The "New" House of Tomorrow
Short Documentary Film Synopsis:
Indiana Landmarks’ House of Tomorrow is an inspiring short documentary that chronicles the unwavering commitment of passionate individuals and organizations determined to revive a languishing architectural gem. The film delves into the decades-long journey of love, persistence, and collaboration to restore the exterior of the House of Tomorrow, the first glass house in the world that premiered during the 1933/34 World’s Fair.
The documentary captures their journey and the challenges they've faced through archival footage, interviews, and intimate glimpses into the restoration process. As the House of Tomorrow slowly regains its former glory, the film also explores the profound impact Indiana Landmarks has made in preserving the past for future generations.
Premiering Summer 2025
Director's Statement
I’ve always been drawn to the era between the 1930s and 1940s, probably because it’s when my grandparents came of age, and it shaped the America I grew up knowing. I’ve long admired the style, the music, and the spirit of determination that defined that time. The House of Tomorrow stood as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression, an audacious idea that looked beyond hardship toward a better future.
This film is really about the people who refused to let that symbol fade. It follows the individuals who cared enough to bring the house and its story back to life through decades of effort. Their journey reflects the persistence of optimism that built it in the first place.
Visually, I wanted the film to mirror the life of the house itself: the excitement and promise of its debut at the World’s Fair, the decay and neglect that followed, and the renewed beauty that will come with its restoration.
The House of Tomorrow is also a reminder that progress and preservation are not opposites. They rely on each other. I hope viewers come away inspired to look at their own lives and communities and see how the past can still light the way forward.
— Glenn Pratt, Director