Here Are 10 Museums In Pittsburgh That You Absolutely Must Visit
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 16, 2017
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Remember that old image of a smokey steel town that used to define Pittsburgh? Times certainly have changed. In recent decades, Pittsburgh has transformed into a cultural hub with its eclectic theaters and world class museums. Here are just 10 of the museums in Pittsburgh that you must visit. And, if you haven’t gone in a while, you might just want to add a followup visit to these museums to your to do list.
1. Fort Pitt Museum – 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Uncover some of the secrets of Pittsburgh's past at Fort Pitt Museum, run by the Heinz History Center (also on this list). The indoor/outdoor museum explores Western Pennsylvania's history from 1754 to present day through its exhibits, collections, and regular events. The Fort Pitt Museum welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Carnegie Museum of Natural History – 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Travel back millions of years to visit the dinosaurs. Stop by the Benedum Hall of Geology and the Hillman Hall of Mineral and Gems when you visit the acclaimed Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Plan your visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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3. Carnegie Museum of Art – 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Explore contemporary art at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The expansive art museum features a wide range of collection themes, including Japanese prints, contemporary glass, W. Eugene Smith, and Pittsburgh artists. Stop by the Carnegie Museum of Art Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
4. The Mattress Factory – 500 Sampsonia Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Journey through the world of contemporary art at the Mattress Factory, a series of rooms created by artists-in-residence. Take a break at the museum cafe and pick up souvenirs at the museum shop. The Mattress Factory, which celebrates installation art, welcomes guests Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
5. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – 10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Spend an afternoon at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, a whimsical place that allows children and their families to try their hand at pottery and a variety of crafts, to slide down crazy slides, and to visit some of the set from Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The museum holds regular events for members and welcomes all visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6. The Carnegie Science Center – 1 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Tour an authentic navy submarine - the USS Requin - or view the stars at the planetarium. Hang out at SportsWorks and discover a world of science at the Carnegie Science Center. The museum, which features member events and adults only events, welcomes visitors Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
7. The Andy Warhol Museum – 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Celebrate the art of local artist and cultural icon Andy Warhol at the Andy Warhol Museum. The museum features a plethora of Warhol's artwork, both solo and in collaboration with other artists, including sculptures, prints, and film. The Andy Warhol Museum is closed on Monday and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended Friday hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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8. Bicycle Heaven – 1800 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
One of Pittsburgh's most unique museums, Bicycle Heaven has earned recognition as the biggest bicycle museum and shop in the world. The museum's collection consists of more than 4,000 bikes - from brand new to vintage. Explore the history of bicycles or find the bike parts or accessories you need at Bicycle Heaven, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
9. The Clemente Museum – 3339 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Pay homage to one of Pittsburgh's greatest athletes and humanitarians - Roberto Clemente - at The Clemente Museum, which houses Clemente memorabilia from his numerous baseball awards to photographs. Housed in the Engine 25 Firehouse, the Clemente Museum is open by appointment for guided tours only. Tours last approximately an hour and a half.
10. Senator John Heinz History Center – 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
The Senator John Heinz History Center, the largest museum in Pennsylvania, sits in the Strip District and oversees a number of other museums, including the Fort Pitt Museum and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. Explore such exhibits as Pixburgh, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. Visit the Heinz History Center daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How many of these must visit museums in Pittsburgh have you already ticked off of your bucket list? Share below! Click here to read about another museum near Pittsburgh, which includes a tour into a former coal mine, you might also want to add to your bucket list.
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