Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Dinosaurs in Their Time puts Carnegie's fossil discoveries into recreated ancient ecosystems, not just rows of impressive skeletons.
Artwork inspired by John Kane
The Carnegie's dinosaur halls reconstruct Mesozoic environments rather than displaying fossils as isolated trophies. Look for Diplodocus carnegii, named for the museum's benefactor, and compare the scale and posture of neighboring skeletons. Mineral, wildlife, and cultural displays widen the natural-history story beyond prehistoric life. The museum's research collections still help answer new questions.
The building is shared with Carnegie Museum of Art, and one admission covers both. Give the dinosaur galleries unhurried time before crossing into art; racing through both institutions can flatten each. The Oakland garage sits behind the museum on South Craig Street and charges by time. Weekday late-entry discounts suit a focused visit rather than a full museum day.
- Signature hall
- Dinosaurs in Their Time
- Shared ticket
- Carnegie Museum of Art
- Best allowance
- At least two hours
Quick guide
- Start with the fossils
- Use Dinosaurs in Their Time to read each skeleton in its environmental setting.
- Make the comparison
- Seek a second gallery beyond dinosaurs before crossing into the art museum.
Know before you go
- Meet Diplodocus
- Its scientific history is tied to the museum's early expeditions.
- Look past size
- Recreated plants and neighboring species explain the ecosystem.
- Choose your pace
- A single ticket covers two major museums; pick priorities.
- Use the garage
- Entrance is on South Craig Street, behind the Forbes Avenue facade.
Good to know
The museum and Carnegie Museum of Art share the Oakland building and ticket, but they are separate collections. The garage is paid, and its entrance is behind the building on South Craig Street.
Notice these
- Diplodocus carnegii
- Dinosaurs in Their Time
- Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems