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.

AMAZING! HIGHLY RECOMMEND. My friend is a music lover and I thought this would be interesting…read more He enjoyed it and I loved it even though I don't appreciate music the way he does. The museum reminded my kids of a real-life Clue game - it is definitely worth visiting! I highly recommend.

This is one of the coolest museum experiences I have ever had! I had seen the signs for this place…read morefor years but never took advantage of a tour until we visited as part of a scouting group. You learn so much about the history of mining and more importantly, hear from personal examples of what the miners lived through. You take a mine car into the mine (beware this is SUPER tight if you are tall). In the mine area, they have equipment from various eras of mining. It was really interesting to see how the history progressed and how conditions improved (but were still challenging even today). The tour guides are almost all retired miners which was really fascinating because they have the real world, lived experience to share. One of the things that really struck me was hearing about how for ages, kids as young as mine were workers in the mines. Thankfully that has changed and most modern miners are actually people with geology or other similar degrees. There is so much to learn, and it is especially relevant considering our region's mining history. I would recommend this museum to everyone of any age!

My cousins and I took a tour here a few weeks ago. I had no idea this attraction was basically…read moreright in our back yard! They have a museum we looked at while waiting for our tour to start. First we went to a log cabin and watched a 10 min video about the founder. Then we went down to the classroom to go over mine safety. Next we got our hard hats and headed into the car to take us into the mine. This was the coolest part. We got to get out and walk around the mine. Our guide also showed us the different machines and how they are used. This tour was so fun! I highly recommend this tour. I want to come back for their Halloween celebration! One thing to note: the cars going into the mine are pretty low. If you have knee issues or mobility issues, it may be difficult to get in and out of the cars.

I have definitely learned that contemporary/modern art is just not my thing. That being said, that…read moredoesn't mean that Mattress Factory isn't worth a visit. The museum does not have its own parking lot, so you will need to find street parking. However, there seemed to be plenty of options in the area. They exhibits are spread out over various floors and areas. They have a suggested path, but you can really explore at your own pace and interest. The "famous" work is the polka dot room which is really intriguing and visually appealing. My daughter like to say "art is all about how the artist sells it and what you make of it" and this is the perfect place to put that mentality into effect. There were some pieces that I was just baffled about being "art" and there were others that while I personally didn't enjoy them, I could appreciate the time and talent that went in to creating them. If you are looking for a unique museum experience, this is definitely the place for you.

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.

ok, you came to evans city to visit the cemetery anyway, so all good…read more but... don't come here looking for the museum - it's no longer in evans city. they're now located inside the monroeville mall, filiming locaton for 1978's dawn of the dead. also, 3 separate auntie anne's pretzels. lol

I've ordered from the online store. It's been two weeks and no status updates. They will not return…read moreemails, phone calls, or Facebook messages. Really poor customer service. Suck a disappointment

The Frick is a local treasure. They have a nice permanent collection and always have great rotating…read moreexhibits. For that reason, we decided to become members. I also found out that they also have great regular programs and special events too. Members receive a discount, which is great. The topics sound really interesting. I'm looking forward to attending one. We have seen so many great rotating exhibits over the years. I really love it when they have excellent art exhibits. The Vermeer exhibit a year or so ago was great. I read up about it before going and found out what a genius he really was with light. The latest exhibit French Moderns was a really good. I loved seeing all the classic artists you would expect in an exhibit like that. However, I found some other artists I had never heard of and was happy to learn about them. They were absolutely excellent. I also loved the Lewis Hine photography exhibit too. He did such a wonderful job capturing the real lives of immigrants and other hard working people from the last century. This perspective is desperately needed right now, as immigrants are often not painted in a positive light. This exhibit shone a light on how they really are and how hard they worked then and continue to work now. The 400 years of William Shakespeare exhibit was wonderful. It was so cool to see the original scripts. So interesting and different than other exhibits they have had! Another exhibit that was one of the best we have seen was the Katherine Hepburn exhibit. I loved learning all about her life, her loves, and all the fabulous clothes she wore throughout her amazing life. The car and carriage museum is also a real find. It is so great to see the evolution of vehicles from the carriage to the car. It is so cool to see all different types of vehicles created over time especially those from the local area. There was also a cool hood ornament exhibit a few years ago that was really cool especially since cars don't have them anymore. The greenhouse is always neat to see too. They have beautiful plants in and outside the greenhouse. I love seeing them grow and evolve over time. Then you go see the Clayton which is also a unique local gem. It's especially interesting to see this knowing how important the Fricks were to the local area professionally and personally. It's really great to see decorated at Christmas. It's a must visit when you come to Pittsburgh. They also offer reciprocity to other great museums all over the country.

Liked the increased onsite parking. The exhibit was housed in the museum but check in was at the…read moregift shop. The French Moderns exhibit was well attended.

Attended a 1 hr Behind the Scenes of Dinosaur Bones tour advertised to members. $50 per person 10…read morepeople per group. Limited number of tickets. Well worth money spent. Our tour was led by the head pf the department. The breadth of her knowledge of the museum, her predecessors, and collection was impressive. Did you know that England has a copy of our T Rex in their Natural History museum? Dippy's extra bones need a new resting place. Currently they have been resting on this shelf since 1800's. The wood is injuring the bottom of the fossil. (I think dinosaur lovers would donate the $30k to get Dippy's bones a new resting place.) Researchers come to study the collection. Fork lifts are used to transfer the bones from one surface to the next. A local college student found an undiscovered amphibian while searching for fern fossils on FedEx property by Pittsburgh International Airport. It was named after FedEx and the student: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/100315-new-fossil-amphibian-fedex Great experience! Would definitely attend again. I wonder what is Behind the Scenes of the art museum ...

This section of Pittsburgh has a lot to offer. You would have to take an Uber or Lyft from…read moredowntown. This is a World class combined art and history museum. Your admission ticket includes both the art and natural history museums. Admission is half price after 3pm, but the museum closes at 5:00. A few minutes away from the museum you have the Heinz Chapel, Nationality Rooms, and the outfield wall of Forbes Field.

Very cool experience especially for kids or even just a rainy day. It's about a 30-45 minute…read moreexperience with lots of illusions and mind games to enjoy

Very much an Instagram attraction, but also a "what you make of it" experience. You can blow…read morethrough the whole place in probably 15-20 minutes or you can spend an hour or two depending on how much time you take to interact with the various exhibits and the "games" that are in the middle of the experience. I was leaning more towards four stars but stuck with three because it IS expensive for what you actually get, the space itself is pretty tiny and it can be a bit crazy if the admission slot you purchase is sold out. I have to admit, I liked this experience more than I thought I would. Sure, it has the tourist trap instagram photo spots, but it has some degree of an educational experience that I wasn't expecting. They have signage explaining some of the illusions and the science behind them. This is what I mean when I said you can blow through our spend more time. You get more out of the experience (and will spend more time there) if you take the time to read why the various illusions work. I'm a knowledge junkie, so this was really fun for me. Your best experience will be if you follow the guidelines they have posted. Each exhibit has places marked on where to stand to get the illusion and the best spot to take the photo. I have to admit, you can get some really creative and fun ones! Although those are the ones you often have a long wait for. There is very helpful staff rotating throughout the experience. I just wish they would gently push some of the people along that seem to take FOREVER to get the "perfect" shot. I came back to the building illusion (the one where you can make it look like you are hanging off the top of a building or sitting on ledge) and ten minutes later the same two girls were still taking pictures despite there being a line behind them. Exhibits are well maintained and the staff is informative. It should just have a lower price point for what you get. Parking is street parking (good luck with that on busier days) or you can park in one of the nearby garages (which would add to your expense). There is a gift shop on the way out with a variety of items ranging from magnets and pins to shirts and games. Is it worth a visit? Sure, but try to find a coupon or buy when they have some sort of promotion to make it more affordable.

It's not a museum dedicated to anyone famous, but that's part of the charm. It's the former…read moreresidence of Dr. Thomas R. Kerr, his wife Jessie, and daughter Virginia. This was back around 1890 to 1910, when doctors made house calls and the Temperance League was on the horizon. The volunteers have spent countless hours restoring, decorating and purchasing antique objects for the museum. Many of the items you will see are not original to the house, bit help depict a way of life more than 100 years ago. There's a common theme, many of the rooms feature an image or object related to squirrels, the unofficial mascot of Verona. The rooms are decorated with a common focus, currently they depict undergarments, which aligns with the current Undressed exhibit at the Frick. Our guide was knowledgeble and enthusiastic. There's nothing dramatic or expensive here, but the museum accomplishes it's goal to show upper-middle class life from 1890 to 1920 in Western Pennsylvania. They have a small gift shop in the office next door, mostly stationary and books. Best to call ahead, so they can arrange a tour guide for you.

This museum is a hidden treasure! The Victorian home is beautifully restored and the docents are…read moreawesome. Don't miss it!

The Andy Warhol Museum is a great place to spend a couple hours before a Pittsburgh Pirates game…read more There are a bunch of levels in this museum, and it's pretty easy to navigate. A ton of art work throughout Andy Warhol's life. The iconic paintings of Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Campbell's Soup, and Coca-Cola are all here. I had a fun time in the video booth where you can record your own distorted video just how Andy Warhol used to record his guests. The museum is $25 for adults, $13 for seniors, $13 for students with ID, and $13 for kids 3-18 years old. Located right by PNC Park the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I didn't know much about Andy Warhol but the 7 floors of information and art gave me a good…read moreunderstanding of his artistic progression and range and life both in (from) Pittsburgh to NY and elsewhere. He was not just an interesting eccentric that pushed culture forward but someone who found a way to make money off his art in advertising while also having a style of his own and forays into film. While this is the Warhol museum, there are pieces by others on the ground floor, including collaborators. Bottom line: Worth a view if you are a museums person and like modern art.

I worked with them with Hugs Inflatable Pet Steps. Please stay clear of these scammers!! You will…read morebe over charge. You will lose so much money with them and get NOTHING in return. Its a legal scam. Run !!! Stay away from this money pit!! Also I dealt with Inventionland many years ago and Mr. D has not changed one bit. This is a con. Your idea will be e-mailed to companies not presented like they claim. Plus to top it all off I never got the prototype of my product like they claim I would. They just took my money and nothing came true. I'm talking like over ten thousand. They even tell you on their site most inventions never see royalties and the checks he is holding are of small amounts compared to what the client pays. Do not waste your money or dreams on them. You have been warned :o(

From the owner: Inventionland is a 60,000 square foot immersive work environment that hosts tours for roughly…read more15,000 students, educators, designers, business professionals and inventors every year. Our facility is here to inspire creativity, promote innovation, and foster education. Specialized designers, artists, writers, illustrators, photographers, videographers, strategists, seamstresses, and fabricators work in 16 unique themed sets, such as shipwrecked pirate ship, faux cave, treehouse, pet shack, giant shoe, cupcake kitchen, giant robot and castle complete with turrets and drawbridge. The inspiring setting includes three running waterfalls, life-like trees and butterflies and grass-lined sidewalks. This team of talented and creative people work in concert to provide inspiration for students, educators, inventors, and everyday idea people who want to make the world a better place.