Rockefeller Guest House

The Rockefeller Guest House is a two-story residence in Manhattan featuring a symmetrical brick facade on the ground level and translucent glass panels divided by steel bars above. The structure includes a living room, dining area, and bedroom separated by an outdoor garden courtyard.

Philip Johnson designed this residence in 1950 for Blanchette Ferry Hooker Rockefeller, a prominent museum leader who served twice as president of the Museum of Modern Art. The house represents a key moment in the evolution of modern residential architecture in the city.

The interior served as a display space for modern artworks during the 1950s, with pieces by Willem de Kooning and Alberto Giacometti shown throughout the rooms. The spaces were intentionally designed to integrate art into daily living, reflecting the owner's connection to the art world.

The residence is located on East 52nd Street between Second and Third Avenue, making it accessible from major transit routes. Keep in mind this is a private home with limited public access, so check ahead about visiting possibilities and current conditions.

The central courtyard features a water pool crossed by stone slabs, visible through full glass walls that flood the entire interior with natural light. This open design creates an unusual connection between the interior spaces and the outdoors within an urban setting.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1950s

Architects: Philip Johnson

Floors above the ground: 2

Address: 242 East 52nd Street

GPS coordinates: 40.75622,-73.96842

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:26