Carnegie Museum of Art
Museum Contemporary and historical art collections in Pittsburgh
Part of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museums complex, the Carnegie Museum of Art houses modern and contemporary collections, rotating exhibitions, and a sculpture hall. Visitors explore permanent holdings, temporary shows, and nearby museum district amenities.
The Carnegie Museum of Art is an art museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie. It is one of the institutions that make up the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and focuses on historical and contemporary art.
Galleries feature European and American paintings and sculpture alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions and special displays. The museum participates in longer-running initiatives and exhibitions that bring international contemporary work to Pittsburgh.
Established at the end of the 19th century by Andrew Carnegie, the museum has grown as part of a broader cultural complex that includes the Carnegie Library and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Over time it has expanded its collection and programming to include modern and contemporary art.
The museum is located in the Oakland neighbourhood of Pittsburgh near other cultural and educational institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh and nearby museums.
- Founding: Founded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1895 and part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh complex in the Oakland neighbourhood.
How to Get to Carnegie Museum of Art #
The Carnegie Museum of Art is in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighbourhood (near Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Mellon University) at Forbes Avenue. By car it is about 3 miles (≈5 km) east of downtown Pittsburgh via I‑376/Forbes Avenue; follow I‑376 east to the Oakland/Forbes Avenue exits. Port Authority buses run from downtown and other city areas to Oakland-get off at the Carnegie Museums/Forbes Avenue stop and it’s a short walk (a few minutes) to the museum.
Tips for Visiting Carnegie Museum of Art #
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid school groups and weekend crowds; the galleries are far quieter early in the day for studying permanent collections.
- Use the main Forbes Avenue entrance and plan to combine your trip with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History next door-both museums share the building and a combined visit makes efficient use of time.
- Check the museum's website for temporary exhibition booking or timed-entry requirements before you go; major special exhibitions often require advance tickets and can draw larger crowds.
Best Time to Visit Carnegie Museum of Art #
For fewer crowds, visit on weekday mornings during the school term; expect peak attendance in summer and around holiday exhibitions.
Weather & Climate near Carnegie Museum of Art #
Carnegie Museum of Art's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (973 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.