The Carnegie Museum of Art has been a bastion of the Pittsburgh cultural scene for over a century. The gallery was founded in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie, who wanted to create a space to house the “Old Masters of tomorrow”. His love for impressionist and modernist art is reflected in the pieces on display here, where Van Gogh and Monet sit alongside Lynda Benglis and Vincent Fecteau.
There is more to the Carnegie Museum of Art than just fine art, and its 35,000-piece collection includes decorative arts, architecture and photography. There are around 1,800 pieces on show at any one time, so the museum is constantly changing, and the 15 temporary exhibits that are hosted here every year add further variety.
Experience art on a grand scale in the architecture collections. Marvel at the intricate models and architectural designs on display in the Heinz Architectural Center, or head to the Hall of Architecture to enjoy more than 140 plaster casts of masterpieces, including classical statues like the Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace, and even the doors of the Florence Baptistry. This craze for making plaster moulds of famous works of art reached its head in the late 19th century, and was a way of ensuring that ordinary residents of places like Pittsburgh could enjoy the inspiring art and architecture of Europe without having to travel.
Interior design is celebrated in the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Galleries, where visitors can trace changing tastes in the tables and chairs used to decorate homes over several centuries. Or visit the museum’s newest collection – its photography archive, featuring works from the very early days of the photographic art, right up to modern compositions, with a special focus on local life.
The Carnegie Museum of Art is located in Oakland, east of central Pittsburgh. There is plenty of paid parking available, or if you prefer to use public transport, several buses stop nearby. The museum is closed on Mondays and stays open late on Thursdays for a reduced price. Visit the website for opening times and for a list of public holiday closures. Buying a ticket to the Carnegie Museum of Art will also give you entry to the neighbouring Carnegie Natural History Museum.
