Fonthill and Mercer Museum-Doylestown
If you enjoy the unusual and eclectic, be sure to include the charming community of Doylestown on your day travel list. Since visiting, I have determined there is enough to do here for a multi-day trip, but we visited primarily to see the famed and related attractions of Fonthill and Mercer Museum.
Henry Mercer was born in 1856 and lived in Doylestown. He studied Law at the University of Pennsylvania, however after extensively traveling in Europe decided to pursue a menagerie of historical, archeological, and artistic endeavors. Mercer worked as a curator of the current Penn Museum, but eventually left the position to collect American artifacts for his personal collection and to learn about German pottery. In time, he developed a love for tile-making and went on to found Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, which still stands next to Fonthill and is also a worthwhile tourist destination. His large collection of American artifacts, meant to preserve the story of early American life, which he felt was being destroyed by industrialism, became the Mercer Museum. Mercer’s eccentric personality becomes apparent when touring his private home named Fonthill. Built by 1912, the 44-room, 200-window, 18-fireplace, 10-bath Castle is constructed entirely of poured-in concrete! Decorating large portions of the home are Mercer’s own tiles, along with over 1000 prints, and over 6000 books, most personally annotated by Mercer himself.
After purchasing a combo ticket, we started at Mercer Museum. The fascinating aspect of this museum is how the collections are displayed, more than the objects themselves. The center of the building is open five floors up to the ceiling, with open, balcony-style floors outlining the structure. Objects are dangling from the ceiling and protruding from the walls on every level. Largely unaltered since opening in 1916, the museum has a bit of an eerie feel with the dank concrete walls, and dusty, old tools hanging in each room. Each level contains different-themed collections of tools perfect for those who enjoy a perusal of Americana. Some notable objects include a gallows, antique fire engine, carriages, and the Lenape Stone. Tools for farming, cooking, transportation, craftsmanship, and sewing, among others are all represented. My children enjoyed meandering around on their own and since it was all open I felt I could more easily keep an eye on them. We enjoyed discovering how life used to be lived and good conversations and learning opportunities abounded. One separate room was recently renovated to be a hands-on, child-friendly space for little ones to play and discover, perfect for taking a break. Other amenities include a research library open to museum guests, and a small gift shop offering related memorabilia.
After a quick lunch break at a local fast food restaurant, we headed a mile down the road to Fonthill Castle. Living in the United States, we are not afforded many opportunities to visit castles, so consider yourself fortunate to be within driving distance of one. A docent led us on a tour of many of the rooms explaining interesting details of this impressive structure. Oddly beautiful, the gray concrete walls are extensively adorned with colorful and unique tiles created next door at the Tile Works. Not only are the walls poured concrete, but many furnishings are as well! Each room contains artifacts from Mercer’s prolific travel around the world creating a multi-cultural experience, including an impressive display of 3000-year old cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia. Every room was so fun to explore, and the kid’s curiosity was definitely piqued. My parents came along on this trip, and we all agreed it was such a worthwhile destination. When we got home, we were motivated to expand our research concerning Henry Mercer, uncovering more fascinating tidbits about this peculiar historical figure. (Unfortunately no interior photography is allowed at Fonthill so I can’t show you what it looks like inside.)
Mercer’s museum, castle, and Tile Works provides a perfect outlet for anyone interested in all things history, architecture, anthropology, and art. If you decide to make it a 2-day trip, Doylestown has a lovely downtown perfect for dining, shopping, and strolling. Other notable points of interest include a large, modern children’s playground in Central Park, the James A. Michener Art Museum, a Civil War Museum, an awesome library catered to children (my husband took my preschooler here while we toured the museum), a few other historic homes open for tours, and a Farmer’s Market. Our short visit was enough to convince me that Doylestown was a first-rate destination town and I would enthusiastically recommend it!
Admission: Mercer Experience Ticket (COMBO): $26/adult, $15/child (6-17), FREE/child (5 and under). See website for individual ticket prices.
Hours: M-Sat. 10AM-5PM, Sun. Noon-5PM for both attractions
Fonthill
525 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-9461
Mercer Museum
84 South Pine Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-0210
Please visit www.mercermuseum.org for more information!
