Pittsburgh

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

  • July 8 2026
  • Within Walking Distance
Overview
Getting To and From
Inside the Venue
Onsite Accessibility
Our Guidelines
Comments
About
Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, located at 4400 Forbes Avenue in the Oakland neighborhood, sharing its landmark building with Carnegie Museum of Art. Renowned for its dinosaur collection, Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, wildlife dioramas, and anthropology halls, it welcomes all visitors: the building is wheelchair accessible throughout, with power-assist doors at every main entrance, accessible parking in the garage, free loaner wheelchairs, and accessible restrooms on all floors. It is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thursdays until 8 p.m.; closed Tuesdays from Labor Day through Memorial Day), and weekday admission is discounted after 3 p.m.
Getting To and From
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
The museum parking garage is entered at the corner of Forbes Avenue and South Craig Street. Designated accessible spaces are available for visitors with disabilities; the garage clearance is 6 feet 8 inches.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Off site Parking
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
Power-assist doors are located at all main entrances: the front of the building on Forbes Avenue, the rear of the building via the parking garage, and the Portal Entry. The rear garage entrance is the natural accessible route from the accessible parking spaces.
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
A Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History building map (PDF, Visitor Services) shows galleries, entrances, restrooms, and amenities by floor. On-site, staff also refer visitors to the museum map at the admission desk or Visitor Services.
Inside the Venue
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
Rather than one separately designated accessible door, all three main entrances (Forbes Avenue front, rear via the parking garage, and Portal Entry) have power-assist doors; the rear garage entrance connects directly to the accessible parking spaces.
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Yes
Yes
Power-assist (automatic) doors are provided at the main entrances — the Forbes Avenue front, the rear entrance via the parking garage, and the Portal Entry.
Security Checkpoint
Yes
Yes
Bags larger than 14 x 17 x 8 inches must be checked at the coat rooms. Food and drink are not permitted in the exhibition halls. Coat rooms are at the rear entrance near the parking garage and on the lower level of the Grand Staircase; paid lockers are on the lower level of the Grand Staircase.
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
Standard manual wheelchairs are available free of charge at the museum coat rooms / admission desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal manual or motorized wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters are welcome. Strollers are also provided free of charge, or you may bring your own. Personal care attendants (PCAs) accompanying a visitor with a disability receive free admission.
Accessible Seating (Theater)
No
Yes

Getting To and From

Find essential details on parking, drop-off points, and accessibility to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
Check the table below for more information.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
The museum parking garage is entered at the corner of Forbes Avenue and South Craig Street. Designated accessible spaces are available for visitors with disabilities; the garage clearance is 6 feet 8 inches.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Off site Parking
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
Power-assist doors are located at all main entrances: the front of the building on Forbes Avenue, the rear of the building via the parking garage, and the Portal Entry. The rear garage entrance is the natural accessible route from the accessible parking spaces.
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
A Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History building map (PDF, Visitor Services) shows galleries, entrances, restrooms, and amenities by floor. On-site, staff also refer visitors to the museum map at the admission desk or Visitor Services.

Inside the Venue

Get to know what to expect indoors—from seating layouts to restrooms and concessions.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
Rather than one separately designated accessible door, all three main entrances (Forbes Avenue front, rear via the parking garage, and Portal Entry) have power-assist doors; the rear garage entrance connects directly to the accessible parking spaces.
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Yes
Yes
Power-assist (automatic) doors are provided at the main entrances — the Forbes Avenue front, the rear entrance via the parking garage, and the Portal Entry.
Security Checkpoint
Yes
Yes
Bags larger than 14 x 17 x 8 inches must be checked at the coat rooms. Food and drink are not permitted in the exhibition halls. Coat rooms are at the rear entrance near the parking garage and on the lower level of the Grand Staircase; paid lockers are on the lower level of the Grand Staircase.
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
Standard manual wheelchairs are available free of charge at the museum coat rooms / admission desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal manual or motorized wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters are welcome. Strollers are also provided free of charge, or you may bring your own. Personal care attendants (PCAs) accompanying a visitor with a disability receive free admission.
Accessible Seating (Theater)
No
Yes

Onsite Accessibility

Learn about ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features available during your visit
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Restrooms
Yes
Yes
Accessible restrooms are indicated by signs and located on all floors. Ask a visitor services team member or refer to the museum map for locations. A private breastfeeding area is located near Discovery Basecamp.
Elevators
Yes
Yes
 
On-Site Dining
Yes
Yes
Café Carnegie on the first floor has a coffee bar and restaurant with a seasonal menu; Fossil Fuels in the basement is a grab-and-go counter. The dining areas are wheelchair accessible. Outdoor seating is available in the sculpture garden. No food or drink is permitted in the exhibition halls.
Theater, Auditorium, etc. (Museum)
Yes
Yes
Carnegie Museum of Natural History (4400 Forbes Avenue, Oakland) is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, known for its dinosaur halls, minerals and gems, wildlife dioramas, and anthropology collections. Registered service animals such as guide dogs are permitted.
Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thursdays until 8 p.m.; closed Tuesdays from Labor Day through Memorial Day). Weekday admission is discounted to $12 after 3 p.m. (code AFTER3). Free Wi-Fi is available (DQE – Carnegie Museums WiFi).
Our Guidelines
1. Make Accessibility Info Easy to Find - Dedicated Website Accessibility Page

Clearly post detailed accessibility information online, covering parking, entrances, interior pathways, site plans, and more.


2. Include All Mobility Devices

Consider walkers, canes, crutches — not just wheelchairs. Provide specifics for a variety of mobility needs. Include people who use different devices in the conversation.

3. Go Beyond ADA Compliance

ADA is the minimum. Strive for real-world accessibility through thoughtful design and ongoing improvements.

4. Visibility = Accessibility

If disabled visitors aren't present, barriers may exist. Transparency and preparation are the keys to inclusion. Empower everyone to attend.

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Where Should We Go Next?

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