We visited the museum as a field trip (kids ages 6-16). Everyone enjoyed it. There was something interesting to see for everyone. This is a must-see for anyone studying colonial America. Based on what I learned at Fonthill Castle, I think Mr Mercer would be proud to see his collection today. I was also impressed with the historical music exhibit downstairs. There were instruments I’d never seen before and we enjoyed the listening stations.

Words cannot describe this unique, eclectic, detailed, varied, entertaining, informative world-class collection of “life”…from a man who devoted his life to this legacy! Such fun to amble through this castle , self-guided! However, there were very knowledgeable docents around who answered many questions! We were fortunate to also see a special exhibition of Mercer’s amazing collection of musical instruments from around the world. His in-depth , historical findings, and the audio stations were superb ways to learn! Pair this visit with a very different type of visit at Font Hill Castle…you won’t be sorry…so worthwhile!

Hours can be spent here but 2 minimum. 7 floor concrete castle built by eccentric collector of all things ordinary in 1900. The building alone is amazing, the floors, arches, windows, staircases and nooks. The tens of thousands of artifacts from a century ago displayed from ceilings, walls and small rooms could be a nightmare if not so meticulously organized despite the numbers. Look up and a whaling boat is hanging over your head and 5 floors up cribs on the ceiling. The stairs take you up and two more floors beyond. Complete carriages, apple presses as well as needles, brooms, tortoise shell combs, threshers, every one different from the next. Downstairs is Mercer's musical instrument collection.

I had never been to this museum and it was amazing. So gorgeous and unlike anything I had seen in California. My fiancé and I decided we wanted to get married here and ever since have had nothing but amazing support from the JAM crew and Mercer Museum staff while planning our big day here in October. The food was amazing as well. Highly recommend!

This museum is 6 stories high, full of tools and products of Mercer’s time (from about 1870-1920). It is steel reinforced concrete, which was new at its time. Parking is at the side/back where the main entrance is. If you use GPS, it takes you to the front of the building.

So much stuff - one mans junk another man's treasure and now it is preserved for all of us to see. The building itself is amazing, and the contents even more so. Well worth a few hours and the price of entry.

The museum and castle/home were amazing. Everyone was so welcoming and the guides in both were so informative and enthusiastic about teaching you everything about these two wonderful places to visit. The museum was so detailed and perfectly laid out so that you could know what each floor and area/display was all about. We were even interviewed by an associate who was writing up an area and wanted our input on what we saw and what we could learn from the area. The collection was outstanding. There was a group of children touring the exhibits and they were totally engaged and learning so much. We spent about 2 hours going through everything. We didn't plan on going to the castle/home until we were leaving and we were heading over there. They checked to be sure that there were tours available and then they provided us with great driving directions. It was only a short drive away. The current exhibit with music instruments from all over the world was great. There were great interactive displays so you could hear all of the various instruments. We were told by a friend for a few months that we should plan a trip and we are so glad that we did. Must See...

A stunning museum with a fascinating collection…but it’s all about the building and the way it’s displayed. It is so original and quite jaw dropping to behold. Kids will be engaged by the ‘Harry Potter’ style of this eccentric layered concrete castle, displays hanging from the ceiling as though magically floating, the fabulous turrets and roof, the winding staircases and wonky windows. The collection is fantastic, especially the stoves, tiles, textile blocks, carriages. It’s wild and we loved it. The staff are also fantastic. We spent some time with Matt who really knows his stuff, not just about the Mercer building and collection but also how it ties in with other aspects of American history. He’s a wonderful asset to the museum.

We’re from Washington, so we know a lot of museums….but none like this! So much packed into the space, which is itself so interesting. 7 floors of fascinating tools and equipment, everyday household products to commercial items. Mercer was a genius to save all this for future generations. I think I read there are 17,000 items on display. Self guided tour, but incredibly knowledgeable staff member was on hand with observations and details…and extremely nice. Plan a couple of hours to visit, May need a second trip to take it all in

We visited the Mercer museum on a very cold November day. I mention that because while this is inside, it’s massive and not really heated. I went with my husband and father in law. If you are interested in our countries working history, this is the place to go. Especially interesting if you have an engineering bent. Not for young children as touching is not allowed and there is a lot of reading to understand what you are seeing. We spent a full two hours. It’s also not very accessible if you have mobility issues, and the descriptions are all above a wheelchairs height even if one wanted to do it floor by floor. There is an elevator. We enjoyed ourselves and would recommend it.