Grace Farms

Grace Farms, located in New Canaan, Connecticut, is not a traditional museum, but rather a multi-purpose cultural and community center that includes elements of a museum, nature preserve, and spiritual retreat. It was founded by the Grace Farms Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing good in the world through initiatives in the areas of nature, arts, justice, community, and faith.

Origins and Founding

Grace Farms was established by the Grace Farms Foundation, which was founded in 2009 by Sharon Prince and her husband, Robert Prince. The vision behind Grace Farms was to create a space where people could experience nature, engage with the arts, participate in social justice initiatives, and find spiritual solace. The Foundation aimed to develop a place where these elements could coexist and inspire positive change.

Design and Architecture

The centerpiece of Grace Farms is the "River" building, a stunning piece of architecture designed by the Japanese architectural firm SANAA, led by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. The building, completed in 2015, is named "The River" due to its flowing, serpentine design, which weaves through the landscape like a river. It consists of several interconnected spaces, including a sanctuary, a library, a pavilion, a commons area, and a court.

The design of Grace Farms emphasizes transparency and integration with the surrounding natural environment. The building's glass walls provide unobstructed views of the landscape, creating a seamless connection between the indoor spaces and the 80-acre nature preserve that surrounds it.

Mission and Programming

Grace Farms operates with a mission to foster understanding and promote positive change. Its initiatives are organized around five key areas:

  • Nature: The preservation of the natural landscape and the promotion of environmental stewardship are central to Grace Farms. The property includes meadows, woods, wetlands, and ponds, providing a habitat for local wildlife and a place for visitors to connect with nature.

  • Arts: Grace Farms hosts a variety of artistic programs, including exhibitions, performances, and workshops. These programs aim to inspire creativity and provoke thought, often addressing social and cultural issues.

  • Justice: The Foundation is committed to advancing justice, particularly in the areas of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Grace Farms serves as a platform for awareness, advocacy, and action, bringing together experts, activists, and the public to address these critical issues.

  • Community: Grace Farms is designed to be a gathering place for the local community and beyond. It hosts events, educational programs, and activities that encourage dialogue, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose.

  • Faith: While non-denominational, Grace Farms provides a space for spiritual reflection and dialogue. The Sanctuary, a part of The River building, is used for quiet contemplation, prayer, and interfaith services.

Impact and Recognition

Since its opening in 2015, Grace Farms has been recognized for its innovative design and its contributions to social justice, environmental conservation, and the arts. The River building has received numerous architectural awards, including the 2014–2015 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize and the AIA Institute Honor Award for Architecture.

Grace Farms continues to evolve, expanding its programming and deepening its impact in the areas it focuses on. It has become a model for how spaces can be designed to promote human flourishing, environmental stewardship, and social good.

Year: 2017 | Equipment: Canon EOS REBEL T2i