Museum Encounters
The Schmecklinger family poses for a photo before their visit to the big city museum. They look very excited, don't they?
These museums that are listed are located in and around the Pittsburgh area. They are all less than two hours from Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Click on any of the museum names to take you to their website!
Some people like to get very dressed up when visiting a museum. Other folks, like Jerome, enjoy a more casual look.
Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
A Pittsburgh cultural landmark. We all know the dinosaurs and animals from the Museum of Natural History. But. . . have you visited the amazing galleries of art? If not, you'll be shocked, surprised and stunned! The collection contains artwork from ancient artifacts to the most modern installation art.
By the way...the Carnegie Museum of Art has been recognized by Child Magazine as one of the top five art museums for children!
Who says you can't BE the main attraction when visiting a museum? Mrs. Ethel Whammerman says that her daughter Judith is not just an artist, she's a real work of art. I agree!
The Frick Art and Historical Center
The Frick Museum and Clayton have many activities and exhibits throughout the year. Please check the website for the latest information about special events.
If you've never been to this collection of small museums (and totally unbelievable house), you're in for a BIG surprise. There is an internationally famous art museum, antique car museum, botanical greenhouse, and Victorian mansion in one place.
The house, named "Clayton," was lived in by the Frick family from the late 1800's until 1984. EVERYTHING is exactly as it was when the Fricks lived there (including their toothbrushes). There are many cool surprises at Clayton and you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time !
Young Sylvia O' Talley is a real fan of sculpture. Here, she strikes a inspired pose at the Carnegie Museum of Art. She is hoping to "BOO" just the right person. YIKES!
Mrs. Mavis Madrid, son Carlo, and family pet Smoothie after being ejected from the museum luncheon counter. Smoothie is pouting. The waitress discovered he wasn't human after requesting a milkshake in a soup bowl. Sorry folks, no pets served.
The Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Museum
and...
The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
This interactive, 20,000 square-foot exhibit features recreated environments, interactive elements and kiosks, video presentations, images and more. Most importantly, real artifacts such as game worn uniforms, trophies, sports equipment, pennants and banners, artifacts related to fan involvement and architectural elements from sports stadiums bring you face to face with the history of sports in Western Pennsylvania.
The history museum is actually part of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. If your ancestors are from the Pittsburgh area (Indiana included), you'll learn all sorts of interesting facts about them. If your ancestors aren't from this area, you'll still find this museum to be very cool. It has state-of-the-art displays that interact and changing exhibits that show everything from antique toys to glassmaking techniques. So if you have an interest in History and would like to see it in an extremely awesome way, visit The John Heinz Museum !
Middy and Martie, the Madrid sisters. The girls are a bit under the weather after having their own little museum issue. While visiting the woven fabric gallery, a far-sighted artist knitted their heads together.
The Pittsburgh Children's Museum
What's up at the Children's Museum? A LOT ! Be sure to click on the special events link when you visit the Children's Museum Web Site.
This museum can only be explained in one word AWESOME ! ! ! There are so many things to do, see, and make, you won't believe it. Almost all of the displays and exhibits are hands on (that means you can touch and play with them). Some of the exhibits include a 1800's play market area, an interactive Mister Rogers neighborhood (you'll love it no matter how old you are). So take your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who deserves to be a kid for a day and HAVE FUN ! ! !