Winterthur Galleries — Local services in Pennsbury Township

Wintithour is basically a giant collection of period rooms masquerading as a house. This would be amazing, however the way its currently set up turns your brain to mush and just doesn't really provide a informative narrative of either decorative arts or architecture.

This house/museum hybrid needs to be reprogrammed as a real decorative arts museum. There is so much potential here to make a good museum out of this collection, but so much gets looked over because of how the collection is displayed or convoluted by lack of informational materials or organizational clarity.

Most of these issues could be solved if they just allowed self directed visits instead of forcing everyone to take a tour. I haven't encountered this restriction at other museums of this size. The collection is far too large and with too many distinctive items to be viewed at the pace of the guided tours they force on all visitors. While I appreciated the knowledge of our tour guide, it bothered me that there were no informational cards or signage that visitors could use to better explain what they see. This means that the entire experience of the museum has to be facilitated and explained through the tour guides

I can't recommend visiting the museum in its current state for anyone interested in either house museums or period rooms. Fans of decorative arts will appreciate the collection, but again not the forced tour guide...

You will go on a guided tour of the house. I was on the introductory tour and saw the 5th and 6th floor. My guide was awesome and very detail oriented so our tour lasted longer than the average allotted time. It was very interesting and informative. The furnishings, flowers, wallpaper, antiques, etc. Are simply amazing. If you love antique furniture you will love what is in this home. I cant even imagine the money that was spent cumulatively on the antique furnishings. There is a beautiful gift shop in the museum store and another gift shop at the visitor entrance so you have plenty of opportunities to buy some beautiful things. There is an actual curator museum onsite where they actually touch up paintings or restore furnishings or tapestries. The property is huge and you will get to ride around some of the gardens on a tram. I am sure it would be the best in the spring when more flowers are in bloom. It was a fun and...

I spent 2+ hours and could have spent more. Anna the shuttle driver was extremely knowledgeable. I was impressed with the history, grounds and gardens. I bet spring is awesome. There are many photo opportunities. One suggestion. The gallery window doors facing Cleary run were very dirty. I know its not a priority,but the view was so inviting. I tried a couple of shots anyway. The water running under the bridge was lovely. All docents were extremely pleasant, knowable and willing to take questions. Kudos to all. Very well run. I loved the gallery exhibit 'Almost Unknown'. I agree it should be a traveling exhibit. The written comments proved its worth. Thank you for an enjoyable time. I'm sorry I was on a...