Guided Tours
Glencairn Museum’s guided tours provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to explore the architectural splendor and intricate decorative details of this historic building, along with the remarkable Glencairn Museum collection. Led by friendly guides, visitors learn about the history and significance of the religious art and artifacts on exhibit, while also gaining insights into the Pitcairn family who once lived in this castle-like home.
Highlights Tour
This 90-minute guided tour presents the history of Glencairn Museum, from its origin as a family home to its transformation into a museum dedicated to religious art. It is sure to awaken your curiosity and foster a spirit of discovery.
The guided tour begins in the Great Hall, featuring awe-inspiring architecture and skilled craftsmanship. Experience spiritual beliefs and practices through the ages by exploring three galleries with art and artifacts from the Glencairn Museum collection. Immerse yourself in family spaces that have remained unchanged since Glencairn was a home, including the family Chapel and the Main Bedroom and Bath. The elevator ascent to the Tower, with its commanding view of the local area and the Philadelphia skyline, is a visitor favorite. Have your camera ready!
Available beginning Tuesday, February 11
Tuesday–Friday at 2:45 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 and 2:30 pm
Craftsmanship at Glencairn: Five Artists
Around every corner in Glencairn, visitors encounter stunning examples of early 20th-century craftsmanship—in metal, stained glass, mosaic, stone, and wood. Craftsmanship at Glencairn: Five Artists is a guided tour and exhibit that explores the work of five artists who worked at Glencairn, the castle-like home built by Raymond Pitcairn for his family (completed in 1939). Well over one hundred artists, architects, and laborers contributed to its construction and decoration, which took more than a decade to complete. Without the efforts of all of them working together, the Pitcairns’ remarkable home could not have become a reality.
Available beginning Tuesday, February 11
Tuesday and Thursday at 1:15 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 1:45 pm
Sacred Adornment
Throughout history and across cultures, humans have adorned themselves with jewelry and other decorative items to enhance beauty, signify social status, participate in sacred rituals, and seek divine protection. This guided tour explores the religious significance of personal adornments in a variety of cultures, including those of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages. It also highlights jewelry worn by family members who once called Glencairn home. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own personal adornments and the special meanings they may hold.
Available beginning Wednesday, February 12
Wednesday and Friday at 1:15 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 pm
Time Travelers: A Family Backpack Tour
Time Travelers: A Family Backpack Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing families to explore the Museum’s rich historical collections in a fun and interactive way. Each backpack is filled with items that will be needed along the way to make history come alive. As families are guided on a journey through time, they will discover ancient artifacts and fascinating stories from different cultures. This guided tour is designed to captivate both children and adults, fostering a shared appreciation for history. It’s a perfect blend of education and adventure, ideal for families looking to make lasting memories together.
Fun for all ages; recommended for ages 5–12.
Available beginning Saturday, February 15
Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 pm and 3:30 pm
Easter Art at Glencairn
This 75-minute guided tour features the Easter story illustrated through medieval works of art in stained glass, sculpture, and painting. The biblical narrative involves tremendous sadness, followed by great joy; key episodes highlighted on this tour include the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension of Christ into heaven. Visitors also learn how Easter was celebrated at Glencairn by the Pitcairn family. Access to the exhibition, Rushnyky: Sacred Ukrainian Textiles, is included with your tour admission.
Available beginning Saturday, April 5
Saturday and Sunday in April at 3:15 pm
From Tower to Garden: Glencairn’s Symbolism Inside and Out
Saturday and Sunday in May at 3:15 pm
$15 Adult
$12 Senior/Student
Free for all Museum membership levels and children 4 and under
Visit our Special Rates page for discounted ticket options.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
Join us for a special May tour to explore the deep symbolism found in Glencairn’s architecture and gardens. This 75-minute guided experience highlights motifs found in the interior and exterior design, including four interconnected themes—family, school, country, and church—that shaped life in this extraordinary home for the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family.