Built to house Henry Mercer’s extensive collection of objects representing everyday life in the pre-industrial age, the Mercer Museum’s permanent exhibits remain dedicated to this purpose, displaying more than 40,000 tools and artifacts in the Museum’s original core. Over 60 early American trades are represented, including woodworking, metalworking, agriculture, and advertising, plus furnishings and folk art. Never are two visits the same to this unique “preserved” museum that includes a fire engine suspended from the balcony, a complete gallows, and much more.

For information on our permanent or core exhibits, please consult the Guide to the Mercer Museum.

Fonthill Castle is Henry Mercer’s concrete castle house with 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces and over 200 windows of varying size and shape. The interior walls, floors and ceilings are elaborately adorned with Mercer’s handcrafted tiles. Tiles and prints from around the world also show the collecting interests of this Bucks County native. The majority of Mercer’s furnishings and personal effects remain where he placed them, and guided tours explore the various aspects of his remarkably creative life. A tour of Fonthill truly offers a window into Henry Mercer’s unique architectural and artistic vision.

Animals on the Loose

“Animals on the Loose” invites the museum's youngest visitors (ages 3 to 8) and their families to join Henry Mercer's favorite dog, Rollo, on a hands-on, participatory adventure in search of "escaped" animal artifacts from the museum's collection. Along the way, children encounter curious creatures that include an owl-shaped andiron, a rocking horse, a fish weathervane, pottery chickens, a rabbit chocolate mold, an alligator hand puppet, and many more intriguing artifacts. The exhibit offers families a fun and very different way of experiencing the Mercer Museum and its collections. 

 The Imagination Gallery

Welcome to Dr. Henry Chapman Mercer's Office! What were Dr. Mercer's interests? If we could look in his office, what types of things were on his desk? What was he thinking about as he was working in the museum? Come and take a peek back in time to visit Henry Mercer’s office for a hands-on experience in the Imagination Gallery at the Mercer Museum. Become immersed in Henry’s interests that are ingrained throughout this unique institution. Peruse his notebooks, read personal correspondence, view family photos, and jot down some of your own personal observations about your visit. There is something for the whole family to enjoy–puzzles, games, and books. On your next visit wander up to the Imagination Gallery where you can sit by the fireplace and pet Rollo the Dog while reading stories and viewing some of Henry’s personal objects.