Mercer Museum
Mercer Museum
4.5
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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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
518 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
142
Average
28
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Gregory M
Westchester, IL269 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
I have a hard time deciding what was more interesting, the museum building or the collection. Henry Mercer, neither an architect nor engineer, designed and built Fonthill Castle, his home, the Mercer Museum to house his diverse collection, and the Moravian Tile Works, his occupation. The museum building is made from concrete and was built by eight of Henry’s employees. Henry continually added to his design as he figured out how he wanted to display the collection he amassed from traveling around looking for what others considered junk. There is an interactive video display at the start where you can “ask”Henry questions about his museum. Allow at least two hours to go through the five floors of the museum.
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum. Henry Mercer was certainly a unique man with a unique vision and we are thrilled that you found it all to be interesting and enjoyable. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1 570 contributions
Sep 2022
It is curated in a great way to reflect the character and placement in history. It's tucked into niches, wide open spaces and specialty alcoves. It will stick in my mind for a long time. Thank you to Hannah for the introduction to the music exhibit, well done! If you only have time for this or Fonthill, I vote "here".
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum. We are thrilled to hear you found your experience so memorable and the staff to be helpful and pleasant! We hope to welcome you back soon for another visit!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ElizabethTAH
Mount Joy, PA11 contributions
Aug 2022
Incredibly large collection of pre-industrial revolution tools and implements of every nature. Well worth seeing!
Written 16 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review! We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience at the Mercer Museum, and we hope to welcome you back soon!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WC-Travelers-75
West Chester, PA2 201 contributions
Aug 2022
Looking for an indoor activity on a very hot day.
Reservations required.
Surprised at volume and breadth of the collection. Very interesting. Also went through the special music exhibit.
We did not realize it was associated with the Smithsonian.
Plenty of parking.
Plus for the location is restaurants nearby.
Reservations required.
Surprised at volume and breadth of the collection. Very interesting. Also went through the special music exhibit.
We did not realize it was associated with the Smithsonian.
Plenty of parking.
Plus for the location is restaurants nearby.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your experience at the museum and that you found our many artifacts to be interesting! We hope you visit us again soon!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
b w
Coral Springs, FL114 contributions
Jul 2022
Imagine building your own museum to house the "stuff" you've collected. The variety of things was unbelievable. Throughout the multiple levels, everything was displayed in an orderly, organized manner. Must see with Fonthill Castle and the Moravian Tile Factory.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum. We are happy to hear that you appreciated the variety and organization of our pre-Industrial collections. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lori G
Lumberton, TX418 contributions
Jun 2022
Very interesting with lots to see! We enjoyed looking at the unique building and collections of Mercer. They did a great job with informative signs and there's a worker (or volunteer) in the main room that is more than happy to give information about anything at all. This is a must-see for sure!
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review! We are glad to hear you had an enjoyable experience visiting the Mercer Museum! We are glad that you found our staff and signage to be helpful, and we hope to see you again soon!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dave911nj
Pipersville, PA1 066 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
I highly recommend. Mercer was way ahead of his time. He was also so thoughtful thinking of the future preserving the past and present of his time to show everyone the past that he constructed this castle for all his artifacts. I've never seen so much of our past preserved in one place like this place. A must see along with Fonthill Castle.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum! We agree - Henry Mercer was certainly a unique man, who made even more unique buildings! We are glad you enjoyed exploring our collections, and we hope you visit us again soon!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TlvGilad
Montgomery, AL301 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
The museum is a unique concrete built castle like building from 1916. The collection covers tools and crafts from early days of European settlement in the area. Seems that everyone will find something interesting to see or do there. Kids' self guided activities are available.
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review of the Mercer Museum! We are happy to hear you found our unique museum to be interesting. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 11 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MaryAWhite
Erie,PA36 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Our group, grandparents and teens, were delighted with our visit. I first visited 70 years ago with my elementary school class - it has only gotten better but feels the same somehow. The collection illustrates life in the US before the industrial revolution, from the tiniest tool for woodworking to a Conestoga wagon! The arrangements and descriptions make these old items come alive. We highly recommend.
Written 6 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review. We are so happy we were able to welcome you back to our museum and that you were pleased with the trip again! We are so thrilled to hear you enjoyed exploring all our artifacts, and we hope that you will come see us again soon!
Written 11 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kpslas
Hackettstown, NJ226 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 4 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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 11 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
smstout19
Sterling, VA36 contributions
Planning to visit in early April. Can I purchase tickets at the door?
MaryAWhite
Erie,PA36 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, PA54 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".
MERCER MUSEUM (Doylestown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercer Museum
- Mercer Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Mercer Museum:
- (0.25 km) Hargrave House
- (0.36 km) Doylestown Inn
- (4.82 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Doylestown, PA
- (1.22 km) Highland Farm Bed & Breakfast
- (15.91 km) The Inn at Bowman's Hill
- Restaurants near Mercer Museum:
- (0.20 km) Jules Thin Crust
- (0.27 km) Empanada Mama
- (0.31 km) Quinoa Peruvian & Mexican Restaurant
- (0.24 km) Slate Bleu Restaurant
- (0.46 km) HONEY Restaurant