Five stars for the museum itself--it's unique and absolutely fascinating, I've visited multiple times and discovered something new on each visit. Zero stars for the unsightly brutalist-style visitors' center that was added in 2011. It completely destroys the architectural integrity of what used to be a delightfully eccentric and whimsical building. read more

As featured on Roadside America! Depending on the person, the biggest attraction here will either be the collection or the building itself. I've been to a lot of specialty/regional history/ American folk museums, and most of the collections of old wooden tools, farm equipment, and silverware here will be familiar to anyone who has been to museums like that. That said, there are a number of unique items I've never seen anywhere before. Namely, the gigantic water bucket dipper which spans much of the main hall. And on the very top floor, there's a gallows. There's some of interesting stuff, but there's just so much of it, and as my wife said, it's all "brown." So you start to get eye strain after a short while. For me the most interesting thing was the building. It is a very odd, designed-during-construction, concrete castle. Even the windows are made of concrete instead of wood. Avoid the 20th century elevator and staircase, take the original stairs inside the museum instead. The flights are placed randomly on each level, giving it the feel of a maze. At one point, you'll start ascending a tower into a room of Mercer's tiles and stove guards, and the stairs keep leading you in increasingly odd directions. It finally ends at the very top room with the gallows and, oddly, an old schoolroom. read more

The only real interesting thing is that this place is made entirely of concrete. Lots of artifacts of various kinds are placed throughout the inside. It is a lot of stairs, that are not up to today's building standards. Dimly lit, smells musty and humid inside. I would not believe that this place is ideal for children less than 10 years of age. Unless they are interested in farming artifacts, etc. read more

Fun spot to visit there are 7 stories of items to see and read about. There's no heat inside so wear your jacket if it's winter. Loads of old weapons, tools, metals, even a fire truck and whale boat. $15 admission read more

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What a dump. A jumble of dusty old stuff loosely arranged, sporadically explained, in a dark, dusty, and unpleasant wonder of a building. I realize it's a precious collection of one man's obsession but does it have to be frozen in time? At least dust for God's sake. Gives history museums a bad name. A real waste of $13 and 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back. read more

This is a weird and interesting place. I recall learning that it was made entirely from poured concrete by a local eccentric. They have lots of local historical stuff here and festivals/fairs a few times during the year. The tiles from the nearby Tile Works are quite lovely. read more

Mercer Museum - Museums Near Me - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Interesting place to visit with plenty to look at and explore. We skipped the castle and just opted for the museum since we had a 2.5 year old and a four month old with us. Apparently the castle is only guided tours which we were warned might be long for the 2.5 yr old. As for the museum the interior is pretty awe inspiring with tons of American tools hanging every which way from every available surface. The building is also quite enchanting to walk through. $14 per adult admission. We went early in the morning and by the time we were walking out the museum was quickly being over run by lots and lots of kids. I'd recommend an early visit to beat the crowds. Doubt I'll be back but I enjoyed my visit and would recommend it to others. read more

Can't say enough about this place. The history, the architecture, the exhibits are just fantastic. Besides hosting a great rotation of exhibits, the museum offers great camps for kids including Harry Potter and Lego Robots, both very well managed and enjoyed by the kids. read more

Mercer Museum - The Museum is absolutely amazing. - Museums Near Me - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Great place to learn about history and take the kids. Beautiful building with amazing historical artifacts. Haven't been back for a few years but last time I was there I had a blast. Use to go for school trips when I was younger, but couldn't appreciate it until recently. I'd highly recommend going back or going for a first visit! read more

My kiddos (2 teens, and a tween) visited here a couple of weeks ago, along with my parents. We found the museum to be pretty cool. We enjoyed all 7 floors of interesting artifacts. Our time only allowed for us to spend a couple of hours. While I felt like that was enough time, we didn't do much reading about all of the exhibits. We kind of just took a slow walk through, and tried to take it all in. I would not recommend this for young children. While there is an elevator, there are a lot of stairs, and somewhat dangerous railings, and edges. If my kids were younger, I would have been a nervous wreck. If anyone in your party isn't interested in old artifacts, this isn't the place for you. That's all this museum is. While our party found that cool, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. For the $14 adult ticket price, and $8 kid price, you'll want to make sure it's of interest to those you visit with. Another important note, there's no air conditioning. I seriously doubt there's heating, but I don't know for sure since we visited in August. The day we were there was lovely out, and the museum was comfortable. A little on the warm side, but still comfortable. Lastly, this place is neat, but it's not for everybody. We enjoyed it, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. I feel the museum has a very unique audience that will really appreciate it. I'm afraid all others would be underwhelmed. read more

The castle itself is architecturally enchanting and very unique! There are nooks and crannies everywhere with lots of hidden messages. The grounds are beautiful and there are often weddings taking places at the adjacent carriage house or on the grounds. Just a short distance from downtown Doylestown, where you can easily spend a day walking, eating and shopping. read more

Mercer Museum - You can't take pictures inside, but you can on this outdoor terrace. - Museums Near Me - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

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Very interesting! definitely worth it!! Although we went when there where field trips so I would suggest going in the evening. The building is 100 years old!! read more

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Very cool museum. Lots of history, great for school-age kids. Located in a beautiful and interesting building. The cost of admission is fairly normal, and I was able to get a college student discount, so that was a plus. There's no AC, but when we went in the middle of July it was still pretty cool inside. read more

Hey went to the Mercer museum in November and the first thing is there is no heat. There is a lot to look at but found it to be a great place to go for Halloween and be creeped out. If you like to look at old items and the smell of musty thing and being in a dark place then the museum is for you. I appreciate how hard they had to work to stay alive. And how easy we have it now thanks to there hard work. There children museum was very sweet. Fun for the kids. I was happy when I walked outside and felt the fresh air and the sun on my face. Happy to be back in the present. read more

LOVE the Mercer and Fonthill. I've been visiting somewhat frequently since 2016. Both places are so beautiful, and very inspiring of how and when these were built. The Mercer employees are mostly very nice and helpful! They are very knowledgeable, and some you can tell are very passionate about it. My favorite people here are I think Gloria, Anna and Jordan. They're so sweet and made us feel so welcome- almost like we were family- just for being in the museum. My only complaint is for a woman named Rachel. She needs an attitude check. She scowls at the friendly employees and acts very two-faced. She didn't like how friendly and talkative some employees were, but feeling so at home is what keeps people coming back! I feel for those working there that have to put up with her. I heard some other patrons complaining about her, as well. Maybe she needs a hobby to be less bitter towards people enjoying themselves. Much love to the sweethearts there, though! read more

Very unique place. Quite a bit of walking and stair climbing. Was humid and warm and stuffy. A nice day trip.

Definitly worth a trip up to Doylestown to see this museum. We visited for the first time today with grandpa and kids in tow. I think it would be nicer to come without kids. There are quite a lot of dangerous railing situations and all the surfaces are concrete so letting a toddler or walking baby on the loose is not a good idea. Strollers can be used on the second floor but after that it may be a pain to keep going back to the elevator, plus you would miss the crazy cool cast conc. stairs! read more

Henry Mercer collected an amazing amount of early American everyday objects and had this all-concrete castle built in 1916 to house his vast collection. Lots to see presented in a great way! If you have time, I would highly recommend taking the Fonthill Castle (his residence completely constructed of hand-mixed concrete) first, then visiting the museum afterward. Fonthill Castle tours require advance reservations, but the museum does not. Either one on it's own is really fascinating, but together it really tells an interesting story of a wealthy man who was able to create his "dream." read more

This museum is a must-see for anyone who loves American History. Kids of all ages will love the expansive array of artifacts. They are arranged so interestingly! I learned so much about early American vocations. We saw a beautiful quilt exhibit while we where there. Doylestown is fortunate to have a place like this....thank you for an afternoon of learning! read more

Another concrete structure built by Henry Mercer. This one houses his collection of americana from tiny pins to items that fill a whole room. Exhibits are decidedly low tech and the layout adds to the experience. The place has lots of personal touches from the founder, like dog prints on concrete steps. Floors are open plan, looking out on to a central court. It feels very much like a museum of a past century. read more

My group went for the first time last weekend. We were very impressed with the varied and interesting collection. The setup is very unique, and there is SO much to see. I plan to come back again and again (Yep, bought the membership!) read more

The Mercer Museum is on the must see list for anyone interested in the history of technology or traditional American craft. In my single, short visit, accompanied by two toddlers, I realized that there was too much too see and learn about here to get in one gulp. I'd like to return without kids and maybe just do one floor per visit. Some of the collections include items dozens designs of oil lamps, butter making equipment and a real gallows. The place might be cold in the winter, as they don't heat or cool the building. read more

Although we are currently locals, we had never visited until free museum day. I would say that this museum is excellent informative and important to American history in a profound way. Those people who have any interest in history and in visiting places like Williamsburg Virginia will enjoy this treasure. If you are anywhere local should come visit. read more

Very interesting building and experience. Great atmosphere, although this has been marred with the garish recent addition of a library/welcome center that looks as though it has been glued to the original, architecturally stunning facade. read more

Mercer is a fun museum. Worth a trip for both out of town tourists and locals. Try to go on a day when they are hosting a special event outside which can be really cool. If you go in the winter, dress warm! read more

This is a really neat slice of history. Rollo's stairs was my favorite (as a dog mom) and the top/bowling game was super fun! Avoid going on really hot days though-no air conditioning in the museum! read more