Bryn Athyn Cathedral Gardens – Guided Tour 

Overlooking the Pennypack Creek Valley is an extraordinary Cathedral reminiscent of its medieval European antecedents.  Sited according to the inspired landscape plan by the firm founded by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 19th C., the construction of this New Church edifice was begun in 1913, largely funded by wealthy industrialist John Pitcairn, Jr.  Continuing into the 1940’s, the Pitcairn family maintained a cadre of builders and skilled craftsmen on site through the Great Depression continuously enhancing and expanding the church complex with handcrafted stonework, metalwork, carpentry, and stained glass.

The 21st Century brought the New Church’s priority to develop a series of thoughtfully conceived ornamental gardens to complete the stunning scene set by the imposing architecture.  The gardens have been masterfully developed with an eye toward creating memorable year-round settings for both weekly worship and the many special occasions celebrated on these grounds.

Join us for a two-hour guided tour of these splendid gardens led by Head Gardener Danielle Odhner.  Each season, Danielle and her intrepid crew continue to enrich the series of distinctive garden rooms and granite walks that fully envelop the complex of Gothic and Romanesque structures.   Fusing both biblically referenced plants with brand new annual and perennial cultivars alongside the tried and true, these gardens are lush and captivating. They get better each year.

After the two-hour garden tour, registrants may wander the Historic District campus before or after a lunch break.  And, independent of this HPS Pop-Up event, we have coordinated with the New Church staff to offer a 2 pm guided tour inside the Cathedral without pre-registering.  It presents much historical information, focusing on the artistry and the unique church teachings which are embodied in this memorable facility.  While offered to visitors without a charge, a donation of $10 is suggested for this optional tour.

https://brynathynchurch.org/bryn-athyn-cathedral/history-and-architecture/

Members only. Event is free but registration is required. Location details will be provided in e-mail confirmation upon registration. Maximum number of attendees is 25. This event is full.

Rain date is Friday, September 16.  Registration closes on September 11.

HPS/MAG COVID-19 PRACTICES AND POLICIES: All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall be subject to all COVID-related requirements imposed by any state, local and/or federal agency.  Guests and invitees should apprise themselves of any such requirements prior to attendance.  All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall also be subject to the COVID-related requirements, if any, of the garden host.  All attendees must bring a mask for every In-Person Event, in case it is required. 

Non-vaccinated attendees at events must sign a COVID waiver. Click here for the waiver. Please bring it with you to the event.