develop and sustain an environment where creativity, consciousness and community ensure the site's success and future contribution to American culture."

The Glass House will offer 2012 tour tickets for sale beginning Feb. 14. Visitors can book tickets for the 2012 season at www.philipjohnsonglasshouse.org or via phone at 866-811-4111. The season launches on May 2 and closes on Nov. 30, 2012.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately-funded nonprofit organization, works to save America's historic places to enrich our future. Visit www.PreservationNation.org.

The Glass House, a National Trust Historic Site, offers its 47-acre campus as a catalyst for the preservation and interpretation of modern architecture, landscape, and art; and as a canvas for inspiration, experimentation and cultivation honoring the legacy of Philip Johnson (1906 -- 2005) and his partner, David Whitney (1939 -- 2005).