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Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome Collapses After Historic Snowstorm at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton
Historic Snowstorm Brings Down One of the Rare Fly’s Eye Domes After Decades on the East End
For nearly three decades, it was the unmistakable silhouette rising from the gardens — the structure that told you, instantly, you had arrived at LongHouse.
On Feb. 25, LongHouse announced the Fly’s Eye Dome, designed by visionary architect Buckminster Fuller, had collapsed under the weight of one of the heaviest snowstorms Long Island has seen since 1963. Wet, heavy snow combined with sustained freezing temperatures left the 33-foot-tall fiberglass structure severely damaged, ending its long streak of resilience through nor’easters, summer heat, and coastal winds. The announcement was made in a press release and sent to Friends of LongHouse subscribers.
A Sculpture That Anchored LongHouse
Installed in 1998 and fabricated by Fuller’s student John Kuhtig, the Fly’s Eye Dome became the visual heart of LongHouse Reserve. Jack Lenor Larsen formally acquired it in 2017 after years on loan.
Only five such domes exist worldwide. Its circular openings, inspired by the eye of a fly, reflected Fuller’s vision for sustainable, portable, and adaptable living spaces — a futuristic prototype brought to life on the East End.
At LongHouse, the Fly’s Eye Dome was more than architecture. It was the backdrop for concerts, galas, talks, and children’s day camps. Visitors posed beneath it, lingered inside its light-filled interior, and used it as a landmark to orient themselves across the 16-acre gardens. It wasn’t just a sculpture — it was the identity of LongHouse.
The Collapse — and What Comes Next
Staff discovered the damage after the historic snowstorm, which dumped over two feet of wet snow in many areas. The dome’s usual grace in shedding snow proved no match for this exceptional storm.
“We are deeply shocked by the collapse of this cherished monument at LongHouse, which so powerfully embodied our mission to inspire living with art in all forms.” said Louis Bradbury, president of the Board of Trustees.
LongHouse is working with its insurance carrier and has launched an emergency fund to restore the structure. Trustees will conduct a full assessment of the property, including any potential damage to trees and plantings, once the weather clears.
Each Fly’s Eye Dome is a rare prototype requiring specialized fabrication and careful attention to Fuller’s design. “Clearing and replacing the Fly’s Eye Dome will be a significant and complex undertaking, requiring careful research and substantial resources.,” said Bradbury.
For nearly 30 years, Fuller’s vision stood in the East Hampton landscape as a symbol of possibility, resilience, and imagination. Even in its damaged state, the Fly’s Eye Dome remains the defining landmark of LongHouse — with plans already underway to fundraise and ensure it rises again.
