Visit ‘The Fish’ a Newly Named National Historic Landmark
First Presbyterian Church of Stamford
1101 Bedford St
Stamford, CT
Saturday, October 08, 2022 from 10:00am – 4:00pm
The sanctuary of First Presbyterian (1958) is a major accomplishment of twentieth-century architecture. Resembling the form of a fish on the outside, the church was conceived by architect Wallace K. Harrison as a modern interpretation of a gothic cathedral with soaring walls of colored glass, intended on the interior to convey the effect of being inside a jewel.
Unlike traditional cathedrals with leaded stained glass windows that can be removed for maintenance work, the thick slab glass here, known as “dalle de verre,” is actually part of the wall itself and in need of repair.
Its architectural conservation is the subject of an all-day program featuring international speakers at the church.
The program is hosted by the Fish Church Conservancy, a committee of the Highland Green Foundation which supports secular activities on the church campus.
Docent-led tours introduce visitors to this unique sanctuary with the magnificent Visser Rowland organ and 56-bell carillon. The acoustics will be demonstrated by Minister of Music, Kevin Bailey. The carillon will be played throughout the day and tours of the carillon are available, but space is limited.
No registration is required. Walk-ins are welcome.
Free and open to the public!
This event is part of Docomomo US Tour Day 2022.