Mercer Museum
Mercer Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Managed by the Bucks County Historical Society, this museum pays tribute to Henry Chapman Mercer, noted archaeologist, antiquarian, artist and writer.
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See what travelers are saying
- Alexis1 contributionWedding at Mercer!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!Thank you for your kind review! Congratulations, and we are thrilled that you have had such a positive experience with us and our partners at JAM! We hope to see you at the castles soon!Written April 21, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten April 18, 2023
- Helen711Atlanta, Georgia1,344 contributionsFabulous view of another eraThis 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.Thank you for your kind review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit, and we hope to see you again soon!Written June 2, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 21, 2023
- Playswdogs421 contributionsWell worth a few hours and the price of entry.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.Thank you for your kind review. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Mercer Museum! We love to hear when people find the contents of our collection as thrilling as the castle itself, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for more exploring!Written June 16, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2023Written June 12, 2023
- Timothy M5 contributionsAmazing Collection and Very Informative and InspirationalThe 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...Thank you for your kind review of the Mercer Museum! We are so thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience with us. We love to hear that our guests are engaged by and interested in our collections, as well as, the knowledge and input of our guides. We are glad that you came to visit us as well, and we hope to welcome you back again soon!Written July 6, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 25, 2023
- Leza HLondon, United Kingdom676 contributionsIncredible place…quite jaw dropping.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.Thank you for your kind review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Mercer Museum and enjoyed our collections and displays. We are also happy to hear that you had a great experience with our staff! We hope you visit us again soon.Written August 8, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 9, 2023
- Brian MLaurel, Maryland138 contributionsSo much to see!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 inThank you for your kind review! We are so thrilled that our unique museum was such a pleasure to explore and that you were able to chat with one of our gallery guides with any questions you may have had about our extensive collection! We hope to see you for that second trip sometime soon!Written October 20, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2023
- PennDaleCoopersburg, Pennsylvania989 contributionsGreat place to wander and learn!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.Thank you for your kind review of the Mercer Museum! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit with us and would recommend us to others. We hope to welcome you back to again soon!Written December 1, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 30, 2023
- JHAllenOro Valley, Arizona469 contributionsExcentricy at its BestUnusual building, eclectic collection. Mr. Mercer conceived a plan to house his collection of pre-electricity tools, conveyances, household items and paraphernalia in a building he designed and built. To protect the collection from fire, the building is made exclusively of reinforced concrete. Furthermore the items were installed as the building was built, and many of the larger items are hung from ceilings or walls. Small rooms are dedicated to trades such as shoe making, cheese making, sewing, blacksmithing and domestic arts. Larger artifacts include a stage coach, a number of buggies, a whale boat and fishing dory, cider presses, gristmills and fiber prepping machines. It also features examples of the tiles he designed and were made in the factory he owned.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 21, 2024
- NancyDPAHorsham, Pennsylvania215 contributionsIncredible museumThe Mercer Museum is incredible! My adult son was in town from California and I wanted something "touristy" for us to do that was NOT in Philadelphia. After living near here for almost 30 years, this was our first visit, and it did not disappoint. Mr. Mercer was a collector of pre-industrial tools and designed and built this museum to house his collection. It is six stories tall and displays such things as a grist mill, a gallows, a whaleboat, and a very interesting vampire hunting kit. The museum is full of so many interesting artifacts you could spend days in there and not see everything. The building itself is poured concrete and has many quirky rooms, corners and stairs.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
535 reviews
Excellent
358
Very good
143
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Marjorie A
Lansdale, PA276 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
My first thought upon entering the museum was…oh my god there is stuff hanging from the ceiling! It is a little overwhelming and you do not know where to look first but it is also very cool at the same time. The collection of artifacts are grouped by category with a brief description in each section. As a whole, the collection shows how early Americans lived and worked. I would recommend a visit if you love history. Cost is $15 which is reasonable for a visit. I recommend about 2 hours to explore all the floors and any special exhibits.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review! We are glad that you found the museum to be informative! We hope to see you visit again soon to get a more in-depth look at all the amazing artifacts we have!
Written December 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JWanderers
New Hope, PA147 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The Mercer museum has a nice collection of tools from different trades spread out over seven floors. It is not as overwhelming as it sounds as the seven floors are all around a central area and it is easy to go from one floor to the other. There were definitely some interesting articles there and the signage provided some good insights. Be aware that there is no HVAC in the museum, so it is quite cold in there in winter (we needed a coat when we were there in February and were still pretty cold) and presumably may get pretty hot in summer.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum. We are so glad that you found the museum and its collection of Pre-Industrial tools to be interesting and our signage to be helpful. We hope you visit us again soon!
Written September 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yi N
Newark, DE106 contributions
Sep 2020
Visited after reopening during COVID when tickets for 2-hr slots are in place.
Called the museum and asked how big the museum is and how long do people usually spend. Was told that "most people spend about an hour, but it's really dependent on how thorough you are, but 2 hours are definitely enough, as it's just the perimeter of the building".
So I came in and realized it's a 5-hr museum. Yes, I am very thorough in reading the signs, so when they say it's about an hour, I usually think of 2 hours. If they say there is a lot to see here so plan at least 2 hours, then I set aside 4 hours. But it's a huge surprise to learn how many items there are on display.
It's the level of confidence conveyed to me that overwhelmed me.
So if you have to read everything and are afraid of being kicked out after the 2-hr mark, do NOT visit now.
Called the museum and asked how big the museum is and how long do people usually spend. Was told that "most people spend about an hour, but it's really dependent on how thorough you are, but 2 hours are definitely enough, as it's just the perimeter of the building".
So I came in and realized it's a 5-hr museum. Yes, I am very thorough in reading the signs, so when they say it's about an hour, I usually think of 2 hours. If they say there is a lot to see here so plan at least 2 hours, then I set aside 4 hours. But it's a huge surprise to learn how many items there are on display.
It's the level of confidence conveyed to me that overwhelmed me.
So if you have to read everything and are afraid of being kicked out after the 2-hr mark, do NOT visit now.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan P
Putnam, CT814 contributions
Sep 2020
There is so much to see and absorb at the Mercer Museum. The six stories of collections takes some time to go through. If you enjoy history and appreciate how things were done in the past, you will be glad you visited. The Mercer is in a tall castle. While the building itself is very impressive, the number of devices displayed is incredible. Allow 2-3 hours and be prepared to read. The castle is dimly lit. The exhibit off the lobby was on artists from Bucks County. It was my favorite part of the museum and I took numerous photos of the art. It is almost completely handicap accessible. There is plenty of parking and the grounds surrounding are lovely.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review! We are glad that you enjoyed all aspects of the museum and had such a great time on your trip! We know that all the artifacts can be overwhelming, so we are always thrilled to hear when guests get so much out of their visit. We hope to see you again soon!
Written December 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TonyFio67
Tenafly, NJ137 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
One of the more interesting museums I have been to - not only the very specific focus on the devices and tools used historically by all kinds of workers and craftspeople (including tools used in farming, hat making, weaving, hunting, tin working, shoemaking, wheelmaking etc etc), but the way in which the artifacts were displayed. In addition to rooms along the periphery of the museum devoted to various crafts and trades, the center is essentially a 7 story exhibition space with all sorts of artifacts suspended so that one can look at them as one travels up or down the museum floors. It is an almost surreal effect and quite engaging. There are staff present to answer questions who are very friendly. I would say this is a can’t miss if you are visiting the area!
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tony,
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your visit and found the building and our collections to be unique and interesting! Additionally, we are so glad that you found our staff to be friendly and helpful. We hope to see you again soon!
Written September 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
devilish_patsy
Plantation, FL218 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
WEAR A COAT!
I did not know that this museum did not have heat. On a cold blustery day, we ventured to visit. I enjoyed the Charles M. Schultz exhibit and then we went up the stairs to begin the Mercer exhibit. I didnt realize it was like a dungeon. Cold damp and I started shivering. I stayed on the floor for as long as i could take it and then left my husband to enjoy the exhibits and headed to the cafe to warm up. So awfully interested in Henry Mercer, but not at the expense of my health. What a shame the museum did not come w/ heated overcoats to wear while viewing!
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Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our traveling Pigskin Peanuts exhibit. However, we are sorry that the historic nature of our building made it so that you could not enjoy your full stay. We hope you consider visiting us again while we have warmer temperatures outside (and inside!).
Written September 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kpslas
Hackettstown, NJ242 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We spent two hours on a Sunday wandering through the seven levels of the Mercer Museum. If you enjoy stepping into the past and imagining life over 100 years ago then this is the place for you. The collection of tools, transportation and machinery is well laid out as you go from level to level. I left with a deeper appreciation of how previous generations had to work hard for many things we take for granted today!
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We are so happy that you enjoyed your trip and left with an appreciation for the past! Henry Mercer's vision was certainly unique, but we are all grateful for his passion for collecting and preserving history! We hope to see you again soon.
Written November 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leza H
London, UK676 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
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.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Mercer Museum and enjoyed our collections and displays. We are also happy to hear that you had a great experience with our staff! We hope you visit us again soon.
Written August 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colleen771
Telford, PA31 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
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.
I was also impressed with the historical music exhibit downstairs. There were instruments I’d never seen before and we enjoyed the listening stations.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review! We are thrilled to hear your group had a good experience at our museum, and that you had the chance to explore "Everyday Rhythms: Music at the Mercer" during your visit! We hope to see you all at the castles again soon!
Written April 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lucero65
Philadelphia, PA183 contributions
Sep 2021
First let me say that I did not have a positive experience in this museum, but that’s a personal issue. I felt overwhelmed by the number of objects in the place and their chaotic arrangement. It also bothered me to see so many objects used by people of the past, many who spent their entire life in drudgery just to survive. I got in and out in an hour and went on all the floors.
In contrast, I thoroughly enjoyed Fonthill and the Moravian Tileworks the day before and felt no emotional malaise.
The museum is well cared for and there is an elevator in case you prefer to ride rather than walk. There are bathrooms on the first floor and a small gift shop. It’s worth seeing just once since it’s so odd.
In contrast, I thoroughly enjoyed Fonthill and the Moravian Tileworks the day before and felt no emotional malaise.
The museum is well cared for and there is an elevator in case you prefer to ride rather than walk. There are bathrooms on the first floor and a small gift shop. It’s worth seeing just once since it’s so odd.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smstout19
Sterling, VA37 contributions
Planning to visit in early April. Can I purchase tickets at the door?
MaryAWhite
Erie,PA57 contributions
Yes, purchase tickets at the door. Note also, the parking is convenient and free.
Andrea G
Severna Park, MD3 contributions
Is there A/C?
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for you question. The historic castle portion of the Mercer Museum is not climate controlled and may experience fluctuations in both temperature and humidity depending on external weather conditions.
However, the main lobby and changing exhibit gallery at the Mercer Museum are climate controlled.
Hope to see you at the museum soon!
PazLa
Silver Spring, MD11 contributions
How long should I plan for visiting the museum?
chalfontmom8
Chalfont, PA55 contributions
I'd say 1-2 hours as well
Janice L
30 contributions
Is it an easy museum for an older person with mobility issues who will not use a wheelchair.
Hi Janice,
Thank you for your question. The original portion of the Mercer Museum is partially handicapped accessible (approximately 65%) by elevator. The new wing, which includes the changing Exhibition Gallery and Learning Center, is fully accessible including restrooms. Additional educational program areas are or can be fully accessible.
We hope to see you at the Mercer Museum soon!
ShoeyPhiladelphia_PA
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
how much does it cost
hikepark
Fair Lawn, NJ85 contributions
You can see the other people's answers, but don't let the cost deter you...This is one of the most unique museums I have ever visited and is well worth the time and money...Just make sure you give yourself time to visit the other parts of the "Mercer Trifecta".
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Claim your listingMercer Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercer Museum
- Mercer Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Mercer Museum:
- (0.16 mi) Hargrave House
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- (3.01 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Doylestown, PA
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- (9.94 mi) The Inn at Bowman's Hill
- Restaurants near Mercer Museum:
- (0.13 mi) Jules Thin Crust
- (0.19 mi) Quinoa Peruvian & Mexican Restaurant
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- (0.29 mi) HONEY Restaurant
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