Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Although you’ll spend a lot of time on the turnpike, it’s entirely possible to see three of the nation’s great museums in one day for under $25. The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are renowned for their contributions to American culture and you can reach them in one tank – but be sure to fill up before you leave.

Founded in 1895, the museums are Andrew Carnegie’s attempt to "help people improve their lives through cultural and educational experiences". What began as a display of his collection of miscellaneous items in the Carnegie Public Library has expanded into four unique museums – Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum. Rushing through all four in one day would be difficult, but you can visit the three that are arguably the most culturally significant with plenty of time to appreciate the exhibits.

The drive takes approximately three hours on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and while it’s not the most scenic trip you’ll see some impressive views of the state’s western landscape. Rest stops are frequent, so you should have no problem if you need to take a break or two.

Once off the turnpike, it takes about twenty minutes to reach Oakland, Pittsburgh’s college district, where parking is limited and the one-way streets can be difficult to navigate on your first visit. Rather than struggling to find an open parking meter you may want to consider the Soldiers and Sailors Hall on Fifth Avenue, located directly across the street from University of Pittsburgh. Not only does the hall provide cheap daily parking, it’s noteworthy in its own right as both a memorial and location at which many infamous scenes were filmed for "The Silence of the Lambs." From there it’s a short walk to two of the Carnegie museums – the Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History.

When you see a giant Diplodocus statue looming over the sidewalk, you’ve reached the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the world’s third-largest repository of dinosaur fossils including the 12 full skeletons displayed in Dinosaur Hall. Although remarkable already, the area will soon undergo expansive renovation, extending the current exhibit space into a three-story atrium of full-sized skeletons and interactive displays.

While the dinosaurs may be the museum’s signature attraction, it boasts a variety of other exhibits that are equally impressive. Among them are the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, which displays over 1,100 specimens of rare diamonds and jewels, and the Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt, which features artifacts from all aspects of Egyptian life and an authentically reproduced tomb that is staggering to walk through.

Connected to the Museum of Natural History is the Museum of Art, the nation’s first modern art museum. The Carnegie holds one of the finest collections of contemporary art and presents an impressive display of new pieces by working artists. Currently, the museum is exhibiting a three-gallery collection known as Panopticon. Designed so that the viewer is surrounded by wall-to-wall paintings, the presentation also features decorative art and sculpture highlighted throughout the galleries’ centers. Each gallery is themed to showcase works from a specific region, expanding from Pittsburgh to the nation as a whole to an international representation. Rarely will you see as many pieces in such a small space, making each gallery an overwhelming but engaging experience.

Once you’ve finished touring the two museums, you might want to grab a bite to eat. In addition to the museums’ cafes, such Pittsburgh staples as The O, Primanti Bros., Uncle Sam’s and Dave & Andy’s are all down Forbes Avenue. Alternatively, Craig Street is home to numerous ethnic restaurants ranging from Thai to Greek to Indian, all of which offer lunch specials. There are literally hundreds of eateries within 10 minutes’ walking distance of the museums, so you should definitely find a place you enjoy.

The city has excellent public transportation, with buses coming so frequently you rarely have to wait more than 10 minutes to find a ride to anywhere in the city. This makes it easy to get downtown to the Warhol after lunch. The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest single-artist museum in the country, preserving the work of America’s most-noted pop artist. The museum displays a comprehensive collection of Warhol’s work that spans nearly every medium, as well as rotating exhibits spotlighting work by other artists. The Warhol is truly a unique and active museum that presents concerts, events, films and exhibitions, creating a different experience on every visit.

You may think of it primarily as a steel and sports town, but Pittsburgh has quietly become a significant cultural center. To experience it all would take an extended stay, but a daytrip is enough to get a feel for what the city has to offer. It’s a full day, but one that will probably have you planning a return trip.

Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA

• Shadyside
Walnut Street is home to upscale stores including Banana Republic and Ann Taylor, along with bars, boutiques and restaurants.

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