Pittsburgh is home to a wealth of cultural institutions, some of the best of which are its museums. Rather than rushing to see everything in one visit though, why not get an annual membership to your favorite museum so that you can enjoy it whenever you’d like? You’ll be able to peruse the museum at your own pace, and in just a few visits a year, you’ll save money versus the cost of admissions fees. Most memberships also include special benefits and admission to other museums in their network. Below are the top three museum memberships to consider.
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh have a comprehensive annual membership that gives you unlimited access to four different museums: The Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Carnegie Science Center (which includes Highmark SportsWorks®). These are some of the most highly rated museums in Pittsburgh where you can enjoy world-famous artwork, dinosaur fossils, and interactive science exhibits. Other perks are reciprocal admission to partner museums in other cities, invitations to members-only events, a subscription to the CARNEGIE magazine, and special discounts to the museum gift shops, cafés, and The Rangos Giant Cinema.
Annual Membership Levels: $50 for Seniors, $75 for an Individual, $100 for Dual (you do not have to be a couple), $150 for a Family with Children, and $250 for a Premium Membership (includes guests). There is also an option for a monthly payment plan.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is full of fun, educational exhibits for kids of all ages. If you have children or just nieces and nephews that you want to spoil, then a membership here is a must. You can also gift a membership to a friend or family member. Pittsburgh is one of the rainiest cities in the US, so if you’re looking for an indoor option to entertain your little ones, bring them to the museum to play in the climbing structure, the waterplay area, or the multimedia art studio. Membership includes unlimited admission, invitations to members-only events, free or discounted admission to other museums around the world, and discounts on parking, summer camps, and more.
Annual Membership Levels: $125 for a Single Parent Family, $150 for a Family, $200 for a Large Family, $200 for Extended Family, $200 for Grandparents, $350 for a Deluxe Family, and $230 for a Family Combo Membership with the National Aviary. There are also 2-year memberships for more savings.
Senator John Heinz History Center
The Senator John Heinz History Center has six floors that showcase 250 years of history. Pittsburgh’s past is celebrated in exhibits like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which features original set pieces from the nationally-acclaimed television show. The museum is also affiliated with the Smithsonian and hosts traveling exhibitions, such as Destination Moon, the Apollo 11 Moon Landing exhibit. Heinz History Center membership includes unlimited admission, along with membership to the Smithsonian Institute, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, and the Fort Pitt Museum. Other member benefits are subscriptions to multiple publications, discounts on lectures, tours, parking, and more, and access to members-only events.
Annual Membership Levels: $57 for Seniors, $60 for an Individual, $70 for Dual, $80 for Grandparents, $85 for Family, and $125-$5,000 for various donor levels.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
