Free Museums & Attractions

Allegheny Observatory

Thursday nights, May through Aug, 8-10pm

Friday nights, April through Oct, 8-10pm

Riverview Park, North Side

Call 412.321.2400 for reservations between 1 and 5pm, Monday through Friday

Turn your attention to the sky during a free tour at the historic observatory. Enjoy a short slide or film presentation followed by a walking tour of the building, which ends at the Fitz-Clark refractor. On clear nights, view celestial objects within the telescope's range. Reservations required.

Fort Pitt Block House

Point State Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412.471.1764

Built in 1764 it is the only surviving structure of the original Fort Pitt and is the oldest building in Pittsburgh. It tells the story of western Pennsylvania's role during the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. Musket balls and rifle locks are two of the featured artifacts on display.

The Frick Art & Historical Center

7227 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208

412.371.0600

You get free admission to the Frick Art Museum, Car and Carriage Museum, and the lovely grounds surrounding them. Take in the Frick family's art collection and traveling exhibits, or transport yourself back through time while admiring the extensive vehicle collection. Tours of Clayton, the house museum, are available for a fee.

Old Allegheny County Jail Museum Self-Guided Tours

Mondays (except on government holidays), Feb-Oct, 11:30am-1pm

Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, 440 Ross St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412.471.5808, ext. 527

The Old Allegheny County Jail, as seen in the film "Mrs. Soffel," was completed in 1886 to the designs of Boston architect H. H. Richardson and in use until July 27, 1995. A portion of one of the cell blocks has been preserved as the "Old Allegheny County Jail Museum." Enter the facility through the main Ross Street entrance (between 5th and Forbes avenues behind the Courthouse) or through the courtyard arch on Fifth Avenue. At either entrance, you will have to go through security.

McDonald's Big Mac Museum Restaurant

9061 Route 30, North Huntingdon, PA 15642

724.863.9837

Your mouth may water in this museum-and-restaurant combination that features the world's largest Big Mac statue. You'll also find hundreds of artifacts and high-tech exhibits that celebrate this popular sandwich, which was invented 40 years ago in nearby Uniontown by Jim Delligatti.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

4141 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

412.621.4253

In Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, pause at Soldiers & Sailors for a unique look into American history. The museum explores the evolution of equipment and technology as well as the effects that military conflicts have had on society. Collections span art from the mid-1900s to cultural artifacts of today. The museum does not idealize war but honors and educates about the sacrifices.

Free admission is offered to military members serving on active duty, and in the Guard and Reserve; to those veterans who have served and retired military; to families and their guests if the family has an immediate family member serving in our current conflicts.