PA Museums

Exploring the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County

A collage of four photos from the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows an elegant room with chandeliers, religious artifacts, and glass display cases. The top-right image features a skeleton-themed chair and various medieval artifacts. The bottom-left image displays a richly decorated room with an ornate fireplace, statues, and a large painting. The bottom-right image highlights an intricately carved vampire hunting trunk filled with wooden stakes, crucifixes, and other tools.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, you’re in the right place!

A striking bust of a vampire displayed near the entrance of the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The marble sculpture features a menacing figure with pointed ears, sharp fangs, and an intense expression, capturing the essence of classic vampire lore. The bust is set on a weathered pedestal, adding to the eerie and timeless feel of the piece. Flanked by classical columns and stonework, the setting enhances the gothic ambiance, reflecting the museum's focus on art inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

Located in Doylestown, Bucks County, the Vampire and Paranormal Museum (VAMPA) is a must-see destination for those fascinated by the supernatural and mythical.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring an original exorcism chair from the 19th century. The intricately carved walnut chair, used in Germany for exorcism rituals, is equipped with arm and leg restraints, a padded backrest, and a small crucifix at the top. An informational plaque describes its history and use in exorcism rites, noting that it has been uncrated for the first time in over 30 years due to its powerful demonic energy. The display emphasizes the chair's rarity and significance, urging visitors to exercise caution while viewing.

The museum’s mission is to showcase how folklore, mythology, and faith have influenced art throughout the ages.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing statues and paintings of Archangel Michael. Central to the display is a large white statue of Archangel Michael, depicted with wings, a sword, and a shield, standing over a serpent. Flanking the statue are two ornately carved pedestals, each supporting smaller statues of the archangel. The walls behind the statues are adorned with framed paintings depicting scenes of Archangel Michael in various battles and divine acts. The exhibit is set in an elegantly decorated room with detailed molding and rich wooden accents.

With this mission at its heart, VAMPA offers a captivating journey through an extensive collection of paranormal-inspired art and historical artifacts from around the world, each piece echoing legends and supernatural stories.

An intricately detailed vampire hunting trunk displayed at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The wooden trunk is open to reveal an assortment of tools and artifacts, including wooden stakes, crosses, a chain, and various ornate wooden implements. The interior of the trunk is meticulously organized, with each item securely fastened in place. The exterior of the trunk features decorative carvings, adding to its historical and mysterious appearance. This exhibit highlights the museum's collection of objects inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs, offering a glimpse into the tools historically believed to combat supernatural entities.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Vampire and Paranormal Museum (VAMPA) is located at 3686 US-202, Doylestown, PA 18902.

The museum is open Saturday-Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm.

The entrance to the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, features a stone staircase leading up to an open door under a covered porch. On either side of the steps are eerie skeleton figures seated in black robes. Statues, including a bust and a winged creature, adorn the porch area, adding to the macabre theme. The entrance is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a striking contrast to the gothic elements. Signs direct visitors to the museum, enhancing the inviting yet mysterious atmosphere.

Admission prices as of 2024 are: Adults (18+) – $15, Youth (6-17) – $8, under 6 – FREE.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring skeleton-themed artwork. The foreground showcases a wooden statue of a winged figure with a skeletal head, standing in a classical pose with intricate details. In the background, another statue depicts a robed skeletal figure holding a cross, set against a dramatic red curtain. The overall scene is framed by a large, colorful painting, adding depth and context to the display. The exhibit highlights the museum's focus on art inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

What You’ll See Inside the VAMPA Museum

Upon entering the museum, the first room you’ll encounter features a remarkable collection of vampire hunting trunks from the 18th and 19th centuries.

A close-up of a placard detailing the contents of a vampire hunting trunk at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The trunk, French and dating from the 1880s, contains various implements for hunting vampires, including holy water, a bible, garlic, salt, a mallet, stakes, and additional weaponry. These items are meant to hunt and kill vampires or the familiars that protect them. The background shows the well-preserved and organized contents of the trunk, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of these artifacts in the context of mythological and paranormal beliefs.

These trunks, filled with wooden stakes, holy water, crucifixes, and other implements used in legendary vampire hunts, are meticulously crafted, reflecting the historical and cultural significance of these myths.

A detailed vampire hunting trunk exhibited at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The trunk is open to reveal a variety of tools and artifacts used for hunting vampires, including large wooden stakes, a mallet, crucifixes, bottles of holy water, and other implements. The interior lid features an array of wooden and metal tools secured in place, reflecting the historical and functional design of the trunk. This exhibit showcases the museum's collection of objects inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs, offering an intriguing glimpse into the tools historically believed to combat supernatural entities.

Detailed informational plaques provide insights into the origins and enduring popularity of vampire legends.

A close-up view of a plaque at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The plaque features a quote from Edmondo Crimi, the Museum Director and Chief Curator, highlighting the longevity and cultural impact of the vampire myth. It mentions how the myth has endured through ancient civilizations and inspired countless movies, books, and works of art. The background of the plaque is a textured, weathered surface, adding to the museum's atmospheric presentation.

A highlight of this room is the vampire hunting kit once owned by Michael Jackson.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a detailed vampire hunting kit once owned by Michael Jackson. The kit includes an assortment of religious artifacts, such as wooden crosses, a crucifix, a small book with an ornate cover, and a medallion depicting a religious figure. The items are carefully arranged within a wooden case, with leather straps securing them in place. The weathered and rustic appearance of the kit adds to its historical and mysterious allure, reflecting the museum's focus on objects inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

This unique artifact includes wooden stakes, crucifixes, and other implements, showcasing Jackson’s fascination with the supernatural.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a plaque detailing Michael Jackson's purchase of a vampire hunting set. The text explains that in 1982, after filming "Thriller," Jackson bought the set for $8,000 from an antique dealer in Los Angeles to gift to his friend David Gest. However, after showing it to members of his Jehovah's Witness Church, he was convinced not to give it as a gift and returned it for store credit. The plaque underscores Jackson's controversial nature and provides an intriguing anecdote about his interest in the paranormal.

In the next room, you’ll encounter a skeleton-themed chair once owned by the iconic horror actor Vincent Price.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a skeletal-themed chair once owned by Vincent Price. The chair is intricately designed with bones and skulls, creating a macabre and fascinating focal point. Surrounding the chair are various artifacts, including statues, religious items, and weapons displayed on the walls. The room is painted in vibrant blue, with framed artwork depicting mythological and paranormal scenes. The eclectic collection creates an eerie yet captivating atmosphere, reflecting the museum's theme of mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

This macabre piece, surrounded by other medieval artifacts, creates an eerie yet captivating display.

A vibrant room at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a collection of art inspired by mythology and paranormal beliefs. The walls are painted a striking blue, adorned with various framed paintings depicting mythological scenes. A bust on a pedestal stands next to an open door, through which more artifacts and statues can be seen, including a large crucifix and other religious iconography. The room features ornate drapery, a statue of a robed figure, and numerous decorative elements, creating an atmosphere rich with historical and mystical intrigue.

As you wander through the museum, you’ll discover rooms decorated in opulent Victorian style, complete with marble fireplaces, antique furniture, and mysterious portraits.

An intricately decorated room at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring an array of art pieces inspired by mythological and paranormal themes. The focal point is a large, haunting portrait of a woman with an intense gaze, flanked by ornate drapery and candle holders. The room includes a marble fireplace adorned with sculptures, an elaborately carved wooden chair, and a table with mystical designs. Busts of mythological figures, including Medusa, are prominently displayed, adding to the room's eerie and captivating atmosphere. The decor is rich and luxurious, creating a setting that is both elegant and mysterious.

One of the most impressive displays in the museum is a large, gothic-style, “vampire hunting” hearse, complete with detailed woodwork and velvet drapes.

An elaborate exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a historic hearse known as "The Hearse for the Hunt." The ornately decorated hearse, with its intricate gold and black detailing, is displayed in a well-lit room with tiled flooring. The vehicle is equipped with large wooden wheels and elaborate carvings, symbolizing its historical significance in vampire lore. An informational plaque provides context about its use and history. The background includes various antique furnishings and a painting of a figure in red, enhancing the gothic and mysterious ambiance of the museum, which focuses on art inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

This hearse is a fascinating artifact and a reminder of the rich cultural history that VAMPA seeks to preserve.

An informational plaque at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, detailing the history and significance of "The Hearse for the Hunt." The plaque explains that Santorini was reputed to be the most vampire-infested place in the world, with local inhabitants leading the charge in hunting down vampires. The 18th-century funeral hearse, used by a family of vampire hunters, was specially outfitted for capturing and eliminating these creatures of the night. The hearse symbolizes the connection between past and present, with most items inside dating from the 18th century, alongside some 19th-century additions. The museum proudly honors its stewardship of this rare historical masterpiece.

Another intriguing exhibit is the Ouija Board display, which explores their use in supernatural communication and the folklore surrounding them.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a collection of vintage Ouija and talking boards. The display is titled "Ouija/Talking Boards: Windows to the Demonic" and includes a variety of intricately designed boards mounted on the wall. An informational plaque details the history of Ouija boards, noting their patent by William Fuld in 1982 and their use in supernatural communication. The exhibit explores the cultural and historical significance of these boards, mentioning notable cases of supposed demonic influence and possession. The display is surrounded by ornate decor, adding to the mysterious and eerie atmosphere of the museum.

The Archangel Michael exhibit is another highlight.

An informational plaque at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, describing the significance of Archangel Michael. The text highlights Michael as the leader of angels in the war against Satan, often depicted with a spear, sword, armor, banner, and scales. It praises his strength, courage, chivalry, and determination, portraying him as the perfect knight and a symbol of justice. The plaque also notes that Archangel Michael is a beloved figure in religious texts and that many people pray to him daily for protection and guidance, acknowledging his tenacity to the will of God and his love for good triumphing over evil. The background features ornate decor and glimpses of related art pieces.

Powerful images and statues depicts Michael in full battle armor, sword raised, ready to vanquish evil.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring religious and mythological art. The centerpiece is a large white statue of the Archangel Michael, depicted with wings, holding a sword and shield, and standing triumphantly over a serpent. Surrounding the statue are various religious artifacts, including crosses and smaller statues, as well as framed paintings portraying similar themes of divine battles and angelic figures. The exhibit is set in a room with ornate details, including floral curtains and carved architectural elements.

The African Art exhibit is another exceptional highlight of VAMPA’s collection.

A detailed informational plaque at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, describing the "African Art and Fetishism" exhibit. The text explains the significance of masks, statues, pottery, brass, and wood objects in African art, noting their use in rituals to cleanse communities of evil spirits and malevolent influences. It highlights the strong, varied, complex, and universal relationships between African people and their art forms, with a focus on mysterious objects of spiritual evocation from the Cameron Grassland Kingdoms. The plaque is set against a backdrop of rich, ornate drapery and a painting depicting mythological scenes.

Featuring a variety of sculptures, masks, and ceremonial objects, each piece offers a window into the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of Africa, underscoring the universal human fascination with the supernatural.

A vibrant exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring an array of mythological and paranormal-inspired art pieces. The centerpiece is a detailed statue of a winged creature with a fierce expression, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. Surrounding it are various other sculptures, including a skeletal figure, a dark robed figure, and several other fantastical creatures, all set against a bold red backdrop.

For those with a fear of puppets, dolls, or clowns, there’s an exhibit dedicated to this topic as well, ensuring every corner of the museum offers something unique and engaging.

An eerie exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, warning visitors of potential demonic activity associated with dolls, puppets, and clowns. The display features a variety of unsettling figures, including vintage dolls, sinister puppets, and a menacing clown mask. The entrance is adorned with a cautionary sign highlighting the potential for triggering fears such as pedophobia, pupaphobia, and coulrophobia. The dim lighting and shadowy ambiance add to the unsettling atmosphere of the exhibit, emphasizing the museum's focus on mythological and paranormal themes.

Exploring the Grounds Around the VAMPA Museum

The grounds surrounding VAMPA are just as fascinating as the museum itself.

A scenic pathway at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, lined with an assortment of statues and decorative urns. The display includes a variety of classical and mythological figures, such as a statue of an angel wielding a sword, an ancient warrior, and a peacock. The lush greenery and trees provide a serene backdrop, enhancing the beauty and mystique of the sculptures. Signs guide visitors through the garden, indicating the start of the tour. The outdoor exhibit showcases the museum's dedication to art inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs, creating an enchanting and thought-provoking environment.

As you walk through the lush gardens, you’ll encounter a variety of statues inspired by mythological and historical figures.

A classical marble bust displayed in the garden of the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The statue features a bearded man wearing detailed armor with an intricate relief of a mythological figure on his chest. The bust is set on a pedestal surrounded by lush greenery, with a tree providing shade. The serene garden setting contrasts with the museum's theme, creating an intriguing blend of art, history, and nature. This outdoor exhibit enhances the museum's focus on mythological and paranormal-inspired art from around the world.

Majestic peacocks can be found perched gracefully on statues and fountains around the property, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting surroundings.

A serene scene on the grounds of the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a majestic peacock perched on the edge of an ornate stone birdbath. The peacock's vibrant plumage, with its striking blue and green hues, stands out against the natural backdrop of trees and grass. In the background, antique statues and decorative chairs are visible, adding to the museum's eclectic and artistic ambiance. Parked cars can be seen in the distance, indicating the museum's welcoming and accessible environment for visitors.

Exploring the Antique Barn Adjacent to the VAMPA Museum

Adjacent to the museum is the antiques barn, a must-visit for any history enthusiast.

An interior view of a spacious exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing an eclectic collection of gothic-style light fixtures and antique home furnishings. The room features a high, arched ceiling adorned with chandeliers and lanterns. The wooden floor is lined with various pieces of antique furniture, including ornate tables, chairs, and decorative screens. The space is richly decorated with red curtains and statues, creating a historical and mysterious ambiance. The exhibit highlights the museum's focus on unique and intriguing artifacts inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

This barn is filled with gothic-style light fixtures, home furnishings, and medieval armor, all available for purchase.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a suit of medieval armor displayed on a mounted horse. The armor-clad figure, complete with a lance, is set against a backdrop of additional suits of armor and antique furnishings. The horse is adorned with a richly patterned red and gold fabric, adding to the historical authenticity of the scene. The dim lighting and wooden flooring enhance the medieval ambiance, reflecting the museum's focus on art and artifacts inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

The barn is a treasure trove of unique and rare items, perfect for those looking to add a touch of history to their homes (or castles).

A spacious exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a collection of gothic-style light fixtures and antique home furnishings. The room has a high, arched ceiling adorned with chandeliers and lanterns, illuminating the wooden floor below. The exhibit includes an array of ornate furniture, such as intricately carved chairs, elegant sofas, and decorative screens with stained glass panels. Red curtains and various statues enhance the mysterious and historical ambiance. The display highlights the museum's focus on unique artifacts inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Doylestown is an unforgettable experience.

An elaborate room at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, filled with a diverse collection of artifacts inspired by mythological and paranormal beliefs. The centerpiece is a large crucifix with a detailed figure of Christ, surrounded by glass display cases containing various religious and historical objects. The room features chandeliers, ornate furnishings, and richly decorated curtains. The walls are adorned with paintings, swords, and other artifacts, creating a museum atmosphere that blends religious iconography with elements of the supernatural and mysterious.

From the meticulously curated exhibits inside the museum to the enchanting gardens and the treasure-filled antiques barn, every aspect of VAMPA is designed to transport you to a world where myth and history intertwine.

A vampire killing shield displayed at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The shield, made of oak and hand-embossed leather, dates back to the 1880s and is of French origin. It features a central cross with a crucifix and the inscription "Va au Diable" along with the year "1888." The shield is adorned with metal spikes and decorative elements, reflecting its intended purpose as a tool against vampires. The exhibit showcases the museum's collection of historical artifacts inspired by mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs.

Whether you’re a fan of the supernatural or simply appreciate fine art and history, VAMPA offers something for everyone.

An exhibit at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a marble statue of the Minotaur, a mythological creature with the head and tail of a bull and the body of a man. The statue is framed in an ornate golden frame, with a plaque beneath it detailing the significance of the Minotaur in classical antiquity and its presence in Dante's "Inferno." The exhibit notes that the statue hails from the Alexandra Dumas Castle in France and was generously donated by Anthony Tirri, adding to the cultural heritage of the institution. The background includes rich drapery and decor, enhancing the exhibit's elegant and mysterious ambiance.

For more information about the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, please visit VAMPA’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

A vibrant stained glass window at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, depicting a medieval figure holding an axe, possibly a vampire hunter. The window is framed by luxurious gold drapery with intricate patterns and tassels, adding to the opulent and historical ambiance of the display. The colorful stained glass art showcases detailed imagery and rich symbolism, aligning with the museum's focus on mythological creatures and paranormal beliefs. The scene is illuminated by natural light, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistic detail of the stained glass.

The Living Dead Museum near Pittsburgh pays tribute to filmmaker George Romero and the series of zombie movies he created, starting with the horror classic Night of the Living Dead in 1967.

Nearby Attractions

Fonthill Castle in Bucks County is a sprawling 19,000-square-foot structure with European-inspired design that attracts visitors from across the globe.

A collage of four images showcasing different aspects of Fonthill Castle in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the castle's striking exterior, highlighting its unique architecture under a clear blue sky. The top right image captures the detailed interior of a room with a grand fireplace, surrounded by bookshelves and intricate tile work. The bottom left image shows a hallway with a wooden door, vaulted ceilings, and ornate tiles adorning the walls. The bottom right image presents a cozy bedroom, complete with a single bed, antique furniture, and framed artwork on the walls, showcasing the historical and artistic ambiance of the castle.

The Mercer Museum in Doylestown is a six-story concrete castle housing over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools and artifacts, offering a comprehensive portrait of early American life.

A collage of four photos showcasing various aspects of the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the museum's interior, highlighting suspended artifacts such as boats and carriages within the concrete structure. The top right photo features a collection of vintage woodworking tools arranged on workbenches and walls, reflecting early American craftsmanship. The bottom left image captures the exterior view of the Mercer Museum, with its distinctive six-story reinforced concrete castle-like architecture amidst greenery. The bottom right photo offers another perspective of the museum's interior, showcasing more suspended artifacts and the intricate design of the museum space. This collage collectively illustrates the museum's dedication to preserving and showcasing pre-Industrial American material culture through its extensive collection of tools and artifacts.

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is a historic, working museum in Doylestown, where handcrafted decorative tiles are still made using traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

A collage of four photos taken at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: the top-left image shows the historic building's exterior with a sign detailing its status as a National Historic Landmark; the top-right image features an artisan pressing a design into a clay tile; the bottom-left image displays a handcrafted tile with the word "PEACE" and two figures shaking hands; and the bottom-right image showcases shelves filled with a variety of handcrafted tiles for sale, all highlighting the traditional craftsmanship established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

The New Hope Railroad offers enchanting sightseeing journeys through Bucks County aboard meticulously restored historic trains, blending scenic beauty with a rich heritage of rail travel.

A collage of four photos showcasing the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, including: the historic Witch's Hat train station with a maroon locomotive beside it under a blue sky; the train winding through a lush forested area; passengers seated inside an open-air observation car with wooden benches; and a bright red "Welcome to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad" sign at the station entrance, inviting visitors to "ride the rails back in time."

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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