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| - Yet another reason that Pittsburgh is so incredibly lucky. The Carnegie Museums are scattered throughout the Pittsburgh area and include the Oakland Museums (highlighted here) as well as the Carnegie Science Museum and the Andy Warhol museum.
This three building complex (the Museum of Art, Natural Science and History, and the Carnegie Library) sit on an entire city block, lined with sculptures of winged sirens, dinosaurs and literary legends. Complimented by the lush Oakland landscape, right on the backdrop of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, the locale delivers wonderful exhibitions across most mediums and provide a wonderful cultural and learning experience.
I recently visited the museum to see "Horse," an exhibition in the history museum, depicting how this working animal has influenced human culture. A VERY interesting and educational exhibit. With one of the largest dinosaur collections in the world, you could literally spend an entire day in the History museum alone.
Over at the Art Museum (which joins through one hallway) The Scaiffe Galleries house works of Rodin, Monet, Klimt, Hopper and many others. There's something there for everyone - paintings, etchings and sculpture. And, don't miss the Hall of Art and Architecture. This enourmous room houses casts of early Greek and Roman buildings, as well as church and mission facades' which cannot be matched.
If you're in town for the Carnegie International, you're extra lucky. As one of the largest annual art shows, the museum hand picks pieces from around the world, showcasing leading contemporary artists. A must see.
There is a cafe inside the museum, as well as a couple of gift shops. There are also several restaurants on Craig Street, adjacent to the museum. There is paid parking next door to the Art museum. Metered street parking is also available. The museum is largely funded through the Carnegie Foundation, and has a huge donor program. Annual memberships offer great benefits.
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