Accessibility

View looking into Glencairn's Great Hall from the Cloister through two large, open bronze doors.

The use of Glencairn Museum has evolved since Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn built it as a home for their family in the 1930s. Although Glencairn was not originally designed with accessibility in mind, we are working diligently to meet our visitors’ needs, while striving to preserve the building’s original aesthetic. Regrettably, some spaces are only available via four stairs or less. Please contact us in advance to discuss your visit at tours@glencairnmuseum.org.

You are also welcome to prepare for your visit to Glencairn Museum by viewing or downloading our Know Before You Go guide.

General Accessibility

  • There is a family-friendly, accessible restroom with a changing station on the first floor.

  • Front inward/outward facing infant carriers are permitted. Backpack-style infant carriers and strollers are not permitted beyond the main entrance.

  • The Bryn Athyn Historic District can be reached via Public Transportation.

Physical Accessibility

  • Accessible parking is available approximately 50 yards from the main entrance. 

  •  Drop-off is always available. 

  • During our Sacred Arts and Medieval Festivals only drop-off is available.

  • The walkway to our main entrance is made up of large granite stones. 

  • Our main entrance has 3 steps with sturdy handrails. 

  • Glencairn hosts will assist you when using mobility devices to enter the building using the entrance with a ramp, in the elevator, and when visiting the Upper and Great Halls. 

  • An entrance with a ramp is available approximately 100 yards from accessible parking. The doorway at this entrance is 40 inches wide. Please call ahead to access this entrance. 

  • Tours of the Museum are approximately 60 minutes long, and include several floors and moving between galleries via stairs or elevator.   

  • Folding stools are available in the galleries, upon request. 

  • Transport chairs, canes, and walkers are available. We recommend calling ahead to reserve. 

  • The first floor of the Museum, between the Upper Hall and Great Hall, has 3 steps with sturdy handrails. Full access to both areas will be facilitated by a Museum host. Access is achieved by exiting the building in the Upper Hall and re-entering through the outdoor Great Hall entrance.

  • Glencairn’s historic elevator can accommodate transport chairs or wheelchairs that are under 36 inches by 26 inches. It will also accommodate wheelchairs that fold, as long as the guest is able to walk a few steps into/out of the elevator carriage and can remain standing during elevator ride. The entrance of the elevator is 27 inches wide.

  • The Medieval Treasury doorway is a width of 27 inches.

  • The Egyptian Gallery (three steps with a handrail), the Medieval Gallery (four steps), and the Tower deck (narrow door and one step), are not wheelchair accessible.