Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by Emily Johnson

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, including numerous world-class museums. From history to art, sports to science, Pittsburgh’s museums celebrate the region’s unique stories and innovations.

Table of Content

Museum	Focus	Key Features
Andy Warhol Museum	Art	Largest collection of Warhol’s work, Campbell’s soup can paintings
Senator John Heinz History Center	History	Smithsonian-affiliated, Pittsburgh’s past, Mr. Rogers’ set
Carnegie Museum of Art	Art	Egyptian artifacts, European masterpieces, Monet, Van Gogh
Carnegie Museum of Natural History	Natural History	Dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian tomb replica, Wildlife Hall
Carnegie Science Center	Science & Technology	Hands-on exhibits, Omnimax Theater, Miniature Railroad & Village
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens	Botanical	Victorian glasshouse, diverse plant exhibitions
Pittsburgh Glass Center	Glass Art	Glassblowing demonstrations, contemporary glass artworks
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh	Children’s Education	Interactive exhibits, diverse themes from science to arts
Mattress Factory	Contemporary Art	Room-sized installations, sculptures, performance art
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium	Wildlife & Marine Life	Exotic animals, African Savanna habitat, endangered penguins
Bayernhof Museum	Cultural	German heritage, Oktoberfest, antique musical instruments
Fort Pitt Museum	History	French and Indian War, Revolutionary War post, historic artifacts

Visitors of all ages can find fascinating exhibits to pique their interests at these top museums in Pittsburgh.

Andy Warhol Museum

Name and Location: The Andy Warhol Museum is located on the North Shore in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Collections and Exhibits: The museum holds the largest collection of Andy Warhol’s artworks and archives, including paintings, drawings, photographs, films, videos, and other materials related to his life and work. Exhibits explore Warhol’s career from his early commercial illustrations to his iconic Pop Art silkscreen paintings.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions related to Warhol and Pop Art. The museum offers guided tours, talks, film screenings, and hands-on art activities. The gift shop sells Warhol-inspired souvenirs.

Visitor Information: Located at 117 Sandusky Street. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, Fridays until 10pm. Timed tickets required. Admission fees apply.

Dedicated to hometown pop art icon Andy Warhol, this museum holds the largest collection of his artworks and archives. See his famous Campbell’s soup can paintings, experimental films, Brillo box sculptures and more. Gallery displays trace Warhol’s career from his early commercial illustrations to iconic Silkscreen pieces, giving insight into his artistic genius. Don’t miss the silver cloud room on the top floor, a reflective space with floating silver balloons left unfinished at the artist’s death.

Senator John Heinz History Center

Name and Location: The Senator John Heinz History Center is located in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Collections and Exhibits: This Smithsonian-affiliated museum presents exhibits on Western Pennsylvania history, the Civil War, sports history, and other topics. Permanent collections include the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and the largest anthracite coal sample in the world.

What to Expect: Immersive, interactive exhibits utilizing photographs, artifacts, multimedia displays, and recreated environments to tell stories from Pittsburgh’s past. Educational programs and events offered. On-site restaurant available.

Visitor Information: Located at 1212 Smallman St. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission fees apply, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.

This Smithsonian-affiliated history museum is the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania. Explore Pittsburgh’s past from early Native American cultures to the region’s pioneering industrial achievements. The six floors feature permanent exhibits on the French & Indian War, railroads, steel industry, sports innovations and more. Don’t miss the original Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood set! Temporary exhibits cover diverse historical topics like medieval arms and armor.

Carnegie Museum of Art

Name and Location: The Carnegie Museum of Art is located in Oakland in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Collections and Exhibits: The museum houses a collection of over 35,000 objects, with strengths in Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modernist artworks. Highlights include paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Manet, Warhol, and Cassatt.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore the permanent collection galleries as well as special exhibitions. Family programs, lectures, classes, and other events are also offered. The museum store sells posters, prints, and unique gifts.

Visitor Information: Located at 4400 Forbes Ave. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, Fridays until 8pm. Discounted admission available Thursdays after 5pm.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Name and Location: The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is located in Oakland in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Collections and Exhibits: Exhibits cover paleontology, mineralogy, botany, biology, and anthropology. Highlights include dinosaur fossils, rare gemstones, ancient Egyptian mummies, wildlife dioramas, and Native American artifacts. The museum houses 25 million specimens in its scientific collection.

What to Expect: In addition to expansive permanent exhibits, the museum features an immersive planetarium and live animal encounters. Educational programs offered along with special events and lectures. Museum store sells science-themed gifts and souvenirs.

Visitor Information: Located at 4400 Forbes Ave. Open 10am-5pm every day. General admission fees apply, with discounts for youth, students, and seniors.

Adjacent to the art museum, this immense complex displays natural and anthropological wonders. Wander through an exact replica of an ancient Egyptian tomb, see towering dinosaur skeletons including Diplodocus, and explore the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems. Don’t miss the Wildlife Hall’s dioramas of animals in realistic recreated habitats from around the world. A planetarium, research library and discovery rooms add interactive science fun.

Carnegie Science Center

Name and Location: The Carnegie Science Center is located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

Collections and Exhibits: With hundreds of interactive exhibits, the science center brings science, technology, and STEM education to life. Permanent exhibits cover outer space, energy, robots, the body, and more. The center also houses an Omnimax theater dome.

What to Expect: Hands-on science fun for all ages. Visitors can explore exhibit halls, view demonstrations and films, and participate in educational programs and activities. The Miniature Railroad & Village is a popular highlight.

Visitor Information: Located at 1 Allegheny Ave. Open 10am-5pm Sunday-Friday, 10am-7pm Saturdays. Admission fees apply with discounted rates available.

For hands-on science exploration, this massive science center features four floors of exhibits spanning science, technology and more. Step inside a human heart, examine robots, design video games, and try fun experiments in the labs. Take a ride on the High Wire Unicycle or play your way through the Walkway of Games. Miniature Railroad & Village is a detailed indoor model train display. The four-story Omnimax Theater provides an immersive film experience on an enormous domed screen.

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Name and Location: Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is located in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Collections and Exhibits: This Victorian glasshouse contains elaborate seasonal displays incorporating plants, flowers, fountains, and artworks. Themed exhibits change throughout the year along with outdoor gardens, including a bonsai couryand, lily pond, and children’s discovery garden.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore themed gardens under the soaring glass dome, stroll the outdoor grounds, observe exotic butterflies, and participate in horticulture programs. Cafe and gift shop on-site.

Visitor Information: Located at 1 Schenley Park. Open daily 9:30am-5pm. Admission fees apply, with discounts for students, seniors and children.

Built in 1893, this gorgeous Victorian glasshouse contains elaborate gardens and plant exhibitions. Wander through tropical palm trees, colorful orchids, cacti, carnivorous plants and seasonal flower shows. Themed rooms like the Broderie Room, Desert Room and Fern Room transport you through diverse botanical habitats indoors. Phipps also offers glass art installations, evening light shows, and outdoor gardens. Stop for tea in the glass-enclosed café.

Pittsburgh Glass Center

Name and Location: The Pittsburgh Glass Center is located in the Penn Avenue Arts District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Collections and Exhibits: Dedicated to promoting glass art, the Glass Center offers demonstrations, working studios, classes, galleries, and special events. Visitors can observe resident artists at work and browse glass art for sale in the shop.

What to Expect: Interactive tours allow visitors to watch glassblowing demonstrations. Classes are offered for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Gallery exhibits change regularly and showcase established and emerging glass artists.

Visitor Information: Located at 5472 Penn Ave. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Free admission. Class fees apply. Closed Mondays.

Watch working artists demonstrate glassblowing, flameworking, fusing and more at this nonprofit glass art studio and gallery. Take an introductory class and make your own glass creation. Explore contemporary glass artworks, some for purchase in the gift shop. The center aims to promote and preserve the art of glassmaking through classes, exhibits and events. Shop handcrafted jewelry and sculpture in the glass art galleries.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Name and Location: The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

Collections and Exhibits: The museum offers interactive hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, health, environmental awareness, and the arts. Popular permanent exhibits include the Makeshop, Nursery, Studio, Waterplay, and Garage.

What to Expect: Creative, educational play spaces for children of all ages. Exhibits encourage building, making, pretending, performing, and exploring. Family workshops, live performances, storytimes, and special events offered daily.

Visitor Information: Located at 10 Children’s Way. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission fees apply with discounted rates available. Stroller and wheelchair accessible.

With over 30 interactive kids’ exhibits, this massive museum fosters imaginative play and learning for children and families. Explore worlds from outer space to under the sea, race in the Model T, play music in the Attic, and bring stories to life on the stage. The four-story building features exhibits on science, wellness, diversity, culture, history and the arts designed to ignite curiosity and inspire creativity in kids.

Mattress Factory

Name and Location: Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum located on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Collections and Exhibits: The museum commissions artists to create large-scale, site-specific installations that transform the interior architecture of the former mattress factory space. Exhibits cover a wide range of media including sculpture, video, painting, and sound art.

What to Expect: Immersive, experiential exhibits that engage the senses. Guided tours provide insight into the factory.

For cutting-edge contemporary art, explore the constantly changing exhibits at Mattress Factory. Housed in several former steel mill buildings, the space contains room-sized installations, sculptures, videos and performance pieces. Artists and students work on site, allowing you to engage with the creative process. Exhibits incorporate surprising materials and environments, meant to be experienced up-close unlike traditional museums.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Name and Location: The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is located in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park.

Collections and Exhibits: Home to thousands of animals, the zoo’s exhibits include African savanna wildlife, tropical forests, endangered species, a children’s zoo, and aquarium. The zoo specializes in breeding endangered species.

What to Expect: Visitors can observe exotic wildlife in naturalistic habitats. Walking tours, keeper chats, feeding demonstrations, rides, and daily shows offer interactive learning. Numerous dining options and gift shops on site.

Visitor Information: Located at 7340 Butler St. Open daily April-October 9am-5pm, November-March 9am-4pm. Admission fees apply. Discounts available for seniors, children, and military.

Meet exotic wildlife from around the globe at Pittsburgh’s world-class zoo and aquarium. Get eye-level with giraffes, howler monkeys and cheetahs at the African Savanna habitat. See orangutans swinging in the trees above and polar bears diving underwater. The Penguin Point exhibit is home to an endangered colony of African penguins. The aquarium has a 350,000-gallon tank viewed from clear tunnels, and touch tanks allow hands-on encounters with sea stars.

Bayernhof Museum

Name and Location: The Bayernhof Museum is located in Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Township.

Collections and Exhibits: This niche museum preserves the cultural heritage of Germany’s Bavaria region. Exhibits spotlight traditions, folk art, costumes, beer steins, nutcrackers, woodcarvings, and more. The museum hosts traditional Bavarian events.

What to Expect: An intimate museum experience focused on Bavarian history and crafts. Some interactive displays. Small gift shop sells German imports and souvenirs.

Visitor Information: Located at 1310 Grandview Ave. Open Fridays and Saturdays 1pm-4pm. Free admission, donations accepted. Special holiday hours.

Celebrate Pittsburgh’s German heritage and Oktoberfest spirit at the Bayernhof Museum in O’Hara Township. Housed in a replica Bavarian inn, the museum displays German immigrant artifacts, toys, nutcrackers and more. Cultural exhibits showcase textiles, religious items, beer steins, pottery and painting. Don’t miss the antique mechanical musical instruments played on select days. The museum hosts traditional events like Kinderfest, Weinachtmarkt and Fasching celebrations.

Fort Pitt Museum

Name and Location: The Fort Pitt Museum is located in Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh.

Collections and Exhibits: The museum chronicles the history of Fort Pitt, key battles of the French & Indian War, and the founding of Pittsburgh. Artifacts, weapons, models, artworks, and multimedia displays tell the story of 18th century frontier life.

What to Expect: Immersive exhibits utilizing recreations, audio, and visual effects to highlight Pittsburgh’s colonial history and the struggle for the Ohio Valley. Gift shop on site.

Visitor Information: Located at 101 Commonwealth Pl. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission is free but donations welcomed.

Located inside the restored Monongahela Bastion of Fort Pitt, this museum reveals the story of the French and Indian War struggle for the Point. Displays of artifacts and weaponry bring history to life through the British Army’s pivotal construction of the fort. Dioramas, films and guided tours explain how the fort later served as a Revolutionary War post. Other exhibits cover Pittsburgh’s early founding, growth and historic bridges from the Point.

Conclusion

With such a diversity of museums covering art, science, history, culture and children’s education, it’s easy to see why Pittsburgh draws museum-goers of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking to spend an afternoon or full day exploring, Pittsburgh’s museums offer immersive experiences to satisfy all curiosities. From Warhol’s pop art to natural history and hands-on technology, these cultural institutions provide a world of fascination waiting to be discovered.

Top 12 Museums in Pittsburgh