Glencairn Museum

Bryn Athyn, PA

10 August 2025

Glencairn Museum is a hidden gem in Bryn Athyn, PA. It was built to be the home of Raymond Pitcairn and Mildred Glenn, and to house countless private collections of art and history, most of which are religious in nature. The family believed in the "New Church" or Swedenborgianism and the items found in the museum reflect those beliefs. Near the museum is also the cathedral (also New Church denomination) and Cairnwood estate, both full of history on their own. During this visit, I was only able to visit the museum, as there was to be a private event in the cathedral and estate.

The Glencairn Museum offers different types of tours, but during this visit (and my first ever!), I opted for the Highlights Tour. The nice thing about the Highlights Tour is that it offers glimpses of many interesting aspects of this museum, as well as some history on the family and its construction. The first part of the tour begins with a short movie that gives the background of the people involved in its making, as well as how it progressed into what it is today. Afterwards the tour participants are led to the center of the grand room and the guide explains certain unique characteristics of the museum.

First Floor

The first floor is the starting point of the tour. If you are not interested in taking a tour but want to see a bit of this museum, this is the only indoor area that is open to visitors without a guide. There is still quite a bit to see and you can pace yourself as you take in what is around you in this location.

Among the striking features of this area, the stained glass windows and medieval styled architecture stand out. Each window has its own story to tell. I also found it unique that the benches near the fireplace were engraved with the names of the family members. One bench had a ram on it and included the husband's family name Pitcairn, but it also included the blended family name of the husband and wife on the side "GlenCairn" and the names of their children. The other bench had an engraved ewe on it and the wife's maiden name Glenn, as well as the blended name and their children. The theme of the ram and the ewe was seen across the museum, becoming a symbol of the husband and wife. From this main room, we also went outside to an area that was modeled after the Cloisters in New York. That outdoor area can be viewed without being part of a tour when you enter from the grounds.

Chapel

Along the way, we stopped in a small chapel. It was said that the family would come here everyday when not visiting the cathedral for service. Aside from the breathtaking ceiling, it is interesting to find that there are carved pieces in the stone that use both greek and arabic.

Exhibits

As we ventured onto other floors, we visited exhibits featuring collections from different cultures. We saw some items from Egypt and Rome on this particular tour. In Egypt, there were detailed dioramas depicting what was done during the embalming process, a sarcophagus, and items that were typically found with the dead. In Rome, there were collections of pottery, jewelry, statues, and more. We ended the tour by going through what now looked like a library or study room and the couple's bedroom. One thing I found particularly interesting in the library was the giant book of neumes (old style of written music). It was said to be made so large so that multiple people singing could look at it simultaneously.

It was fascinating to see just how much different cultures were embraced in the making of this home turned museum. There is a lot of history and a lot to learn. I'm looking forward to returning to try the other tours avaiable, as well as to visit the estate and cathedral.

Glencairn Museum

1001 Cathedral # 0757

Bryn Athyn, PA 19009