Today, Marty and I headed out on an adventure, to the Glencairn Museum, located not far from Philadelphia. The museum has been closed for renovations for 18 months, but recently re-opened its doors, offering a special "Christmas in the Castle" tour. That certainly sounded intriguing and we've probably seen more than our share of castles, but definitely not one so close to home. And most definitely not one where 65+ Nativities would be on display for our viewing. How could we resist?
The museum is located in the Historic District of Bryn Athyn. This was a religious community founded on the theological writing of the Swedish scientist and philosopher, Emanuel Swedenborg. He believed that the Kingdom of God is spread throughout the world, including all people, regardless of religion or culture. The Pitcairn family, who hailed from Scotland, were members of this "New Church" and they were instrumental in the building of a school that stressed the New Church philosophy as well as the Bryn Athyn Cathedral that stands on these same grounds.
The castle, built by Raymond Pitcairn, was actually a family home, where he and his spouse, Mildred, raised nine children. Stories tell of family gatherings filling the dining hall, and grandchildren romping with glee throughout the many rooms inside.
Walking through the front doors, we were greeted by a lovely young lady who directed us through the doors,
past the tree,
and to the main hall, where we met up with our tour guide, Nick.
This young man was a delight and he kept us enthralled throughout the entire tour. At the beginning of the tour, he mentioned that he understood that not everyone has the same beliefs regarding the nativity. But, he encouraged all to try to see the mindset of those who did believe while viewing the various collections along the way.
The first item on our tour was a painted ceramic tile representation of the first Nativity scene, which was gifted to the museum by Brother Bob Reinke. It portrays St. Francis of Assisi with his "live" nativity as it would have been 800 years ago in the village of Greccio, Italy.
Around the corner, we came to a Nativity from Naples, known as a Presepio. Nick explained that artists would portray the event reflective of the time period and surroundings of the day. This Presepio represents Naples in the daily life of the 18th century.
Figures are clothed in period costumes of the day. Here you see the Inn in Bethlehem.
as well as the Nativity. The first photo shows the heavenly angels descending from above.
The details were amazing!
We headed from the main hall to the dining room.
The painting above the fireplace is a replica, as the original had been damaged upon repair. The source of the painting was a children's book, authored by good friends of the Pitcairns. With permission, they had the story picture painted by a local artist, and it was hung in this spot every Christmas season.
Through the door and back to the main entrance, Nick took us to a hidden elevator which carried us to the top floor. There we could step outside to admire the views.
Look carefully and you will see the Philadelphia sky line in the distance.
And here you can see the Bryn Athyn Cathedral in the near distance.
We moved downstairs to the chapel where the family held devotions each evening. I neglected to mention that nearly every wall and ceiling space was adorned with mosaic tiles. The chapel ceiling was no exception.
The story of the Nativity is reflected in this stain glass window. In the top is the annunciation, then the nativity, the adoration of the Magi, and, on the bottom, the flight into Egypt.
These spectacular windows were actually made by local artisans who had meticulously studied those made for medieval churches in Europe, and I'd say that they were certainly adept in their handiwork.
Down the hall, one of the former bedrooms held artifacts that the family had collected from Europe. There was an 11th century window from a cathedral in Saint Denis, near Paris.
as well as a Book of Hours from the 15th century, as part of the collection.
In the hallway there was a Bryn Athyn Nativity on display. It was designed in 2015, and, like the Precepio, reflects the Nativity as it would be in the Castle.
You might note the recreation of the fireplace with the featured painting previously mentioned, as part of the display.
Further down the hall, we entered the library, which was connected to the master bedroom. Here we saw family collectibles on display as well as some creations from local artists.
It's believed that this reindeer and Santa was purchased at the Wannamakers in Philadelphia by the family.
The deer pulling the elf on the pinecone was made by children in the family. The well loved styrofoam carousel was imported from Japan.
The carvings on the bedpost were entertaining: two kissing doves, hand carved.
Back downstairs, we were once again in the main room, admiring the large tree with 176 vintage Italian figures underneath, recently donated by A.J. DiAntonio this year.
To the left stands this 1925 collection depicting three scenes:
The Angles announcing to the shepherds
the adoration of the Magi,
and the Nativity.
And now a representation of some of the unique Nativities on display:
The Nordic Julekrybbe
Nativity Nook Book
Bjorn Kohler Nativity from Saxony, Germany
Nativity from Oberammergau
Puelbo Indian Nacimiento from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Nativity with Corontia, Cordova, New Mexico, made by Aspen wood.
Danish Nativity
I really enjoyed the kings.
Polish Birch Wood Nativity
Puppet Nativity
Nativity from Cameroon
The Faceless Nativity from the Dominican Republic
One from Venezuela made from Banana Leaves
and a Peruvian Nativity
Obviously, I can't feature all of these unique creations, but I do hope that you have enjoyed the ones that caught my particular attention.
These delights took center stage, but there were still permanent artifacts that caught my eye.
Saint Barbara!
and a Flemish tapestry from the 15th century.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention this Steiff Donkey, nestled in a corner of the room. These were made in Germany in the 1940's, and we were told that every year, the grandchildren were delighted to be able to scoot along the floor on one of these unique ring toys.
And at that, I'm going to call it a day and wrap this up!
It certainly was a lot of fun touring this unique venue. If you live nearby, I highly recommend that you book a tour of the castle, but you can just enter to view the nativities without the tour, if you choose. In the meantime, if you are interested in following the Glencairn Advent Calendar of Nativities, then you should check out this site: https://www.glencairnmuseum.org/advent-calendar-2023-home
Each day you click on the golden door to view that day's Nativity. Be sure to let me know what you think!
Enjoy, and may you have a blessed Advent season yourselves!
No comments:
Post a Comment