Accessibility

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, including Carnegie Science Center, welcomes all visitors.

We work to assist visitors with disabilities in obtaining reasonable and appropriate accommodations, and in supporting equal access to our websites, services, programs, and activities. Please note that requests for accommodations at our museums should be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. For specific questions, please see a staff member at the museum’s ticket counter or email accessibility@carnegiesciencecenter.org or call 412.237.3400. The four Carnegie Museums are committed to keeping their websites compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We welcome any feedback on how to improve our sites’ accessibility for all users, and we strive to develop websites that are accessible to all.

Enjoy a self-guided museum visit including sensory-friendly demos and hands-on activities, adjusted exhibit lights and sound effects throughout the museum, and special guests! View the Adventure Guide to help prepare for a stress-free visit. A Quiet Room is available for use during Sensory Hours; sensory backpacks are always available to borrow free of charge (at the Admissions Desk and in our Theaters spaces).

Sensory Map, Coming Soon!

Accessible Parking and Entrance

Accessible parking spaces are located in the rear of the Highmark Sportsworks building. Once parked, there is a large blue sign on the side of the main building directing you to the accessible entrance on the ground level of the main building.

Admission

A personal care attendant (PCA) accompanying a visitor with a disability receives free admission during their visit. PCA’s must identify themselves as a PCA when purchasing tickets onsite to receive free admission. Visitors with a PCA wishing to purchase tickets before their visit can call 412-237-3400.

PA ACCESS card holders, PA Medicaid Recipients and EBT card holders from any state are eligible for general admission at $4 each for the cardholder and up to 3 additional people. Visitors must present their EBT Card/ACCESS Card and matching photo ID to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer or group visit. Cardholder must be present.

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Community Access Memberships  aim to expand access to all four Carnegie Museums by making membership more accessible to all. We want more people to be able to afford and enjoy being part of our member community. They apply to Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, and the Andy Warhol Museum.

Free Teen Membership  invites teens to experience all that our four museums have to offer, including new programming created just for them. We want young people to see themselves in our museums. Teens, ages 13-18, now qualify to receive a free Teen Membership, which will remain active until a member turns 19. For Pennsylvania residents only.

Family Access Membership  helps remove financial barriers by offering full family membership benefits to individuals and families who are eligible for public assistance at the discounted price of $20 (compared to $160 for a regular family membership). For Pennsylvania residents only.

The Organizational Outreach Membership  invites eligible community-based nonprofits to share free, year-round museum access with the individuals and families they serve.

Nursing & Baby Care

Per Pennsylvania law, Carnegie Science Center welcomes caregivers to nurse their children in any public visitor spaces of the museum where they’re authorized to be, regardless of the use of a privacy drape/cover.

Should caregivers desire a more secluded location, there is an accessible Nursing/Family Care Room at the back of the Little Learner Clubhouse on the Fourth Floor. This room includes a sink, outlet, comfy chair, and some children’s books. This room has blinds and a door lock for privacy. It can be used by anyone who needs to pump milk, feed, or care for their children in a quiet, private space.

There are diaper-changing stations in many of our restrooms, including the single-user restrooms and family-care stations..

Restrooms

Carnegie Science Center values inclusivity and strives to ensure employees and visitors feel accepted, respected and welcomed in its museums and workplaces, including restroom facilities.  This policy outlines the museum’s approach to safe and appropriate access to sanitary facilities for all employees and visitors.

Employees, volunteers, visitors, contractors, vendors and others using Science Center facilities are welcome to access restrooms corresponding to their gender identity. Restroom access is at the discretion of the individual to determine the most appropriate and safest option for them. 

Accessible restrooms are available on every floor. Some may need or desire additional privacy and, regardless of the underlying reason, may access private gender-neutral restrooms as available in SpacePlace, The Rangos Giant Cinema Exit, and Highmark Sportsworks^®. No person, however, shall be required to use such a restroom. 

Restroom facilities are designated by posted signage throughout the Science Center. Please refer to visitor museum maps or consult security and/or visitor services staff for specific restroom locations.

There are diaper-changing stations in many of our restrooms, including the single-user restrooms and family-care stations. There additionally is an adult changing table in the First-Floor family restroom

For Visitors with Limited Mobility

Non-motorized wheelchairs and portable stools are available to use at no cost, on a first-come, first-served, basis. Motorized wheelchairs are available for $25 per day, no reservations. See a staff member at the first-floor ticket counter for availability. A photo ID is required.

Below-deck visits on the USS Requin Submarine require full mobility. For visitors who are unable to access the USS Requin tours, there is a virtual tour on the TV monitor at the bottom of the stairs in the PPG Science Pavilion (opposite The Rangos lobby), next to the scuba suit.

For Visitors on the Autism Spectrum and/or With Sensory Sensitivity

Sensory backpacks (including a pair of noise cancelling headphones, gloves, sunglasses, fidget toys, communication cards), weighted vests, blanket and lap pad are available to borrow at no-cost on a first-come, first served basis. See a staff member at the first-floor ticket counter for availability.

Enjoy a self-guided museum visit including sensory-friendly demos and hands-on activities, adjusted exhibit lights and sound effects throughout the museum, and special guests! View the Adventure Guide to help prepare for a stress-free visit. A Quiet Room is available for use during Sensory Hours; sensory backpacks are always available to borrow free of charge (at the Admissions Desk and in our Theaters spaces).

Click here to learn about our Sensory Sensitive Science Events!

For Visitors Who are Blind or with Low Vision

Sighted guides are available with two weeks advance notice. Most of our exhibits are interactive, hands-on experiences.

For Visitors Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

American Sign Language interpreters are available with two weeks advance notice.

Closed Captioning and Assistive Listening Devices are available for most shows in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Please contact us at 412.237.3400 or accessibilty@carnegiesciencecenter.org to confirm availability.

       

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the museum. Service animals are defined as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Accessibility Policy of Carnegie Museums

For policy details, read the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Notification/Resolution Procedure .