Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers visitors a chance to see some high quality museums. Here are a few ideas of the ones that should be visited when in the town.
The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are a group of museums that are well maintained and updated regularly. They consist of several different venues.
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has exhibits pertaining to earth sciences. There are wildlife exhibits that mirror the topography of Africa, etc. The ancient mummy and Egyptian treasure exhibits have been popular at the musuem for many decades. The huge diosaurs tower over the exhibit hall, in poses that are scientifactly correct, according to evidence discovered.
This museum offers overnight and pajama party adventures for children. There are hands on projects, games, and an evening snack. The morning offers breakfast, and a show put on by the museum. The children must bring their own sleeping bags. This facility offers many workshops, also, on various subjects for adults and children.
The Andy Worhol Museum is located on the North Shore. This famous author, film maker, publisher, and artist was a Pittsburgh native. His personal collection is exhibited at this museum. This includes 500 canvas paintings and many artifacts from his life.
The Carnegie Science Center is another popular museum. It has a huge aquarium, Omnimax cinema theater, and a Buhl digital dome planetarium. The robotics exhibits are some of the best in the country, according to the museums director. There is a minature railroad and village display that delights both young and old. The star shows have been the main draw to this museum for decades. The hands on displays are constantly being updated to keep up with technology.
Along side the museum is the docked USS Requin. This vessel has various small compartments, with audio personal testimony from some of the veterans who served on the vessel.
The Center for American Music is another special place to visit. Stephen Foster, Pittsburgh native and songwriter, is honored at this museum. His collection of songs and other artifacts from his life are featured here. It is maintained by the University of Pittsburgh.
Another popular Pittsburgh native, Henry Clay Frick, is honored at the Frick Art and Historic Center. This industrialist’s home, Clayton, is now the location of his famous art collection. Italian, Flemish, and French Renaissance paintings through the 18th century are displayed. The former greenhouse is now the Visitor’s Center. Beside the house is the Car and Carriage Museum. This contains a classic automobile collection, including the 1914 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Touring Car, owned by Frick.
These museums take a few hours to several days to tour. It is a good idea to contact the Visit Pittsburgh to receive brochures outlining their exhibits and time frame for viewing them.
Public transportation is available to all of these museums. Weekly transportation passes are available from the Port Authority Transit Company.
References: Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Visit Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh