Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most prestigious natural history museums in the world. It is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. It was founded by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1896 and has a collection of more than 22 million specimens representing 475 species, including 20 threatened or endangered ones. The museum features exhibits, research, education, and conservation programs that aim to inspire and educate the public about the natural world and its diversity. Learn more!
What to See and Do at the Museum
The museum has several halls and galleries that showcase different aspects of natural history, such as paleontology, geology, ecology, anthropology, and art. Some of the highlights are:
- The Dinosaurs in Their Time exhibit displays one of the finest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, including the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, Diplodocus, and Apatosaurus. The exhibit recreates the habitats and the behaviors of the dinosaurs and also features interactive stations and a fossil preparation lab.
- The Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems which displays more than 1,300 specimens of minerals and gems from around the world, including the Star of India, the largest blue star sapphire, and the Hope Diamond replica. The exhibit also explains the formation, the properties, and the uses of the minerals and gems and also features a jewelry gallery and a fluorescent room.
- The Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt which displays more than 2,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, including mummies, coffins, statues, jewelry, and pottery. The exhibit also explores the culture, religion, and daily life of the ancient Egyptians and also features a replica of a tomb and a marketplace.
- The Polar World: Wyckoff Hall of Arctic Life, which displays the animals, the plants, and the people of the Arctic region, including polar bears, seals, walruses, and Inuit. The exhibit also explains the effects of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem and also features a multimedia theater and a polar exploration gallery.
The museum also offers various activities and events throughout the year, such as animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, museum camps, museum nights, and lectures. You can also join the museum membership program, which gives you free admission, discounts, and other benefits. Learn more about Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: A Football Stadium with a View.
