I was really impressed by the museum of natural history and the art museum. The natural history…read moremuseum had cool fossils, beautify rocks/minerals, and breathtaking dioramas that really put you in the habitat of the creature they are portraying. The museum was relatively empty when I went except for multiple field trips of elementary school students. Admission for one adult to the museums was only $25 for the whole day, which felt like a steal. There were plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy the exhibits as well. The museum was clean, inviting, easy to navigate and had staff all over to help give directions.

Hey, I liked the first "Jurassic Park" and was raised on Saturday morning episodes of "Land of the…read moreLost". However, I've got to admit I'm just not into giant dinosaurs. Truth be told, the key reason I came here was that the $25 admission gave me concurrent access to the Carnegie Museum of Art since the two museums share the same building. If dinos are your thing, the scale was indeed impressive. Just be mindful they didn't move and were ironically crowded together in one section (Photo 7). There are rooms dedicated to wildlife dioramas from eons past, including the fabled La Brea Tar Pits (Photo 9), as well as more current ones representing North America, the polar caps, and the African savanna. I thought the most arresting exhibits were the rooms dedicated to minerals, gems, and jewelry. The Hillman Hall focuses on natural forms and dramatic shapes (Photo 8), while the Wertz Gallery presents more of the finished, polished results (Photo 10). It felt like Tiffany's without the breakfast or Holly Golightly. It was quite a family-friendly hodgepodge of attractions. It seemed I deal for a junior high school field trip, probably somewhat less for out-of-town curmudgeons like me. RELATED - Exploring Pittsburgh? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/ygLhKUK9LU

Awesome experience! We went last night and Savanna made our visit perfect and captured all the…read morelittle things helping make memories special

This was the moment I realized I overstayed my welcome in Pittsburgh, an indisputably great city…read more However, even indisputably great cities can have disappointing attractions. My first clue was that I discovered this museum was not specific to Pittsburgh. In fact, it's part of a privately owned museum chain, one of over sixty identical museums across over 25 countries. I came here because I had a free morning trying to avoid the wintry weather. I decided to make stops on the North Shore along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Clearly, not every stop is a landmark. This museum appears to be targeted to either young families with hyperactive kids and Instagram-addicted tourists. Falling somewhat into the latter category, I found the admission rather steep at $25 for what looked to be a relatively small scale space. I paid that same amount for both Carnegie Museums (Art and Natural History). This museum consisted of a series of interactive exhibits that create optical illusions. There were several spinning wheels, tilted spaces, distorted rooms, and mirrored illusions. My walkthrough lasted around fifteen minutes. Kids were anxious to go through the exhibits at breakneck speed, and my attention span was rarely stimulated by the exhibits. In visiting this museum, at least I won't be curious about the sixty other Museums of Illusions. RELATED - Exploring Pittsburgh? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/h0qh7n2Ol5

The Mattress Factory excels at site-specific imersive installation art, and their permanent…read morecollection has some origami art by some of the biggest names in installation art. The museum also hosts private events, a few of which I've attended, and they were outstanding. The staff are very welcoming. The museum gives back to the local community in a big way.

I've visited the Mattress Factory many times over the years, and it's always a place I enjoy…read morereturning to. I love the main building and how the exhibits are constantly changing, while some of the iconic spaces--like the mirror rooms--remain favorites that you can always count on seeing again. During this visit, I noticed the Dollhouse building has been completely redone. The new exhibit is much darker and heavier in tone, which honestly made me a little disappointed since the dollhouse installation used to be a staple of my visits and something I always looked forward to. The third building had construction going on on the first floor, but from what I could see it looks like it's going to be an incredible new display once it's finished. I was also a little sad to see the delayed recorder projector piece gone, but the new installation in its place was still interesting. One thing I still absolutely love is the water flowing down the handrails--it's such a small detail but always one of my favorite parts of the experience. Overall, it's still a place I enjoy visiting and seeing how the exhibits evolve over time.

Another bucket list item checked off: a visit to the Andy Warhol Museum in Steel City…read more It was incredible to explore each floor dedicated to his life and work--from his films and video installations to photographs of Warhol himself, his iconic pop art pieces, and even materials connected to The Velvet Underground. Every level offered something different, and together it created a really complete picture of his creative world. A memorable experience overall--one of those visits that will stay with me. The Andy Warhol Museum is definitely a must-see when in Pittsburgh.

We have joined the Carnegie Museum because even living 200 miles away and not really near…read morereciprocating museums, it is good value. We often come to the Warhol. I find it comforting. It has been at least a year but I found many new things to see. I wasn't expecting that. I dreaded art class in school. Absolutely no talent. But I find this museum fascinating and informative. It is well worth your time....and membership.

Overall my family enjoyed the museum. We had a reciprocal pass and would have been disappointed if…read morewe paid full price. We arrived to the museums shortly before opening and parked in the closest lot. We received a map that was helpful to navigate since the museum is on multiple floors. Our first stop was the submarine and we were able to get the next tour. It's not really a tour but a time to access the sub and read the signs. The kids didn't really spend much time reading and rather quickly walked through. They have multiple levels of exhibits but not as much as I would expect for the size. Some of the highlights included the sports area, train display, earthquake simulator. They have several shows but the timing only worked out so we could do one. You can pay for add ons for the laser show, movies and makers label but for a family that can add up quick. We planned to have lunch there since the food menu looked like it would please our family. When it came time to eat lunch we were surprised that only a partial menu was available. Fun to check out once but not something I would do again.

Im torn between 3 and 4 stars. Ive been to the Science Center on several occasions and we always…read morehave a good time. I was a bit disappointed in this visit as half the museum was closed! Sport works was completely gutted, the water area on the first floor was closed, the train area was closed and when we tried to go in the Fab Lab it was closed! Im not sure why the museum was even open. We did go see a show at the Buhl planetarium which was awesome (Beginners Guide) I highly recommend. We also went in the sports 360 exhibit which was fun. We did the body and mars area as well. Basically everything we could do that was actually open. We will probably wait a bit for our next visit to make sure other floors of the science center are open. Parking was $6 which is to be expected in the north shore. There isn't a coat rack but they have lockers available for 50 cents.

We were looking for a fun experience for my husband's big sis, and boy did we find it at Bayernhof!…read moreI couldn't recommend this museum more highly. Lisa, our tour guide, was just perfect - entertaining, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and fun. Our 2-hour experience was a joy - it passed so quickly! You call ahead to arrange a tour, and Lisa returned my call maybe a day or 2 later. We arranged it for a Tuesday morning at 10am (the other option was something like 2pm). The 19,000 square foot Bavarian-inspired home is atop a large hill outside Sharpsburg overlooking the Allegheny - and with a lovely view of downtown. You come thru the gate and park near the door. Inside, Lisa talks a bit about the foyer - chock full of collectibles - and takes you to the main room with that fabulous view, a comfy room with a bar just off the kitchen. You settle in to wait for everyone to arrive. The lecture there takes about 30mins, & you learn about the wealthy, quirky eccentric, Charlie "Chuck" Brown, who built this quirky home in 1982. He was a total prankster who had very little sense about how to build a really stable home. After his death, the board would save the home for all to enjoy. The real treat is hearing from some of the 165 music machines spread thruout the house - some Chuck collected, some purchased by the board set up by Chuck's lawyer, Dave, who - with Chuck's faithful secretary - took on the Herculean task after Chuck's death of fulfilling his dream of turning the home into a museum. The mysteries of the home reveal themselves as you go - and Lisa relishes in showing them off - from the hidden doors, wet bars (in almost every room! Chuck loved to entertain though he was socially awkward!), observatory, below ground cellar, cave, and pool room with a waterfall. It's great. Lisa shares tons of stories, knowledge, anecdotes, and more. Our favorite of the fabulous musical machines: the cylinder player on the landing that has a tiny dancing black bird figure inside; the singing birds with real feathers (!!) in the bird cage upstairs; the uber-art deco Decap machine downstairs with the purple velvet pool table; and the fringe lamp victrola in the upstairs guest room. As you're walking thru the house, you can't believe all there is to see and learn. We were fascinated! Just go! You won't regret it.

What an incredibly unique and wild place. Just go! It's cool, quirky, weird, and surprising. This…read moreis not to be missed!

Randyland is a local treasure and is super unique. It should be on every traveler's bucket list…read morewhen visiting Pittsburgh. Randy is a very nice man and it's wonderful the gift he has given Pittsburgh. His art is very eclectic and lots of fun. It's so much fun to walk around exploring all the things he has. I also love how colorful the building and all his things are. It really brightens up the neighborhood. He has a colorful and positive personality so it's a great representation of him. I also love all the murals on everything. It's fun to see the collections of different items he has and the painted steps. It's fun to take pictures with family and friends. Check out this Pittsburgh institution.

Randyland eats Disneyland for breakfast. Who wants to meet Mickey Mouse when you can meet Randy. Or…read moreactually a cardboard cut out of Randy. This place clears Disneyland. Randyland is FREE. So instead of spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars to go to Disneyland, you can go to Randyland for 0. I purchased a Randyland shirt because I wanted to bring a piece of Randyland home with me. They also had a very clean and prestige Porta potty. I highly recommend coming here! -Gustavo

I have been here twice AND have interacted with Velda and Mr. Arm outside of their tour. I just…read morelove these people and the wacky maximalism they're living in. Velda is a superb tour guide. Be sure to give them a donation (suggested $20 for the hour) or alcohol or some weird oddity if you go! They have events like movie nights that I would love to attend. Many great dead things are waiting to meet you at the Trundle Manor. Parking on the street!

This was the coolest place ever. We had a group of eight people and came hear to see all the…read moreoddities. If you are into Steam Punk, this is a definite must go. All they ask for is a donation of liquor or cash contribution-$20. If you are with a large group, I would suggest doubling the contribution, since it is really such a cool experience and I love supporting local artists. Everyone in our group were in awe of all the taxidermy and the creativity of the house. The tour is private and the couple who owns Trundle Manor limits the tour to eight people maximum. Can't really explain it, except something like the Adams Family meets Steam Punk. Great experience and thank you Velda for allowing us to your your home and giving us the narration.

Pittsburgh Hienz Museum…read more Whether you are new to the Pittsburgh area, or are returning there after years away, or you are a lifelong "Yinzer," I highly recommend that you visit the Heinz History Center. It covers the history of the Native Americans, to the French Indian War, through the Revolutionary War, and the role Pittsburgh played in the two World Wars! It also celebrates the sports accomplishments of its Professional and College Teams. Finally, a tremendous history of everyone's favorite, Heinz Tomato Ketchup!

I think this Museum deserves 5 stars. Its really a "History of Pittsburgh" Museum and they have…read moreexhibits ranging from contributions of Pittsburgh people and industries (such as to WWII, the Moon landing), cultural exhibits (Mr Rodgers Neighborhood), Pittsburgh history including a focus on the French and Indian Wars, and of course, an exhibit to the Heinz company itself. The exhibits are well titled and display, the trolly is really cool. There is a kids area and an interactive play area. I have visited this Museum twice, once before we had kids, and once after and it really is a different experience each time, something for people of all ages! Also kids are FREE! If you visit Pittsburgh and have time for only one Museum, this is it. My only complaint is the cafe is underwhelming, and the gift shop is prohibitively expensive. Finally, if you enjoyed the exhibit on the French and Indian wars be sure to check out the Fort Pitt Museum, which has lots of collections from the era!

i visited the carnegie museums of art and natural history on a weekday and had a wonderful…read moreexperience overall. the collection is absolutely massive and it was so much fun to walk through every exhibit. plus, the staff were all very friendly and helpful. if you are driving, there is on-site parking available, but it was relatively full even for a weekday so i had to drive down a few levels to find a spot. the "cards only" sign at the gate is a bit confusing because the machines at the exit actually do accept apple pay! if you want to pay before you get back to your car, there is also a booth inside the museum near the entrance and bathrooms with machines that take apple pay too. the only minor downsides were that many of the hand sanitizer dispensers and toilet seat covers were empty during my visit. despite those small details, i had a great time and would definitely recommend a visit!

When I recently visited the Carnegie Mellon University campus, I got lost on my way to this museum…read more When I asked a student where it was, he had no idea what I was talking about. Given its world-class reputation, I was surprised but not really. After all, if it's not part of his curriculum, why should he know about it? I eventually figured out where it was and didn't know it shared the same building as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The building was massive, and the upside was that a single $25 admission gave me access to both museums. The art museum takes up 155,000 square feet of exhibition space divided into twenty galleries with over 1,800 pieces on display. The focus is primarily on art, architecture, photography, and design between the 19th century and now. Here there are key masterworks from the likes of Renoir and Monet (Photo 7) to Warhol and Guston. The Hall of Architecture is a cavernous room full of plaster casts of architectural masterpieces like the North Transept Portal of the Bordeaux Cathedral (Photo 5). There's an extensive archival collection by Pittsburgh photographer Charles "Teenie" Harris, whose work dramatically focuses on the history of African American life. The wide spectrum of furnishings was particularly fascinating, and the Grand Staircase provides the appropriate grandeur (Photo 9). RELATED - Exploring Pittsburgh? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/qN_tq21lnL