When Andrew Carnegie thought about a museum collection, he envisioned creating a haven for “the old masters of tomorrow.” In 1895, that vision was realized with the founding of the Carnegie Art Museum. Today, that very Carnegie Art Museum remains one of the four pillars of the Carnegie Institute, along with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie Science Center. Located in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Art Museum has a growing international reputation as one of the foremost leaders for the presentation of contemporary art, and remains as innovative as the day it first opened.
At the turn of the century, Carnegie was relatively alone in his vision. Most other art museums of the time focused on collections of great painters from years past. With this project, he wanted to create a collection for the great artists of tomorrow. Early purchases of artists including the likes of Winslow Homer and Camille Pissarro established the museum as what it has become today – the distinguished home of mid-19th century to contemporary American art.
In 1993, the Heinz Architectural Center was opened as an addition to the original project. Today, the Hall of Architecture contains the nation’s largest collection of plaster casts of great architectural works, and one of the three largest in the world. In recent times, the museum has also expanded its collection of Japanese prints and African art, in addition to its European and American art from the late 17th century to the present.
In any given year, the Carnegie Art Museum will run an approximated 15 exhibitions, featuring work from its permanent collection as well as new items. It is also currently expanding its range of educational program for the likes of teachers, students, and youth groups. From lectures and workshops to gallery guides and performances, the Carnegie Art Museum is attempting to broaden its appeal and inspire a new generation of art lovers. An updated schedule of the museum’s lectures can be found on the official website of the Carnegie Art Museum.
Conservation is an extremely important aspect of its operations, with a newly renovated laboratory to restore artwork. It also focuses heavily on publications and audio-visual materials that document the history of the museum itself and many of its featured works. More recently, a book club has been formed at the museum, creating a space for the discussion of books related to the museum’s collection.
Inside the Carnegie Art Museum can also be found the Museum of Art Café and the Fossil Fuels Café, as well as the Carnegie Museum of Art Store, where visitors can purchase exhibit-related posters, posters and other gifts. Located at 4400 Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Art Museum is open from 10am – 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 12pm – 5pm on Sunday. General admission tickets cost $10, $7 for seniors, and $6 for students and children. Annual memberships can also be purchased at a discounted rate.
Carnegie Art Museum
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