Tuesday – Sunday at 11am

• Admission: Adult (Ages 18-64): $15; Student (Ages 6-17) and Seniors (Ages 65+): $12; 5 & under: Free
• Minimum 2 tickets; Single ticket – call to book.
• Cairnwood Members – please call to receive your free tour(s) coupon code.
• Tours are available Tuesday – Sunday at 11:00am
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended; the estate and grounds are occasionally closed for private rentals on short notice
• Parts of the estate are not fully accessible due to 1895 construction; tours require a fair amount of walking and stairs. Call for more information or to request tour modifications.
• Call 215-947-2004 or contact us at info@cairnwood.org to schedule your tour

Tuesday – Thursday at 2pm or By Appointment

Working with the architects Carrère & Hastings and the landscape architects Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot, Mrs. Gertrude Pitcairn oversaw the vision and details of Cairnwood Estate. During this focused exterior and interior tour, we will explore the architecture and intention of the historic landscape plans while wandering the garden paths and terraces, and the grand rooms for entertaining on the first floor including the Great Hall, Living Room, Library, Music Room, and Dining Room all of which were planned with sweeping views and access to the outdoors. The tour begins in the Garden House and ends in the Carriage House, weather permitting. Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

• General Admission: Adult (Ages 18-64): $15; Student (Ages 6-17) and Seniors (Ages 65+): $12; Children 5 and under: Free
• Minimum 2 tickets; Single ticket – call to book
• Cairnwood Members – please call to receive your free tour(s) coupon code.
• Tours are available: Tuesday – Thursday at 2:00 pm or by Appointment (reservations required)
• Weather permitting/discretionary substitutions may be required
• Tour includes uneven garden paths and stairs; call to inquire about accessibility
• Duration: 75 minutes
• Purchasing tickets in advance is required

Sunday, May 11^th at 10 AM, 1 PM

Celebrate Mom while enjoying a traditional tea service. Afternoon Tea is a truly Victorian custom known worldwide, with origins in 19^th century England. Take in the gardens and grounds of Cairnwood and join us for tea inside a beautiful historic landmark. Your party of 2-6 people will be seated at your own private table. Book your reservation now for this special Mother’s Day event! Reservations include docent-supported self-guided touring of the 2^nd and 3^rd floors from 11am to 1pm (between tea seatings).

Tea menu includes premium teas by master blender Harney & Sons, soup du jour and seasonal salad, traditional tea sandwiches, family style petit fours, and scones with clotted cream and jams provided by Karen Spire Catering. Gluten free and vegetarian substitutions are available; please call to make dietary requests in advance.

• $70/person (tax & gratuity not included)
• Duration: 2 hours
• For groups of more than 6 people, please call 215.947.2004 to arrange a group reservation.
• NOTE: reservations are by table; if you would like to join an existing reservation, please call 215.947.2004
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 PM

Cairnwood Literary Guild Spring Selection:
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Eric Larson
Meeting: Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 PM
Location: Cairnwood Garden House

RSVP: lisa@cairnwood.org

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America is a nonfiction historical thriller by American journalist and New York Times best-selling author, Erik Larson. Through meticulous research and nail-biting storytelling, Larson skillfully crafts a narrative with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction. Set at the dazzling 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the author recounts the true stories of two very different history-making men: Daniel Hudson Burnham, the brilliant architect and director of the fair, and H. H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer. The book explores themes such as the contrast between sanity and insanity, the anonymity that a large modern city affords, the gender roles of men and women at the time, and the difference between Burnham’s large circle of talented collaborators and Holmes’ isolation. The Devil in the White City draws the reader into the enchantment of the Gilded Age, made all the more appealing by a supporting cast of real-life characters including Buffalo Bill, Theodore Dreiser, Susan B. Anthony, Thomas Edison, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, and others.

Summer 2025 – Date TBD

Lecture and Book Signing – Robert and John Pitcairn: Titans of Rail, Oil and Glass

Author William R. Huber will present an illustrated talk about his latest book, hot off the press in May 2025!

Scottish immigrants John and Robert Pitcairn—following their friend Andrew Carnegie—worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad transporting troops and supplies for the Union army during the Civil War. John co-founded the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company—eventually a key player in the U.S. glass industry—while Robert managed the Pittsburgh Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad through the aftermath of the 1889 Johnstown flood.

The history of the Pitcairn brothers parallels the evolution of American industry and transportation during and after the Civil War. This book provides a historical perspective on the 1877 railroad strike and other events that shaped the transportation industry and American industrialization. It also examines the spiritual and philanthropic impact of the Pitcairn brothers: Robert at the Shadyside Presbyterian Church near Pittsburgh and John in the religious community of Bryn Athyn near Philadelphia. Today, the legacy of the Pitcairn brothers remains woven into the fabric of American industrialization, revealing the intricate connections among industry, transportation, and philanthropy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Admission: free/$10 suggested donation
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required
• Pre-ordered signed copies available with reservations, pick up at the event/$40 per book

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Tuesday, June 24^th, 8 PM – 10 PM

The Bryn Athyn Historic District will glow a little brighter!

• FREE general admission to the Bryn Athyn Historic District grounds; additional activities for a fee.
• Free parking throughout the Bryn Athyn Historic District.
• Please note that given the age and construction of the buildings, some areas are not fully accessible.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• No pets permitted.

Cairnwood Estate

• FREE admission to the Garden House; orientation video
• Self-guided house tours: $5/person
• Wine & beer available for purchase

Bryn Athyn Cathedral

• FREE admission; tour guides available & classical music

Glencairn Museum

• FREE admission to the first floor; including: exhibition, orientation video, and cell phone audio tour
• Elevator rides to the Tower: $5/person

Thursday, August 14^th at 7 PM

The Summer Wine Tasting – an annual tradition – features live music, samplings of premium wines from around the world, and savory bites compliments. Get your first pour and take in some history. Enjoy self-guided tours of the 2^nd & 3^rd floors of the Estate available from 7pm to 9pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an evening out with friends while soaking in the stunning views from the Cairnwood terrace!

• $70/person
• 25% off for Cairnwood & Cairn Club Members
• Duration: 3 hours
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required
• 21+ years or older to attend.

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Thursday, October 30th at 7:30 PM

“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” – Dorothy Gale, The Wizard of OZ, 1939

Join us for a wickedly magical Masquerade Ball in the Emerald City! The Wizard welcomes you to enjoy ruby red cocktails, delectable bites, dancing, and surprises. The question is – are you a good witch or a bad witch? This event will be very very popular indeed!

• Mask required – Black tie optional (inspired by the Wizard of Oz.
• $100/person
• $75 Cairnwood & Cairn Club members– with valid coupon code
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Select Wednesdays and Sundays – December 2025

Celebrate the season and join us for tea and tours during our most sparkling time of year! Package includes a traditional holiday tea, docent-supported self-guided tours of the decorated Estate, and access to our seasonal vintage textile exhibition Dressing With Flair: Staff Favorites From the Pitcairn Collection throughout the second and third floors. Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Menu includes premium teas by master blender Harney & Sons, traditional tea sandwiches, soup du jour and seasonal salad, family style sweets, holiday cookies, and scones with clotted cream and jams provided by Karen Spire Catering & Events.

• $70 per person (gratuities not included)
• NOTE: reservations are by table; if you would like to join a group, please call 215.947.2004
• Docent-supported self-guided tours included
• Duration: 3 hours
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required

Select dates in December at 11 AM

Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends at Cairnwood Estate. Guided Christmas in Cairnwood tours begin in the Garden House with an orientation video and include three floors decorated for the season by professional florists. Guests are greeted upon entering the Great Hall by our dazzling two-story Christmas tree—located in the same spot it once stood at the turn of the century. Tour participants discover the private side of the Pitcairn family and its integral role in founding the Bryn Athyn community while exploring this grand Beaux Arts country house and the vintage textile exhibition Dressing With Flair: Staff Favorites From the Pitcairn Collection. A visit to the Estate during the holidays will be a special treat for the ones you love! Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

• $25 per adult
• $20 per senior/students
• $15 for Cairnwood Estate members *present valid ID
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required

Select Wednesdays and Sundays from 2 PM to 4 PM ~ December 2025

It is during this festive season that the Cairnwood Critters venture out of their secret homes in the walls to celebrate! Families will make their way through the glittering grand rooms of the Estate while on a quest to find the hiding (and cute) little critters. This is a wonderful after-school opportunity to build family memories while learning about the history of Cairnwood. Bring your camera–family photos by the Christmas trees are welcome! Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

• $10 per child (ages 4-12 years)
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • $10 per adult
  • Cairnwood Estate & Cairn Club members receive FREE admission and half price on children tickets (limit 4) *present valid ID
• Doors open at 2 PM and close at 4 PM ~ complete at your own pace
• Duration: please allow 45 minutes

Select Wednesdays and Sundays from 2 PM to 4 PM ~ December 2025

Explore the elegant rooms of the Estate at your own pace with professionally decorated Christmas trees, twinkling balustrades, festive mantels over nine 1895 fireplaces, and the vintage textile exhibition Dressing With Flair: Staff Favorites From the Pitcairn Collection. Learn the personal history of this grand Beaux Arts country house; Cairnwood docents throughout the mansion will enhance your visit. For a family experience you may add Children’s Critter Quest tickets (sold separately). Don’t forget your camera! Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

• $10 per person
• Doors open at 2 PM and will close at 4 PM ~  complete at your own pace
• Free for Cairnwood Estate members *present valid ID
• Duration: 2 hours to explore at your own pace

Thursday, December 18th, 2025  from 5pm to 7:30pm

There is nothing more magical than an evening stroll through the Estate to collect a personal selection of traditional cookies by the candlelight glow of thousands of Christmas lights inside and out! This family-friendly event is the last self-guided tour opportunity to see Cairnwood’s halls decked with 8 sparkling Christmas trees and fantasy fireplace mantels throughout the Estate. Step back in time with the special exhibition of vintage textiles, Dressing With Flair: Staff Favorites From the Pitcairn Collection. Admission includes holiday cookies and a cup of hot chocolate per person—add to the fun with the additional purchase of the Cairnwood Critter Quest for the children and a holiday cocktail or beverage for the adults. Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

• $15 per adult/child
• $10 for Cairnwood members *present valid ID
• Duration: 2.5 hours to explore at your own pace
• Critter Quest booklets sold separately during the event
• Cash bar available (21+ years of age)
• Credit cards and cash accepted