The Michener Art Museum was named after author James Michener who grew up in Doylestown. It is located in the renovated Bucks County prison which was built in 1884 and used for over a century, closing in 1985. This was the town's second prison, the first one having been built in 1811. When the first prison was demolished, the stones were moved to aid in the construction of the second prison. The museum houses works done by local artists.
Across the street from the art museum is the Mercer Museum, and next to the art museum is the Doylestown Public Library, also built when the prison was closed down.
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This is the entrance to the Michener Art Museum.
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A sculpture on the grounds of the museum.
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The building in the background was the original gatehouse to the prison which now contains offices.
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The gatehouse in Autumn.
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Looking through the gate house, towards the museum entrance.
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Parts of the old prison wall were retained when the museum was built. Once what prevented prisoners from escaping now serves as a simple backdrop where visitors can sit and relax.
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Looking through the gate house, towards the Mercer Museum.
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This view shows part of the old prison wall from the outside.
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This is a link to the James A. Michener Art Museum