A Castle In Bryn Athyn - Glencairn Museum

High on a hill within the picturesque Bryn Athyn Historic District stands the unique 20th-century medieval-style castle called Glencairn, the Gothic Romanesque style Bryn Athyn Cathedral and Cairnwood Mansion. Glencairn was originally built as the home of multi-millionaire businessman Raymond and Mildred Glenn Pitcairn and their nine children. It was built next to his father’s mansion between 1928 and 1939, and its name is a combination of their surnames. Pitcairn, a member of the New Church, had no formal architectural training but designed the building which contains more than 90 rooms on 10 floors. The building was the home to the Pitcairn family for more than 40 years before opening as the Glencairn Museum in 1982. The museum is recognized internationally for its religious art collection of over 8,000 pieces, including works from Medieval Europe, Islamic, Asian, Native American, Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece and Rome. The museum is affiliated with The New Church, and the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

Glencairn itself is a stunning architectural wonder. It is modeled after medieval European castles and it boasts impressive stonework, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows.

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The building contains elaborate interior metalwork.

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The Bryn Athyn Historic District map

Glencairn's Great Hall is decorated with mosaics, stained glass, and architectural sculpture.

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More than 100 artists, architects, and laborers contributed to the construction and decoration, which took more than a decade to complete.

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The trusses, beams, and recessed spaces on the ceiling of the Great Hall are all decorated.

The architectural splendor and intricate decorative details are evident throughout the historic building.

Looking up at the balcony from the Great Hall.

All of the stairways in the building are made of cement, so there are no creaking stairs.

In the master bedroom suite that has remained unchanged since Glencairn was a home.

The bedpost detail

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The master bathroom

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The view of the cloister from the master bathroom.

Inside the Upper Hall

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The view of the Great Hall from the balcony

Art and artifacts on display show spiritual beliefs and practices through the ages.

Most of the collection was acquired by Pitcairn in a relatively short period of time, from the 1920s to the 1930s.

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Former family bedrooms have been converted to galleries to display the artwork.

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Inside the family chapel

Each tile of the decorative family chapel ceiling is angled toward the floor to reflect the light.

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The impressive view of the countryside from the tower

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Back on the first floor

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Detail of one of the Great Hall mosaics

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Looking into the cloisters

The exterior

What you should know:

• There are walking trails throughout the historic district.

• Restrooms are available.

• There is ample free parking near the museum.

• There are a few tour options.

• The museum is also a venue for special events; Check website for events as well as days and hours of operation.

• Admission can be purchased online or in person

Location: 1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009

For More Information: Glencairn Museum