Bayernhof Museum in O’Hara closes for 2nd time amid rise in Allegheny County covid-19 cases
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One of the Lower Valley’s most unique attractions has shut down for the second time after a rise in covid-19 cases in Allegheny County.
Bayernhof Museum in O’Hara posted Monday on its Facebook page that the eclectic facility will be closed temporarily.
“We will open back up but for now we are closed,” a message on the museum’s voice mail stated.
There was no date given for the doors to reopen at the mansion along St. Charles Place, which was transformed in 2004 into a showcase for an American manufactured Wurlitzer Automatic Harp — one of only 1,500 left — a mechanical Bird Box, an indoor waterfall and a secret cave.
The 19,000-square-foot site is the former home of late Pittsburgh millionaire Charles Brown III, who was raised in Aspinwall.
It sits on an O’Hara bluff overlooking the Allegheny River and is a 22-room Bavarian-inspired peek into Brown’s eccentric life.
Tours are given by appointment. They typically last more than 2 hours and give visitors a look at 150 automated musical instruments from the 19th and 20th centuries, rare collectibles and whimsical trinkets.
The museum shut down in March to abide by the state’s coronavirus-related guidelines and reopened briefly on June 15 before closing again Monday.
A message posted to the Bayernhof’s social media sites reads: “We determined that it would be in everyone’s best interest and we want to keep both our visitors and staff safe. Please continue to visit us here as we will continue to post about the house, music boxes and Charlie.”