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. For over 40 years, it was the home of the Pitcairn family. Today, it's known as the Glencairn Museum. This amazing museum holds about 8,000 pieces of art. Most of these artworks are religious and come from many different cultures. You can see art from ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and medieval Europe. There are also beautiful works from Islamic, Asian, and Native American traditions. The museum is connected to The New Church. This special building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Building a Castle-Like Home
A wealthy businessman named Raymond Pitcairn (1885–1966) and his wife, Mildred Glenn (who passed away in 1979), built Glencairn. They started building in 1928 and finished in 1939. The name "Glencairn" is a mix of their last names.
Raymond Pitcairn was a member of The New Church. He didn't go to school for architecture. Instead, he designed this Romanesque-style building using many small models.
Inside Glencairn
This impressive house has nine stories and more than 90 rooms! It's built from granite and reddish stone. The building has three main parts. These sections together are about 175 feet long and 135 feet wide.
Outside, you can see a tall nine-story tower. There are also fancy carved doorways, pillars, and designs in the walls. Inside, Glencairn has amazing mosaics, special metalwork, and old stained glass windows. There's even a copy of the Biblical tabernacle.
The Pitcairn Family's Legacy
The Pitcairn family's money came from the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. Raymond's father, John Pitcairn, Jr., was a director there for many years.
Right next to Glencairn, you can find another building Raymond Pitcairn designed. It's the Gothic Revival Bryn Athyn Cathedral, built between 1913 and 1919. His father's house, "Cairnwood," is also nearby.
After Mildred Pitcairn passed away in 1979, the mansion became part of the Academy of the New Church. It included all the art collections and family records. 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 long. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the art and history.
The first floor of the museum is open for you to explore on your own during weekends. You can see the Great Hall, the Upper Hall, the Bird Room, and any special exhibits. The museum also hosts different events and shows throughout the year.
See Also
