The Carnegie Museum of Natural history goes without saying as one of the best natural history museums I have enjoyed ever since I was a child. Your admission ticket allows you into both this museum and the adjoining Carnegie Museum of Art. You get $1.00 off admission if you are a AAA member or free admission if you are attending certain universities in the Pittsburgh area. As an added attraction they had the power of poison but I knew under time constraints I wouldn't be able to view this exhibit.
The museum has been restructured but the famous hall of architecture always blows me away! With replicas of famous church fronts, the Parthenon, Notre Dame, the list goes on. My personal favorites include those which I've seen in Louvre years ago that include a replica of Venus Di Milo and Winged Victory. Can't omit Caesar Augustus while I'm at it.
Behind the geological exhibits on gems you'll find a new and improved dinosaur hall which has always been my favorite along with that of the kids. In the gift shop they have their latest acquisition "Jane". I really enjoyed the interactive exhibits and descriptions about them. Yes they even have a skeleton of a baby dinosaur and we can't omit the ferrious T-Rex! They have two of them!
The famous stuffed attraction with a lion attacking a dromedary which used to be on the 2nd floor now is located in glass near the entrance via the gift shop. They also have the hall of minatures, The hall of sculptures which is actually part of the art museum. I list it here because it has been here before they built the art museum. The museum has special exhibits for children. Tours are welcome. In addition the 2nd floor is devoted African wildlife, botany, and some overlooks of the first floor. The 3rd floor is devoted to ancient Egypt complete with a burial chamber. There is also a section on the Arctic. Elevator service is available if you can't climb the stairs and there is a family friendly cafe in the basement. Feel free to take pictures and the museum has there own pay parking lot.
Not often do you get a deal where you can tour two museums for the price of one. It makes a great activity whether rain or shine. It was truly worth a return visit to share memories and see their new and improved dinosaur hall!