Carnegie Museums
Four of Pittsburgh’s museums were founded by Pittsburgh industrialist Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropic institute. The Carnegie Institute began in 1895 in an effort to enrich the lives of Pittsburgh’s residents. The four museums are a Museum of Art, Natural History, a Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum. The Carnegie Museum of Art displays contemporary art, including film and video, and can be found on Forbes Avenue. The Natural History Museum is right next door and explores the earth’s natural wonders. Head over to Allegheny Avenue for planetarium and laser shows at the Carnegie Science Center or explore the Andy Warhol Museum on Sandusky Street, which displays an extensive collection of Andy Warhol’s culturally significant artwork.
Website:www.carnegiemuseums.org.
Opening time: Carnegie Museum of Art: Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday noon – 5pm. Closes at 8pm Thursdays. Natural History Museum: Closed Mondays September to June. Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm. Carnegie Science Center: Open Sunday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 7pm. Andy Warhol Museum: Closed Mondays. Open daily 10am – 5pm, closes at 10pm on Fridays.
Admission: Museum of Art and Natural History Museum: Adults - $15, Children - $11, admission includes entry to both museums. Science Center: Adults - $17.95, Children (ages 3 to 18) - $9.95. Omnimax costs extra. Andy Warhol Museum: Adults - $15, Children (ages 3 to 18) - $8.
National Aviary
The National Aviary is America’s only independent indoor nonprofit bird zoo. More than 600 birds live in naturally planted exhibits at the facility in historic West Park. Many of the birds are endangered and like the Andean Condors, come from all over the world. Visitors can see the birds, many of which come from rainforest or wetland habitats, up close.
Address: 700 Arch St.
Telephone: (412) 323 7235.
Website:www.aviary.org.
Opening time: Daily, 10am – 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Admission: Adults - $13, Children (ages 2 to 12) - $11.
Point State Park
Once a slum land, Point State Park is now a recreational area designated a National Historic Landmark, thanks to its role in the French and Indian War. You can stroll along the Ohio riverfront and enjoy wonderful views of the city. The park also has a biking trail, outdoor amphitheater, skating route and a 150-foot fountain. Visit the Fort Pitt Museum to see one of the five original bastions of the historic fort and a display of local history. It’s open every day, except Monday, from 9am to 5pm. It opens at noon on Sundays. The Fort Pitt Blockhouse is the oldest authentic building in western Pennsylvania and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Telephone: (412) 565 2850.
Email:ra-pointsp@state.pa.us.
Website:www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/point.aspx.
