How Big Is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History?

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest natural history museums in the United States. With over 1.5 million visitors each year, the museum showcases an extensive collection of specimens and artifacts that represent the natural world.

Size and Layout

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History covers an area of 115,000 square feet, which is divided into 20 galleries. The museum’s exhibits are organized into three main sections: Life on Earth, Earth Revealed, and Dinosaurs in Their Time.

Life on Earth

The Life on Earth section features exhibits that showcase the diversity of life on our planet. This section includes displays on mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

One of the highlights of this section is the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems. This exhibit features a stunning display of over 1,300 minerals and gems from around the world. Visitors can marvel at specimens such as giant amethyst geodes and rare diamonds.

Earth Revealed

The Earth Revealed section focuses on geology and earth science. This section includes exhibits on rocks and minerals, earthquakes and volcanoes, ancient seas and life forms, as well as energy production.

One of the most popular exhibits in this section is the Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt. Visitors can explore replicas of ancient Egyptian tombs and artifacts from daily life.

Dinosaurs in Their Time

The Dinosaurs in Their Time section is a must-visit for any dinosaur enthusiast. This exhibit features a collection of dinosaur skeletons displayed in their natural habitats.

One highlight is Dippy the Diplodocus – a massive dinosaur skeleton that dominates one end of the gallery. Visitors can also see fossils from other prehistoric creatures such as mammoths and mastodons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is a vast and fascinating museum that offers something for everyone. With its impressive collection of specimens and artifacts, it is no wonder that the museum attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year. Whether you are interested in life on Earth, geology and earth science, or dinosaurs, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is definitely worth a visit.