Free General Admission
Join us for an evening of quiet reflection as you explore the expansive grounds of the Bryn Athyn Historic District. Enjoy viewing Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Glencairn Museum and Cairnwood Estate in lights.
Landmarks in Lights press release: See Philadelphia skyline from Glencairn Museum tower
Visitors may view ‘Landmarks in Lights’ when 3 renowned Bryn Athyn venues are illuminated for nighttime tours June 17
Three renowned and architecturally distinct structures in the Bryn Athyn Historic District, all in exquisite settings, will be illuminated during an evening event June 17 that offers the public free access to explore the sites.
Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Cairnwood Estate, and Glencairn Museum, part of the district designated a National Historic Landmark in October 2008, will be featured during “Landmarks in Lights: A Celebration of Faith” from dusk to 11 p.m. All are located on Cathedral Road in the borough of Bryn Athyn.
The public is invited to enjoy the venues’ expansive grounds during daylight hours and explore the remarkable buildings, free of charge, from 9 to 11 p.m., all to the strains of recorded classical music.
The borough of Bryn Athyn was founded in the late 19th century by members of a Christian denomination known as the New Church. Cairnwood was home to industrialist John Pitcairn; Glencairn home to son Raymond and family; and the Cathedral was built as a place of worship for the church, today serving as world headquarters for the denomination. Construction of the Beaux Arts-style buildings took place between 1892 and 1938. Today, Cairnwood is an educational, cultural and hospitality center, and Glencairn a museum of religious history, art and artifacts. The buildings are regularly open for tours.
Stained glass windows designed by craftsmen to duplicate those seen in European churches, as well as original medieval stained glass windows, are among many notable features of the structures visitors will discover at the event.
Visitors will tour Glencairn’s first floor; view an exhibit entitled “In the Service of God: The Sacred Arts in the Middle Ages;” take a museum cell-phone tour, and watch a 15-minute orientation video.
For $2, they also can take an elevator to the top of Glencairn’s 149-foot tower for a rare nighttime view of the Philadelphia skyline and surrounding area. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. A telescope, courtesy of nearby Bryn Athyn College and manned by student Micah Alden, will let guests get an even better view. The Historic District helps support Bryn Athyn College with exclusive internship programs and events.
The Cathedral will be lit June 16 through June 19, with recorded classical music filling the air, and tour guides available to answer questions. The bookstore/gift shop will be open. Additionally, a Remembrance service, intended to comfort and heal those who have lost a loved one, will be held at 7:30 p.m. June 16. Music will begin at 7:10 p.m. Following the service, those attending are invited to view the annual lighting of the stained glass windows. For additional information, call 267-502-4600 or send an e-mail to Admin@bacathedral.org.
Cairnwood Estate will be lit for all to enjoy on June 17. The house was designed by the pre-eminent Beaux Arts architect of the time, Carrère and Hastings, designer of the New York Public Library. The outstanding grounds were designed by Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot of New York City, designer of Central Park.
For more information and directions, visit www.brynathynhistoricdistrict.org or call 267.502.2600.