Museums
ALLEGHENY ARMS & ARMOR MUSEUM:
814/558-6112, Website
Route 46, Smethport
More than 20 major exhibits; armored cars, tanks, self-propelled guns, tracked recovery vehicles, Soviet armor, floating Coast Guard cutter. Large groups, tours M-Sun, 10am-6pm. Reservations required.
ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY:
412/321-2400, Website
Riverview Park, 159 Riverview Ave., North Side
University of Pittsburgh astronomy research facility. Guided tours Thursday and Friday evenings April-Oct. Reservations required. Free.
ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM:
412/237-8300, Website
117 Sandusky St., North Shore
Comprehensive collection of Andy Warhol's work and memorabilia; films, public programs, exhibits, performances, children's art activities. Adults, $15; senior citizens, $9; students and children 3-18, $8; members of Carnegie Museums, free. Fridays are half-price after 5pm.
BAKER MANSION MUSEUM/BLAIR COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
814/942-3916, Website
3419 Oak Lane, Altoona, Pa.
Tour an 1849 Greek-revival iron master’s mansion. Period rooms, historical exhibits. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day: T-Sun, 1-4:30pm; Labor Day through Oct.: Sat-Sun, 1-4:30pm. Adults, $4; seniors over 60, $3.50; students, $3.50; children 5-12, $2.
BALDWIN-REYNOLDS HOUSE MUSEUM/CRAWFORD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
814/333-9882, Website
639 Terrace St., Meadville, Pa
Gracious three-story landmark; built for US Supreme Court Justice Henry Baldwin; owned by Reynolds family for 76 years. All guided tours on the hour. Not handicapped accessible. Adults, $5; students 6-18, $3; children under 5, free.
Hours: May, Sept.: Sat-Sun, noon-4pm; June 13-Aug. 19: W-
BULGARIAN MACEDONIAN NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER:
412/461-6188, Website
449-451 W. Eighth Ave., West Homestead
Houses a museum, library, media center and gift shop dedicated to the preservation of Bulgarian history and culture. Hosts many live music, dance and arts events; available for rental. Soup Sega! program offers 15 homemade soups and other Bulgarian specialties for sale on Saturdays from Sept.-May. Admission is free except for some special events.
Hours: T-Th, 10am-1pm; Sat, 9am-1pm; also by appointment
BURTNER HOUSE RESTORATION SOCIETY:
724/224-7999, Website
Route 28, Exit 15, Natrona Heights
Historic stone house built in 1821. Manned by volunteers; private tours by appointment. Festivals in June and Sept. Adults, $3; 18 and under, free.
BUTLER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
724/283-8116, Website
123 W. Diamond St., Butler
Operates Butler County Heritage Center, Cooper Cabin, Little Red School House, Lowrie/Shaw House Museums. Also has a library. Call for hours, fees.
Hours: M-F, 9am-4pm
BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART:
330/743-1107, ext. 123, Website
524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio
Ongoing exhibits: technology and digital art. Permanent collection: four centuries of American art. Classically-designed monument on National Register of Historic Places. T, Th-Sat, 11am-4pm; W, 11am-8pm; Sun, noon-4pm. Free.
CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART:
412/622-3131, Website
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland
Important 19th-century impressionist/post-impressionist, modern and contemporary collections; decorative arts, architectural drawings, models, rotating exhibitions. Home to Carnegie International. T, W, F, Sat, 10am-5pm; Th, 10am-8pm; Sun, noon-5pm; Mon., July 4-Labor Day. Open Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day and the Mon. after Christmas. Adults, $15; seniors, $12; children 3-18 and full-time students with ID, $11; Carnegie Museums members and children under 3, free. Includes admission to Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY:
412/622-3131, Website
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland
Dinosaurs, Arctic life, gems and minerals, American Indians, African and North American wildlife, Bonehunters Quarry. T-W, F-Sat, 10am-5pm; Th, 10am-8pm; Sun, noon-5pm; July 4-Labor Day Mon., 10am-5pm. Open Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, and the Mon. after Christmas. Adults, $15; seniors, $12; children 3-18 and full-time students with ID, $11; Carnegie Museums members and children under 3, free.
CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER:
412/237-3400, Website
1 Allegheny Ave., North Shore
Experience UPMC SportsWorks, the world’s largest science-of-sport exhibition; travel the world in the four-story Rangos Omnimax Theater; explore the universe in the high-def Buhl Digital Dome planetarium and Buhl Observatory; tour a historic submarine; interact with more than 400 hands-on exhibits. Adults, $14; children and seniors, $10; Carnegie Museum members, free.
Hours: Sun-F, 10am-5pm; Sat, 10am-7pm.
CENTER FOR AMERICAN MUSIC:
412/624-4100, Website
4301 Forbes Ave., Stephen Foster Memorial, University of Pittsburgh, Oakland
Museum, library and archive dedicated to music in American life. Primary repository for materials pertaining to composer Stephen Collins Foster. Self-guided tours free; guided tours: adults $1.50; students, seniors $1.
Hours: Museum: M-F, 9am-4pm. Library by appointment.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH:
412/322-5058, Website
10 Children’s Way, North Side
Take off on fantastic flights of imagination at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and return to Earth to slide down a bowling alley, build and launch a boat, ink your own silkscreen, catch words that fall from the sky and much more. Adults, $11; seniors
and children 2-18, $10; children under 2, free. Parking: non-members, $5; members, $3.
Hours: M-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm.
ELDRED WWII MUSEUM:
814/225-2220, Website
201 Main St., McKean County
Preserves history of WWII; exhibits, award-winning video, large research library. T-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Free.
ERIE COUNTY HISTORY CENTER:
814/454-1813, Website
419 State St., Erie, Pa.
Showcases Erie County’s heritage; changing exhibits, 1839 Cashier’s House, library, archives. Hours subject to change. Adults, $4; seniors, $3; children, $2. Half-price on W; family prices, multi-site discounts.
Hours: W-Sat, 11am-4pm.
ERIE PLANETARIUM:
814/871-5790, Website
356 W. Sixth St., Erie, Pa.
Astronomy programs throughout year. Adults, $4; seniors, $3; children, $2; multi-site discounts.
Hours: Public shows Sat., 1:30 and 3pm.
FRICK ART & HISTORICAL CENTER:
412/371-0600, Website
7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze
Turn-of-the-century residence of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his family; one of the nation’s most perfectly intact Victorian homes. Frick Art Museum displays European paintings, sculpture, decorative arts; 12th-18th centuries, along with temporary exhibitions. Also: Greenhouse and Car and Carriage Museum. Adults, $10; students and seniors, $8.
Hours: T-Sun, 10am-5pm.
HARMONY MUSEUM:
888/821-4822, Website
Main and Mercer streets, Harmony
National Historic Landmark, circa 1804; first home to German communal Harmony Society, later Mennonite resettlement; closed holidays. Adults, $5; youth, 6-12, $2; under 6, free.
Hours: T-Sun, 1-4pm.
HOLOCAUST CENTER OF THE UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PITTSBURGH:
412/421-1500, Website
5738 Darlington Rd., Squirrel Hill
The region’s primary educational resource center on the Holocaust; the mission is to commemorate, educate and document the atrocities of the period of 1933-1945. Donations accepted.
Hours: M-Th, 9am-5pm; F, 9am-3pm (Nov. 1-March 8), 9am-4pm (March 9-Oct.31)
JIMMY STEWART MUSEUM:
800/835-4669, Website
835 Philadelphia St., Third Floor, Indiana, Pa.
Jimmy Stewart’s hometown; museum explores his personal life, film, military careers. Adults, $5; students, military and seniors, $4; children, 7-17, $3; under 7, free.
Hours: M-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm.
JOHNSTOWN FLOOD MUSEUM:
814/539-1889, 888/222-1889, Website
304 Washington St., Johnstown, Pa.
Re-creates Great Flood of 1889, when at least 2,209 people perished. Exhibits, Academy Award-winning documentary. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; students, $4. Tickets also valid for admission to Heritage Discovery Center, Wagner-Ritter House.
Hours: M-Sun, 10am-5pm; Memorial-Labor Day, F-Sat til 7.
KERR MEMORIAL MUSEUM:
412/826-9295, Website
402 Delaware Ave., Oakmont
19th-century Queen Ann-style residence of Thomas and Jessie Kerr and their only daughter, Virginia.
MARIDON MUSEUM:
724/282-0123, Website
322 North McKean St., Butler
Asian-art emphasis: Chinese and Japanese jade and ivory sculptures, porcelains, landscapes, ancient artifacts. 18th-19th-century Meissen porcelain.
Hours: T-Sat, 11am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm.
MATTRESS FACTORY:
412/231-3169, Website
500 Sampsonia Way, North Side
The Mattress Factory is a museum of contemporary art that presents art you can get into—room-sized environments, created by in-residence artists. Located in the historic Mexican War Streets of Pittsburgh’s North Side since 1977, the Mattress Factory is one of few museums of its kind.
Hours: T-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm.
MERRICK ART GALLERY:
724/846-1130, Website
1100 Fifth Ave., New Brighton
Beaver County’s only art museum. Collection of 19th-century oil paintings; works from Hudson River School. Free; donations accepted.
Hours: T-Sat, 10am-4:30pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Summer hours: W-Sat, 10am-4pm; alternate Sun, 1-4pm.
OGLEBAY INSTITUTE:
304/242-4200, Website
1330 National Road, Wheeling, W.Va.
1843 Mansion Museum, Schrader Environmental Education Center in Oglebay Park; art exhibits at Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road. Films, plays at Towngate Theatre/Cinema, 2118 Market St. Hours, prices vary.
OLD ECONOMY VILLAGE:
724/266-4500, Website
270 16th St., Ambridge
This National Historic Landmark, built 1824-1830, is furnished with collections of the communal Harmony Society, German immigrants known for industrial prosperity in textiles, railroad investments and winemaking; 17 restored structures, gardens, original tools and furnishings, Visitor Center, orientation movie, exhibits and Museum Store. Perform historic chores, encounter traditional tradesmen (seasonal). Tour times vary; call ahead. Allow two hours for touring. Adults 12-64, $9; seniors 65 and older, $8; youth 3-11, $6.
Hours: T-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm
OLIVER MILLER HOMESTEAD:
412/835-1554, Website
Buffalo Dr., South Park
Guides wearing 18th-century apparel conduct tours, demonstrate pioneer crafts, discuss area history; tour includes stone house, reproduction barn with exhibits and trading post, springhouse, reproduction log house, blacksmith shop, gardens, special events. $1 per person donation requested.
Hours: April-Dec.: Sun, 1:30pm-4:30pm.
PENN BRAD OIL MUSEUM:
814/362-1955, Website
Route 219, Bradford, Pa.
Preserves philosophy, spirit of historic oil community. Adults, $5; seniors, $4.50; under 12, free.
Hours: May-mid-Sept.: T-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-5pm.
PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM:
724/228-9256, Website
1 Museum Rd., Washington
Scenic 4-mile trolley ride on restored streetcars. Admission includes exhibits, film, guided tour, trolley rides, picnic area, museum store; free parking. Weekdays, 10am-4pm. Weekends, 11am-5pm. Open F, Sat, Sun and M March-May and Labor Day-Dec. Memorial Day-Labor Day open daily. Adults, $9; seniors 62+, $8; children 3-15, $5; under 3 and members, free.
PHIPPS CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS/PHIPPS GARDEN CENTER:
412/622-6914, Website
One Schenley Park, Oakland
Historic 13-room Victorian glasshouse, tropical forest and gardens in Schenley Park. Info and tickets online. Garden Center in Mellon Park, Shadyside; horticultural classes, workshops, gift boutique.
PUNXSUTAWNEY HISTORY MUSEUM:
814/938-2555, Website
Punxsutawney
Learn about the history of Punxsutawney through displays, photographs and more. Genealogy room also available. Hours vary by season.
PUNXSUTAWNEY WEATHER DISCOVERY CENTER:
814/938-1000, Website
201 N. Findley St., Punxsutawney
A place where the science and folklore of weather prediction collide; building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interactive fun exhibits; theater with cool weather videos; gift shop with weather items. $4; kids under 2, free.
Hours: M-T, Th-Sat, 10am-4pm
RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM:
814/946-0834, Website
1300 Ninth Ave., Altoona, Pa.
History of Pa. railroad; films, exhibits. Affiliated with Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. April-Oct.: M-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 11am-5pm. Nov.-Dec.: weekends only. Adults 13-61, $8; seniors, $6; children, 4-12, $4; family pass, $20.
SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER:
412/454-6000, Website
1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh
A Smithsonian Institution affiliate featuring a number of traveling and permanent exhibitions that celebrate the region's proud past. Adults, $10; senior citizens, $9; children 4-17, students with ID, $5; children under 3, free.
Hours: M-Sun, 10am-5pm
SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT:
412/261-7003, Website
2100 Smallman St., Strip District
Dedicated to building a wide appreciation of contemporary craft with cutting-edge work by established and emerging craft artists in changing exhibits; offered for sale. Free.
Hours: T-Sat, 9am-5pm.
SOUTHERN ALLEGHENIES MUSEUM OF ART:
724/238-6015, Website
1 Boucher Lane and Rt. 711 South, Ligonier
Preservation, advancement, promotion of American art; exhibits, education programming through its museums in Ligonier Valley; also Altoona, Johnstown and Loretto; received national accreditation from American Association of Museums in 1995. Free.
Hours: T-F, 10am-5pm; Sat, 1-5pm. Johnstown: M-F, 9:30am-4:30pm.
THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM:
412/237-8300, Website
117 Sandusky St., North Shore
Comprehensive collection of Andy Warhol’s work and memorabilia; films, public programs, exhibits, performances, children’s art activities. Adults, $12; senior citizens, $8; students and children 3-18, $8; free for members of Carnegie Museums. Fridays half-price after 5pm.
Hours: T-Th, Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm; F, 10am-10pm.
THE HERITAGE DISCOVERY CENTER:
814/539-1889, 888/222-1889, Website
Broad St. and Seventh Ave., Johnstown
Interactive exhibits; life of 1900s immigrant; national story in local context. M-Sun, 10am-5pm; Memorial Day-Labor Day, open until 7pm, F-Sat. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; students, $4. Tickets valid for entrance to Johnstown Flood Museum, Wagner-Ritter House.
THE HOYT INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS:
724/652-2882, Website
124 E. Leasure Ave., New Castle
Regional arts center, museums in two historic mansions; exhibits, competitions, classes, workshops, wine festival, free children’s festival, school programs, outreach. Free; guided tour, $5.
Hours: T, Th, 10am-8pm; W, F-Sat, 10am-5pm.
THE NATIONAL AVIARY:
412/323-7235, Website
Allegheny Commons West, North Side
Nation’s premier bird park, home to 600 exotic and endangered birds. Adults, $9; seniors, $8; 2-12, $7; under 2 and members, free.
Hours: M-Sun, 9am-5pm
THE TOONSEUM AT THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH:
412/325-1060, Website
10 Children’s Way, North Side
Pittsburgh's museum of cartoon art. Gallery is located within the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and features exhibitions of original cartoon art from comic books, animation, editorial cartoons and more.
Presents educational programming, panels and animation screenings.
Hours: M-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm
TOUR-ED MINE & MUSEUM:
724/224-4720, Website
748 Bull Creek Road, Tarentum
History of coaling; more than 10,000 artifacts of early living; saw mill, strip mine, underground tour, log cabin from 1700s. Memorial Day-Labor Day: M, W-F, 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 1-4pm. Group rates for 25 or more.
TRINITY CATHEDRAL:
412/232-6404, Website
328 Sixth Ave, downtown
Progressive tour of historic church, burying ground; By request. Free.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH NATIONALITY ROOMS:
412/624-6000, Website
4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland
Gifts to the university from Pittsburgh’s ethnic groups, the 27 rooms combine carved stone, stained glass, inlaid wood to depict cultures of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. M-Sat, 9am-2:30pm (last tour starts at 2:30pm); Sun and holidays, 11am-2:30pm (last tour starts at 2:30pm). Adults, $3; youth 8-18, $1. Reservations required for groups. Holiday open house first Sun. in Dec.
VICARY MANSION/BEAVER COUNTY HISTORICAL RESEARCH & LANDMARKS FOUNDATION:
724/775-1848, Website
1235 Third Ave., Freedom, Pa.
Mansion constructed in 1826 by Philadelphia sea captain William Vicary; sandstone blocks, red-oak floors, hand-hewn beams, third-floor ballroom. Closed major holidays. Donations.
Hours: M-F, 10am-3pm or by appointment.
WAGNER-RITTER HOUSE & GARDEN:
888/222-1889, Website
418 Broad St., Johnstown, Pa.
Restored to 1860 immigrant steelworker’s residence showing the domestic lives of working-class people. Summer 7 days, 11am-4pm; weekends only Nov.-Dec.; closed Jan.-Mar. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; students, $4. Tickets also valid for admission to Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown Flood Museum.
WEST OVERTON MUSEUMS:
724/887-7910, Website
West Overton Village, Scottdale
19th-century site with vintage buildings; museum, retail space. Birthplace of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Group tours. Adults, $7; seniors, students, $4; children, $4; under 6 and members, free.
Hours: May 12-Oct: T-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-5pm.
WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART:
724/837-1500, Website
221 N. Main St., Greensburg
Paintings, sculpture, decorative arts by great American artists; focus on Southwestern Pa. Annual holiday “Toy and Train Exhibition.” $5; students with valid ID, children under 12, free.
Hours: W, F-Sun, 11am-5pm; Th, 11am-9pm.
ZELIENOPLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY/PASSAVANT HOUSE/BUHL HOUSE:
724/452-9457, Website
243 S. Main St., Zelienople
Presents guided tours of Zelienople's two oldest standing buildings, both of which are house museums: Passavant House, circa 1808, 243 S. Main St.; and Buhl House, circa 1805, 221 S. Main St. Tours June-Sept.: W and Sat, 1pm and 2:30pm; others by appointment. Adults, $5 (both houses); students, children under 13, $2.50. Passavant House is site of Lester Mohr Genealogy and History Library with local family files. Call for appointment. $10 an hour (nonmembers); members, free.
Hours: M-F, 9am-noon
ZIPPO/CASE VISITORS CENTER:
888/442-1932, Website
1932 Zippo Dr., Bradford
Showcases two American icons, the Zippo lighter and the Case knife; rare production models, prototypes, interactive displays, view of Zippo Repair Clinic. M-W, F-Sat, 9am-5pm; Thurs, 9am-7pm; Sun, 11am-4pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter. Free.
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