Home to one of the great archives of life on Earth, Carnegie Museum of Natural History is a crucial resource for understanding biodiversity and humanity’s relationship to it. For 130 years, we have inspired Pittsburghers about the natural world and conducted groundbreaking research from the Arctic, to the Antarctic, to our own backyards.
Our vision is to steward and make the millions of specimens and objects in our collection— ranked among the top five in the nation—globally accessible and to inspire advocacy for life on our changing planet. Central to this is a holistic, inclusive, and vital visitor experience that weaves together beloved historic halls with new, dynamic experiences.
Reimagine the Museum Experience
Over the next several years, the museum will transform into a more contemporary, accessible, and engaging space. New features will include rotating exhibitions, transdisciplinary cultural halls, a sensory-rich gallery for our youngest visitors, and a reimagined dinosaur hall. Historic favorites will be refreshed with new content and interactive media, and a new introductory experience will welcome guests to this reimagined museum.
Future-Proof Collections
To secure the future of the 22 million specimens and objects in our care, we will invest in space and storage renovations and a large-scale informatics initiative to preserve and share our collections around the world. Dedicated endowments for ongoing conservation and physical care will ensure our extensive collections continue to receive the stewardship they deserve.
Advance Natural History Research and Impact
By endowing select curatorial positions, we will secure our place as a leading scientific institution in the study of the ancient Earth, living biodiversity, and the relationship between nature and culture. To further realize the mission to embrace responsibility for our collective future, we will expand local and international partnerships at both our Oakland campus and our field station at Powdermill Nature Reserve and leverage strengths in science education to democratize the study of life on Earth.
Brandon Mccracken
Senior Manager of Ecological Restoration with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
“Having these experts as a resource in our community is just huge.”
JOIN US!
This landmark campaign will unite people around Carnegie Museums’ mission and vision like never before, reshaping our future and the diverse communities we serve. We invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey.
To learn more, please contact:
Lisa Keller
Director of Development,
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
412.353.4833
KellerL@CarnegieMuseums.Org
Opportunities to support our vision
Egypt on the Nile
An immersive exhibition exploring the interdependence of natural and human history through ancient Egypt’s relationship with the Nile.
Rotating Exhibition Space
Located in the former Walton Hall of Egypt, this gallery will unite art and science, attract new and diverse audiences, and allow us to center our institutional mission.
Natural Wonder
A multisensory exhibition for early learners and their adults, fostering curiosity and exploration around the natural world.
Ancient Earth Welcome Experience
A refreshed entry in the current Benedum Hall of Geology that transforms visitors’ first impressions of the museum and deepens connections to our geologic heritage.
Informatics
A comprehensive digital ecosystem for capturing, managing, and preserving high-quality, accessible collection data.
Endowing Scientific Positions
Endowing the positions of our scientists and researchers will empower them to generate new knowledge and promote stewardship of Earth and its natural resources.
Natural History Research & Impact
By supporting groundbreaking work both on-site and in the field, we will reach new heights as a leading institution for scientific research.
