Insider's Guide: Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

The health and safety of visitors and staff is the Carnegie Museums’ top priority. The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh have established enhanced health policies in accordance with the Center for Disease Control, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Allegheny Health Department to ensure all guests have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Experience two world-renowned museums in one at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. The Carnegie Museum of Art is an artistic legacy connecting people to art, ideas and creativity. And the Carnegie Museum of Natural History houses one of the world’s best original dinosaur displays, a dazzling hall of minerals and gems and Palealab, a working paleontlogy lab right out in the open for you to see.

Plan Your Visit 

The Carnegie Museums are ready to welcome you back! For the safety and comfort of visitors, museum capacity will not exceed 10% of building capacity. All visitors must reserve a timed ticket online in advance of their visit. 

Learn and explore all year long with a museum membership. Offering various membership levels ranging from premium and family memberships to individuals, a Carnegie Museum membership grants you access to all four museums, including the Carnegie Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a member. 

Health & Safety Policies 

The health and safety of visitors and staff are the top priorities of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. With guidance from the Center for Disease Control, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Allegheny Health Department, the Carnegie Museums have implemented enhanced health and safety policies for a safe, fun visit. Here’s what to expect on your visit: 

• All visitors must reserve a timed ticket online in advance of their visit. 
• All visitors age 3 years and older, staff and volunteers are required to wear face masks. 
• Please maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet between your group and others around you. 
• Wash hands often and use hand-sanitizer dispensers located throughout the museum.  

For high-risk visitors due to age (65+) or a medical condition, you can still visit the museum during designated hours. The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History offer high-risk hours of visitation on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-noon. 

Carnegie Museum of Art 

Create your next masterpiece with inspiration from the art museum. Opened in 1895, the museum features more than 30,000 objects in an array of different media. It is arguably the first contemporary art museum in the United States, although the current collection features works from ancient to contemporary. Check out the exhibition, A Pittsburgh Anthology, which celebrates stories of creative life in Pittsburgh. Learn about Pittsburgh’s past through photos at the exhibition In Sharp Focus: Charles “Teenie” Harris, a collection of Harris’ photographs chronicling African American history and culture during the mid-20th century.  

An-My Lê: On Contested Terrain
Complete your next visit to the CMOA by exploring the museums newest exhibition, An-My Lê: On Contested Terrain. An-My Lê is an American Vietnamese photographer, and her work examines the impact, consequences and representation of way. This expansive exhibition explores the intricacies of armed combat through the work of a photographer who lived through the Vietnam Way. Visitors are exposed to military training, maneuvers and reenactments, and are invited to question their own relationship to conflict. 

Carnegie Museum of Natural History 

Immerse yourself into historic times at the natural history museum. The museum features memorable dinosaur displays enjoyable for all ages. Uncover hidden gems at the dazzling Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems. Explore Native American and Ancient Egyptian cultures at the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians and the Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt. Learn more about animals in the Halls of North American Wildlife, African Wildlife and Bird Hall.

Fun Fact: Check out the Carnegie Museum of Natural’s TikTok channel for hilarious and informative museum-themed jokes and videos!  

Dinosaur Displays & More 
Featuring one of the world’s largest and finest dinosaur collections, Dinosaurs in Their Time has more than 230 objects including real fossils. The museum also is excited for the world premiere of Dinosaur Armor, on display now through 2021. This new exhibition features specimens, casts and artistic representations of prehistoric animals, and introduces visitors to the evolutionary development of body armor ranging over 500 million years of evolution. And, don’t forget to snap a selfie with the beloved Pittsburgh icon Dippy the Dinosaur on your next visit! 

Enjoy a few hours or a full day of learning and exploring at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History – two museums for the price of one! Visit the Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History websites for more information and to plan your visit.

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Pittsburgh is the perfect destination for unforgettable family fun! Featuring many fantastic attractions, Pittsburgh has plenty of entertainment options for kids of all ages. Plan your KidsBURGH® trip today!