Carnegie Museum of Art
A grand art museum showcasing diverse collections, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, housed in a stunning architectural gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Carnegie Museum of Art
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand art museum showcasing diverse collections, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, housed in a stunning architectural gem.
"Half the museum is uplifting and enriching, half of it is demoralizing and draining."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get the most bang for your buck by using your ticket for both Art & Natural History museums!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the galleries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hall of Architecture
Hall of Architecture
Towering replicas of Renaissance masterpieces create a breathtaking, almost metaphysical experience.
Monet's Water Lilies
Hall of Paintings
Admire Claude Monet's iconic 'Water Lilies' and other Impressionist treasures.
Charles 'Teenie' Harris Photography
Heinz Galleries
A poignant collection capturing the vibrant tapestry of Black life in Pittsburgh.
Extraordinary Ordinary Things
Heinz Galleries
Discover over 300 objects that highlight the intersection of art and everyday life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit
Consider Membership
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get the most bang for your buck by using your ticket for both Art & Natural History museums!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the galleries.
🎨 Sketching Allowed
Bring your sketchbook! Choose less crowded pieces to avoid feeling rushed.
🏛️ Architectural Marvel
Don't miss the stunning architecture, especially the Grand Staircase and Hall of Architecture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get the most bang for your buck by using your ticket for both Art & Natural History museums!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the galleries.
🎨 Sketching Allowed
Bring your sketchbook! Choose less crowded pieces to avoid feeling rushed.
🏛️ Architectural Marvel
Don't miss the stunning architecture, especially the Grand Staircase and Hall of Architecture.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture the beauty of the art and the museum's grand interiors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Carnegie Museum of Art for its stunning architecture and impressive classical collections, particularly the Hall of Architecture and Monet's Water Lilies. The inclusion of the Natural History Museum with admission is a significant draw. However, some find the modern art sections polarizing, with a few expressing strong negative reactions to certain contemporary pieces.
"A smorgasbord of art. A little modern, impressionistic, classical. I liked the modern furniture and appliances display. Visited a copy of Venus di Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Helpful staff. Good selection in gift shop. You can also see the Museum of Natural History with your ticket. My Cincinnati Art Museum membership got me in free."
Bowmanlaurapiper
"I'm a member so that I can visit this large art gallery often. It houses so many famous pieces including a Monet Water Lilies! The collection of Charles "Teenie" Harris photography, a Pittsburgh icon, captures Black life tenderly. Many modern artworks as well. Many galleries to choose from. Plus it is connected to the Carnegie Natural History Museum where you can see beautiful minerals and see our famous dinosaurs just to name a few."
Michele K
"A mixed bag. Parts of the Carnegie Museum of Art are truly transcendent. The Hall of Architecture is a metaphysical experience — towering replicas of Renaissance masterpieces, true beauty and spiritual order. The Grand Staircase is breathtaking, with a mural of angels.
Unfortunately, the rest of the museum goes in the opposite direction, drowning you in nihilism. There are many modern, woke, joyless, or grotesque pieces. The Heinz Galleries in particular felt like a full-on assault on my spirit - my fiancé and I could barely make it through.
I was particularly infuriated and offended by the removal of a historic Greek statue in the Hall of Sculptures, now swapped for twisted, malformed figure with blackened hands and a curved spine staring at a cell phone. Whoever made the decision to replace the original piece should lose their job - an absolute disgrace to the beauty of the hall, intended as a sanctuary of classical beauty and ideal form, now degraded by the intrusion of a grotesque figure mocking everything the space was meant to honor.
I am torn: half the museum is uplifting and enriching, half of it is demoralizing and draining. Overall, I'm not confident that the leadership at the Carnegie Museum of Art is committed to distinguishing between that which is beautiful and that which panders to modern nihilism. Art should elevate the soul, it should be transcendent and timeless - it should never bend the knee to the ugly, chaotic, soulless, and nihilistic."
Amy Mastrine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Carnegie Museum of Art is located at 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. It's accessible by car, with parking available, and also served by public transportation. Many visitors find it convenient to combine with other Pittsburgh attractions.
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors. It's recommended to check the museum's website for current parking rates and availability.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area around the Carnegie Museums. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient options.
The museum is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with elevators and ramps available. It's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
Depending on your starting point, ride-sharing services, taxis, and public buses are common ways to navigate Pittsburgh and reach the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults is around $25, with discounts available for students and seniors. Your ticket typically includes access to both the Art and Natural History museums.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
The museum is generally open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and any special holiday closures.
Yes, a single admission ticket typically grants you access to both the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, making it a great value.
Absolutely! A Carnegie Museums membership offers free admission and other perks, making it a fantastic option for locals or those planning multiple visits.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the awe-inspiring Hall of Architecture, Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies,' and the powerful Charles 'Teenie' Harris photography collection. +1
Yes, the museum offers interactive elements and the adjacent Natural History Museum has dinosaurs, making it a hit with families.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most galleries, but be sure to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
Yes, guided tours and art discussions are offered, which can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the collections.
The Hall of Architecture is a truly unique space featuring towering, full-scale replicas of architectural masterpieces from around the world, creating a grand and immersive atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum typically has a cafe or restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat. Check their website for current offerings and hours.
Outside food and drinks are usually not permitted inside the galleries. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
The cafe usually offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages, catering to a quick meal during your visit.
The museum is located in a vibrant area of Pittsburgh with many restaurants and cafes nearby, offering a wide range of dining choices.
While options may vary, most museum cafes offer some choices that can accommodate common dietary needs. It's advisable to inquire directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally permitted in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography and tripods may be restricted.
Some special exhibitions may have restrictions on photography to protect the artwork. Always look for signage indicating 'no photography' zones.
Absolutely! Your smartphone is a great tool for capturing memories and details of the art and architecture.
The Grand Staircase, the Hall of Architecture, and the areas featuring Monet's 'Water Lilies' are particularly photogenic.
Professional photography and filming usually require special permits and advance arrangements. Contact the museum's media relations department for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for family-friendly programming and guided tours that can make the experience more interactive and educational for younger visitors.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Sketchers
If you're an artist yourself, consider bringing your sketchbook and pencils.
🏛️ Architecture & History Buffs
Beyond the building's structure, the collections themselves offer historical insights. The Charles 'Teenie' Harris photography collection provides an invaluable visual record of Pittsburgh's Black communities over several decades, offering a unique historical perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Collections
Beyond the grand halls, the museum also shines a light on local history and culture through its collections. The Charles 'Teenie' Harris photography collection is a particularly moving testament to Black life in Pittsburgh, offering intimate and powerful glimpses into the community's past.
It's worth noting that the museum's collection has been described as a 'mixed bag' by some visitors, with a strong appreciation for the classical and uplifting sections, while some modern pieces may be polarizing.
A Day of Discovery: Art & Natural History
While the Art Museum offers visual feasts of paintings, sculptures, and architectural wonders, the Natural History Museum transports you to prehistoric times with its renowned dinosaur exhibits, showcases dazzling mineral collections, and explores ancient civilizations.
This juxtaposition of art and science provides a comprehensive educational and entertaining experience, catering to a wide range of interests. Visitors often recommend dedicating a full day to fully appreciate both institutions. Planning your visit to start with one and then seamlessly transition to the other allows for a more relaxed pace and ensures you don't miss out on any key attractions.
The convenience of having two world-class museums under one ticket makes the Carnegie Museums a top destination in Pittsburgh. Navigating the Experience: Tips from Visitors
When it comes to ticketing, combining your visit to include the Natural History Museum is a popular strategy for maximizing value.
For those interested in specific collections, the Charles 'Teenie' Harris photography is frequently highlighted for its historical and cultural significance.
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