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The Science Behind Pixar
The Science Behind Pixar

The Science Behind Pixar

Now Open!
May 25, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025

Welcome to #PIXARburgh!

Step into the world of Pixar in this blockbuster exhibition with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mike and Sulley, Nemo and Dory, and all your favorite Pixar characters!

Dive into the minds of the artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar’s award-winning films to the big screen. Go behind the scenes with The Science Behind Pixar exhibition as you replicate Pixar magic using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through more than 50 interactive and hands-on displays.

Flex your STEM muscles by taking on fun challenges filled with STEM concepts throughout the two-story, 12,000-square-foot playground:

Jessie from Toy Story
Peer into Jessie’s mind from Toy Story 2 while manipulating her facial expressions by moving sliders.
WALL•E
Create a robot friend for WALL•E by utilizing magnetic body parts.
Lightning McQueen
Head to Ramone’s “House of Body Art” from Cars and virtually change the appearance of a car hood.
Ants from A Bug's Life carrying food
Explore a large re-creation of a set from A Bug’s Life from different perspectives.
Marlin and Dory
Channel your inner Mr. Ray from Finding Nemo while directing a school of fish.
Girl with the Pixar Lamp
Create a stop-motion movie by moving the iconic jumping Pixar lamp across a curved track.
Jessie from Toy Story
Peer into Jessie’s mind from Toy Story 2 while manipulating her facial expressions by moving sliders.
Lightning McQueen
Head to Ramone’s “House of Body Art” from Cars and virtually change the appearance of a car hood.
Marlin and Dory
Channel your inner Mr. Ray from Finding Nemo while directing a school of fish.
WALL•E
Create a robot friend for WALL•E by utilizing magnetic body parts.
Ants from A Bug's Life carrying food
Explore a large re-creation of a set from A Bug’s Life from different perspectives.
Girl with the Pixar Lamp
Create a stop-motion movie by moving the iconic jumping Pixar lamp across a curved track.

Plus, your selfies are about to get an animated upgrade! Strike a pose with life size re-creations of Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, Mike and Sulley from Monsters University, Dory from Finding Nemo, Edna Mode from The Incredibles, and WALL•E from WALL•E.

Get ready for a thrilling, interactive, and informative experience with The Science Behind Pixar at Carnegie Science Center! Whether you’re booking a Pixar field trip, planning a family trip, or revisiting your favorite Pixar movies and characters, you’re in for a totally good time. Adventure awaits in The Science Behind Pixar exhibition in Pittsburgh, a short drive from Cleveland, Ohio!

Little boy with Buzz Lightyear
Mom and son with Edna Mode
Woman with Wall•E
Family with Mike and Sulley

Buy your Pixar tickets today!

Pair your exhibition with extra Pixar magic!

Included with General Admission bundle.

  • Spot Nemo hidden throughout the USS Requin submarine tour

Requires separate ticket – check for availability before visit.

Buzz Around the Burgh Social Media Contest

Where is Buzz Lightyear? Put on your detective hat and observe each photo of Buzz on Instagram. To enter the Contest, Participants must follow Carnegie Science Center’s Instagram Page (@kaminscictr) opens in a new window and correctly identify in the comments on the Buzz photos the Pittsburgh landmark where Buzz has landed and must also tag a friend. The Prize Winner will be randomly selected from those Participants who correctly identified the Pittsburgh landmark where Buzz landed the week prior. Buzz Around the Burgh Social Media Contest ends January 1, 2025.

Contest Rules opens in a new window


Exclusive $10 Tickets for College Students!

Ready to dive into the enchanting world of Pixar? For a limited time only, we’re offering an exclusive $10 ticket to explore The Science Behind Pixar exhibition and enjoy General Admission to Carnegie Science Center! This incredible deal is available only to college students with a valid student ID. Step into the shoes of your favorite Pixar characters and relive the magic of Toy Story, the adventure of Finding Nemo, and the heroics of The Incredibles.

The discount is valid through Jan. 5, 2025, and is applied when you buy your ticket onsite at the Ticket Counter.

Please note, limited to one discounted Admission per valid student ID, no discount for online sales. The Science Center is located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore and is accessible by public transportation.

Visitor FAQ

How much do tickets cost?

Advance purchase of timed tickets is recommended.

$15 for all Members

Nonmember Adult: $22
Nonmember Senior (65+): $20
Nonmember Child (3–12 years): $18

The Science Behind Pixar + Carnegie Science Center General Admission – Save up to $7!

Nonmember Adult: $40
Nonmember Senior (65+): $35
Nonmember Child (3–12): $30

Do groups receive discounts?

Yes! Carnegie Science Center is now accepting group reservations for The Science Behind Pixar. Groups of 15 or more people receive a discount on The Science Behind Pixar when they book their visit at least two weeks in advance. Call 412.237.3400 to book a group visit today. Explore The Science Behind Pixar Educator Guide to support your group before and after a visit!

The Science Behind Pixar tickets:

Group (15+) – $13

The Science Behind Pixar + Carnegie Science Center Group Admission:

Weekday group – $23

Weekend group – $26

What age is this exhibition appropriate for?

We recommend the exhibition to children ages 5+; however, every child is different. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any of our team members.

How long does it take to tour the exhibition?

We recommend you allot 60–90 minutes to tour the full exhibition.

May we take photos of The Science Behind Pixar?

Yes, we encourage visitors to take photos and videos. Don’t forget to tag @kaminsciencecenter! Members of the news media must contact Sarah Reichle at ReichleS@CarnegieScienceCenter.org to arrange for a photography shoot.

When is this exhibition on display?

Sat, May 25, 2024—Sun., Jan. 5, 2025

The Science Behind Pixar is only in Pittsburgh for a limited time.

Displayed in:

PPG Science Pavilion

 

Sponsored by:

Pepsi logo

Eat'n Park 75th Anniversary - logo

 

Produced by:

Museum of Science