Glencairn Museum Infrastructure Project
and Period of Closure

Overview

Glencairn Museum is engaged in a comprehensive replacement of Glencairn’s infrastructure, much of which dates to the origin of the former home in the 1930s. Upon completion, this project will include a new electrical supply and main feeds, heating system, and central air conditioning for the first time, in addition to replacing or abandoning the building’s domestic water pipes.

Phase One: Complete

Phase one is now complete. A new main electrical supply, exterior transformer, and interior switchgear have been installed, with new interior lines run to most of the breaker boxes throughout the building. The original electrical supply has been decommissioned by PECO, with Glencairn now running on the new main electrical feed. A geothermal field of 28 wells has been completed, with the main lines fed into the building, ready for the next phase of the project.

Phase Two: Beginning

Phase two of this project will begin on Monday, May 2, 2022. Ultimately, this phase will include the installation of the new heating and air conditioning systems throughout the building, which combine geothermal and traditional elements. The initial portion of this phase, however, is the removal of Glencairn’s existing boilers and all exposed steam lines. We anticipate the removal of these lines and the necessary asbestos abatement prior to removal to take up to two months, with a target completion by the end of June. During the first month, Glencairn’s secondary electrical supply panel will be replaced and connected to the new main electrical feed. Late in this phase, new wiring will be run to the breaker boxes fed from this secondary supply panel, and all the panels themselves throughout the building will be replaced.

We will periodically update this page as subsequent portions of phase two are scheduled.

Extended Closure to the Public

Regrettably, Glencairn Museum will close to in-person programming beginning Saturday, April 30, 2022, for a period of up to 18 months, to complete the installation of these infrastructure systems. This includes all in-person tours, school programming, children’s camps, annual programs, and rental events. This project includes running lines within the unique granite structure of Glencairn, while preserving the aesthetic beauty and integrity of its original finishes, including its many mosaic walls. We hope you will appreciate that the complexity of this undertaking is more time consuming than we would wish, and we are grateful for your patience and understanding. 

Virtual and Off-Site Programming; Digital Resources

Glencairn Museum remains committed to providing access through virtual programming, digital resources, and off-site programming during this period. You are encouraged to visit GlencairnMuseum.org regularly for upcoming virtual and off-site programs and new digital resources, including virtual tours, digital educational programs and resources, traveling education programs, off-site workshops, digital access to the Glencairn collection, off-site concerts, and more.

Membership Benefits during Closure Period 

In addition to virtual member programming and trips to regional museums, Glencairn Museum is pleased to offer its members complimentary benefits at Cairnwood Estate, Glencairn’s valued partner within the Bryn Athyn Historic District. For details on these benefits, click here.

Thank You for Your Patience and Support

Ensuring the sustainability and preservation of Glencairn for future generations is an exciting undertaking, but one that is not being taken lightly. We recognize the significant impact closing Glencairn for this extended period will have on our valued members, students, and visitors. Your patience and understanding are appreciated, and we invite you to contact us contact us with your questions.

If you would like to make a donation toward this project or the Museum’s programming, please click here.