Attractions
Pittsburgh - Carnegie Museums
In 1895 Pittsburgh industrialist Andrew Carnegie established an Institute, which he intended to improve and educate local people. Today his ideal has been realized in the form of a collection of four museums funded by the Carnegie Institute: a Museum of Art, Natural History, a Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum. The Carnegie Museum of Art on Forbes Avenue has a notable collection of contemporary art that includes film and video works. The adjacent Natural History Museum takes visitors time-tripping through the wonders of planet earth. The Carnegie Science Center at Allegheny Avenue offers planetarium and laser shows and a variety of hands-on activities and exhibits for old and young. The final museum in the Carnegie bouquet is the Andy Warhol in Sandusky Street, featuring extensive permanent collections of art and archives relating to one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century.
Telephone: (412) 622 3131
Web site: www.carnegiemuseums.org
Opening time: Carnegie Museum of Art, Natural History Museum: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Carnegie Science Center: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 7pm. Andy Warhol Museum: daily except Mondays 10am to 5pm, with late closing at 10pm on Fridays
Admission: Museum of Art and Natural History Museum: $10 (adults), $6 (children); admission includes entry to both museums. Science Center: $14 (adults), $10 (children 3-18); Omnimax $8. Andy Warhol Museum: $10 (adults), $6 (children 3-18)
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Pittsburgh - National Aviary
Situated in historic West Park on Pittsburgh's North Side, a few minutes from downtown, is the National Aviary, America's only independent indoor non-profit bird zoo. The Aviary is home to more than 600 birds of more than 200 species, many of which are threatened or endangered. From hummingbirds to Andean Condors there are birds from just about every corner of the world, with particular emphasis being placed on rainforest and wetland habitats. The birds are all kept in natural planted exhibits, which allows for close up views of our feathered friends.
Telephone: (412) 323 7235
Web site: www.aviary.org
Transport: Bus 16B, 16F, 17B, 54C or 500
Opening time: 9am to 5pm every day of the year except Christmas Day
Admission: $8(adults), $6.50 (children 2-12)
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Pittsburgh - Point State Park
Pittsburgh's Point State Park, formerly a slum land, has been turned into a recreational delight and declared a National Historic Landmark for the strategic role played here during the French and Indian War in the mid 1700s. The site features paved promenades along the Ohio riverfront, overlooking dramatic views of the city with its busy waterways, scenic hillsides and many bridges. The park has been naturally landscaped and a 150ft (46m) tall fountain enhances the aspect. There is a biking trail, outdoor amphitheater and in-line skating route. The Fort Pitt Museum is housed in one of the five original bastions of the ruined historic fort, devoted to displaying local history (open daily except Mondays, from 9am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm). The Fort Pitt Blockhouse, the oldest authentic building in Western Pennsylvania, is also open to the public (Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 12pm to 4pm).
Telephone: (412) 471 0235
E-mail: parkregion2sp@state.pa.us
Web site: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/point.aspx
