Glencairn Museum facts for kids
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Glencairn
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Glencairn Museum, February 2007
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1001 Cathedral Rd., Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 6.2 acres (2.5 ha) |
| Built | 1928–39 |
| Built by | Raymond Pitcairn |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Romanesque |
| Part of | Bryn Athyn Historic District (ID08001087) |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002434 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 31, 1978 |
| Designated NHLDCP | October 6, 2008 |
Glencairn is a huge, castle-like house in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. It was the home of the Pitcairn family for over 40 years. Today, it is known as the Glencairn Museum.
The museum has a collection of about 8,000 artworks. Most of these pieces are religious. They come from many different cultures, including ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire. You can also see art from medieval Europe, Islamic cultures, Asia, and Native American groups. The museum is connected to The New Church. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Glencairn Mansion: A Castle Home
The wealthy businessman Raymond Pitcairn (1885–1966) and his wife, Mildred Glenn (died 1979), built "Glencairn." They built it between 1928 and 1939. The name "Glencairn" comes from combining parts of their last names.
Raymond Pitcairn was a member of the New Church. He did not have official training in architecture. But he designed this amazing Romanesque-style building. He used many small models to plan it.
Building Features and Design
Glencairn is a nine-story mansion. It is made of granite and reddish stone. The house has more than 90 rooms spread across 10 floors. It has three main parts. There is a central rectangular section and two large rectangular wings. Together, they are about 175 feet long and 135 feet wide.
The outside of the building has a tall, nine-story tower. You can also see carved doorways, pillars, and stone designs in the walls. Inside, the building has beautiful mosaics and metalwork. There are also old medieval stained glass windows. One special feature is a replica of the Biblical tabernacle.
The Pitcairn Family Legacy
The Pitcairn family's wealth came from the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. Raymond's father, John Pitcairn, Jr. (1841-1916), was a director there.
Right next to "Glencairn" is another building Raymond Pitcairn helped design. It is the Gothic Revival Bryn Athyn Cathedral (built 1913–1919). His father's house, "Cairnwood," is also nearby.
After Mildred Pitcairn passed away in 1979, the mansion was given to the Academy of the New Church. Raymond had passed away in 1966. The gift included the building, its art collections, and the Pitcairn family's historical papers.
"Glencairn" was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It is also an important part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District.
Visiting Glencairn Museum
The Glencairn Museum offers tours of the building and its collections all year round. You can join a guided tour to learn more.
Tour Information and Events
Guided tours are available from Tuesday to Friday at 2:30 PM. You can also schedule a tour by appointment. On weekends, tours are offered at 1:00 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:00 PM.
The first floor of the museum is open for free self-guided visits on weekends. This includes the Great Hall, Upper Hall, Bird Room, and any temporary art shows. You can explore these areas from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Glencairn Museum also hosts different events and special exhibitions throughout the year.
See also
