Bayernhof Museum — Attraction in O'Hara Township

This museum is the legacy of an American entrepreneur who has left the American public a fascinating home of his own creation (you have to see it to believe it), which includes everything from a French bedroom in Italian style to a man-made, walk-through cavern (really!), to loads of hidden doors and secret passageways, to an observatory. And you get to go through all 19,000 sq. ft. of them. But the crowning glory of the mansion is the collection of 165 music boxes. You'll see - and hear - many different kinds of historic music boxes. There's a one-of-a-kind survivor of the silent movie era, a Seeberg Photo Player; music boxes with violins, a banjo, and drums; roll players; disk players; and an exquisite music box with a singing bird.

You must call ahead to reserve a tour. They limit the number to 10 people. It is an unbelievable value for $10 (cash only) for 2.5 hours well spent. If you want to enjoy a picnic before or after your tour, there is a very nice park with restrooms a quarter mile away. Also, the great Pittsburgh Zoo/PPG Aquarium is 10 minutes away, directly across the river. My wife and I did both the zoo and the Bayernhof in one day....

This place was a hoot! Let me start by saying we enjoyed the tour immensely. It was scheduled as a 2.5 hour tour, and we thought "its a house with music boxes, how could it take that long?" and after it was over, we felt like "aww... already?" The house is a late 1970's whimsey created by an eccentric millionaire (and by eccentric I mean part genius, part nutcase, part really nice guy). The views from the clifftop are absolutely amazing.

Since the tour guide asked us to not reveal any spoilers, I can't tell you about the ██████ or the ████████. And the ████ was hilarious! But I can tell you that there are some amazing and beautiful sounding mechanical musical instruments (some are small and some are 8 feet wide and 7 feet tall). They sound great, and the stories that the guide tells are absolutely engaging. Imagine a house with a dozen wet bars, of course the stories will be interesting :-) And the owner didn't drink!

If you like music or just seeing how a crackpot millionaire lived, I recommend this museum. I've been meaning to visit for years, I'm...

This place is absolutely fascinating! It's the perfect eclectic mix of Bavarian Castle decor, knick knacks, beer steins, statues, a huge collection of antique automated music machines, hidden bars, secret passageways, a hidden underground "cave" and wine cellar, and miniature observatory, and so much more!! This 2.5 hour tour was interesting, educational, and engaging. Jim is such a fantastic, fun, and lively tour guide! Truly a master of his craft... And at only $10 per person, I cannot recommend this place enough for anyone who enjoys music, a unique view of the city, Bavarian art, decor, and architecture, or anyone who is just looking for something fun, interesting, and new to do and experience! This would also be a fun way to entertain out of town guests for an afternoon! We will definitely be back because there is so much to see that it's impossible to see it all in just one trip. Two...