A great museum experience for big kids at the Carnegie Museum of Art!

We had the pleasure of spending the afternoon at the Carnegie Museum of Art after a fabulous morning at the Natural History Museum. While it may seem like an art museum isn't a good spot for kids, we found that several of the exhibits available at the Carnegie were a great experience for our 6- and 8-year-old companions.

The museum offers several galleries that feature both modern and fine art including works from Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and other notable artists. These galleries are fun for upper elementary kids and older that can understand the significance of being in the presence of such iconic works.

If you've got little ones in tow, we recommend heading to the first floor where you'll find the Hall of Architecture and the Miniatures Gallery. The two adjacent galleries offer a study in opposites. The Hall of Architecture features mammoth recreations of famous architecture from all over the world, including life-size cathedral archways and balconies. Right next door, you'll find the Miniatures Gallery where you can see tiny, fully decorated rooms that would be perfect for a family of fairies. While toddlers might be a bit young to enjoy these exhibits, children ages 4 and up are likely to be delighted by both.

The museum also offers drop-in art programs for families with kids, included with admission. Be sure to ask at the admission counter or check the website to find out the programs that may be available on the day of your visit.

When the kids are tired of keeping their hands to themselves, head outside to Lozziwurm Play Sculpture where kids can climb on and through the play sculptures. This area also has tables available for anyone that needs a snack break.

Keep in mind that food is not allowed in any of the galleries, but families can enjoy food brought from home at one of the outdoor tables or in the cafeteria at the Fossil Fuels Cafe, on the lower level of the museum. Fossil Fuels also offers food for purchase as well as vending machines with snacks and drinks. Cafe Carnegie offers a more upscale dining option that may not be a great option for families with young children. (Both cafes were temporarily closed due to Covid-19 during our visit, however). If you need to purchase food, you can also walk about 1/10 of a mile down Forbes Avenue to take advantage of the outdoor food stalls and green space at Schenley Plaza.

Nursing mothers are welcome to feed their babies throughout the museum, but an extremely cozy, private nursing area is available on the first floor, near the Discovery Basecamp portion of the Natural History Museum. (Seriously, it's the most luxe nursing area I've ever seen!)

It should also be noted that the museum does not allow anything to be worn on visitors' backs. This includes backpacks and baby carriers. You may, however, wear bags and baby carriers on the front. Strollers are also welcome throughout the museum and strollers are available to borrow if you've forgotten yours at home. Be sure to remind little ones that touching is not allowed in any of the galleries. 

While many of the exhibits in the Carnegie Museum of Art may not be meant for families and kids, it's worth taking the time to check it out after you're done at the Museum of Natural History. We recommend allowing around 45-60 minutes if you just plan on visiting the Hall of Architecture and Miniatures Gallery and around 2 hours if you'd like to peruse the rest of the museum or complete a drop-in activity.