Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, founded in 1896, houses over 22 million specimens, approximately 10,000 of which are on display at any given time throughout the building's 20 galleries. Each gallery explores a different aspect of the natural world, from the age of the dinosaurs right up to the wild beasts that still roam our continents today.

The Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems is a true treat for the eyes. With more than 1,300 glistening crystals and sparkling stones from all over the globe (or rather from underneath its surface), it's a veritable treasure trove of form and colour. Search for your birthstone in the Wertz Gallery, which has an extensive collection of jewellery and gems on display, or observe the glowing mineral light show in the Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Room.

Animal lovers will have a field day exploring the African, American and Arctic wildlife displays where zebras, buffalo and polar bears pose amid artifacts, sculptures and historical photographs.

Take a journey back in time with the Ice Age Animals exhibit where you will see the now extinct American mammoth, Irish elk and the New Zealand moa bird. Venture further into the museum and the Dinosaurs in Their Time exhibit will take you one step further back in time. Walk through the towering skeletal dinosaur collection including the most complete T-Rex in the world.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is located on Forbes Avenue in the Oakland neighbourhood of East Pittsburgh. It is easily accessible by bus from the city centre and also has paid parking facilities to the rear of the building if you'd rather drive. It's open every day except for each Monday between Labour Day and Memorial Day and some national holidays. Make sure to take a look at the official website for exact opening times and to see what kind of exhibitions are on during your visit.