First time visiting the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
History and overview of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
The story of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History goes back to the vision of industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who founded it to bring natural science to the people of Pittsburgh.
Inside its 20+ galleries, you’ll find world-class scientific collections — from towering dinosaur skeletons to dazzling mineral displays, and even detailed dioramas of wildlife. The museum’s mission is not just to show specimens but to spark curiosity, inspire conservation, and connect visitors with the natural world.
Whether you’re visiting with kids who want to chase down fossils or adults who want to reflect on biodiversity, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History offers a solid mix of discovery and scientific storytelling. It’s one of the highlights of Pittsburgh’s Oakland museum trail.
Opening hours of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday: 10am – 5pm
- Thursday: 10am – 8pm
- Tuesday: Closed
Ticket prices at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Adult: $25
- Senior (65+): $20
- Student (with ID) / Child (age 3–18): $15
- Children 2 and under: Free
- Weekday after 3pm: Discounted admission (half-price)
- EBT / SNAP card holders: US$ 1 for up to four people with matching ID.
- Personal Care Attendants (PCA): Free admission when accompanying a visitor with a disability.
How to get to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History & parking
Location
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is located at 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Parking
- The museum has a multi-level parking garage behind the building, entered from the corner of Forbes Avenue and South Craig Street.
- Parking rates:
- 30–60 minutes: $5
- 1–3 hours: $10
- 3–5 hours: $15
- 5–6 hours: $20; 6–7 hours: $25; 7–8 hours: $30.
- 8+ hours: $30 plus additional hourly rate.
- Accessible parking is available in the garage; clearance is 6′ 8″.
Accessibility & visitor tips for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Wheelchair access: The museum has power-assist doors at the main entrance, and manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Strollers: Visitors are welcome to bring strollers; they are usable throughout the building.
- Service animals: Service animals are permitted throughout the museum.
- If you need specific accommodations, call Visitor Services at least two weeks before visiting.
- For group visits or school programmes, book tours in advance via their education team.
What you’ll experience at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Step into the dinosaur gallery, where skeletons of T. rex, Diplodocus and more tower overhead — one of the most iconic exhibits at the museum.
Explore the Wildlife Dioramas, which recreate North American habitats with painstaking detail, complete with taxidermy animals, seasonal lighting, and interpretive signage.
You’ll also find an impressive Earth Science Gallery with gems, minerals and meteorites, and a Hall of Minerals, Gems & Mantle that explores geology and the very ground beneath us.
For families, the Discovery Basecamp offers interactive exhibits designed for children to touch, explore and learn through play.
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History: In summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much is admission? | Adults $25; Seniors $20; Students / Children 3-18 $15; under 3 free; half price after 3pm; EBT/SNAP $1 |
| When is it open? | Mon, Wed, Fri–Sun 10am–5pm; Thu 10am–8pm; closed Tue |
| Where is it? | 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 |
| Is parking available? | Yes — on-site garage; pay per hour; accessible parking included |
| Is the museum accessible? | Yes — wheelchair access, service animals welcome; accommodations available |
Nearby attractions
- The Carnegie Museum of Art — Shares the same building and ticket, explore fine art and special exhibits.
- Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens — A lush seasonal garden destination a short walk from the museum.
- The University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning — Iconic gothic building with the famous Nationality Rooms.
- Schenley Park — Green space right next to Oakland campus, ideal for a post-museum stroll.
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Oakland branch) — Historic library building adjacent to the museum complex.
Other worthwhile Pittsburgh attractions include the Duquesne Incline and the Andy Warhol Museum.
You can explore Pittsburgh with a hop-on, hop-off bus pass. Pittsburgh experiences include bike tours full of stories, guided whiskey-themed walks and craft beer sampling on a multi-brewery tour.
For Pittsburgh hotels with great reviews, try the Italian villa-style Priory Hotel or the often good value Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown.
