Pittsburgh's full of surprises. And, the only way we can truly get bored is if we don't look hard enough for something to do. Even if you're on a tight budget, you'll find plenty of ways - from hanging out at a nearby state park to embarking on self-guided tours of the city - to wile away a few hours or an entire day. In fact, here are five little known museums in Pittsburgh where admission free.
1. Old Allegheny County Jail Museum
Get a glimpse of what life was like for prisoners at the Old Allegheny County Jail on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. But, before you take a peek into a preserved cell block, listen as a docent tells you the story behind the former jail, which closed in 1995. Today, the rest of the old Allegheny County Jail serves as the Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. (Be prepared to go through security when you enter the building.)
Old Allegheny County Jail Museum is located at 440 Ross St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
2. The Center for PostNatural History
Explore how human culture has impacted evolution at the Center for PostNatural History. The free museum features both permanent exhibits and a specimens vault. Included in the specimens lab are a ribless mouse embryo and a triploid Atlantic salmon. Check out the permanent exhibits, such as the Domestication of the Dinosaur and The American Eugenics Archive. Unfortunately, the Center for PostNatural History is closed, due to renovations, until March 2019.
The Center for PostNatural History is located at 4913 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224.
3. Bicycle Heaven
Did you know Pittsburgh's home to the "World's Biggest Bicycle Museum and Shop?" Bicycle Heaven is the place to go for bicycle enthusiasts and for those on the hunt for a new bike, bike parts, and bike accessories. Today, the museum, which opened in 1996, houses more than 4,000 bicycles, including such famous bikes as the bike from "A Beautiful Mind." Before you leave, pick up a souvenir - a t-shirt or a sweatshirt - to commemorate your visit.
Bicycle Heaven is located at 1800 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
4. Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff and Music Museum
Johnny Angel, of Johnny Angel and the Halos fame, welcomes visitors to Johnny Angel's Ginchy Stuff and Music Museum. Peruse the museum that's brimming with music memorabilia, old records, and autographed pictures in a collection that dates back to the 1950s.
Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff and Music Museum is located at 1800 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
5. Big Mac Museum
Pittsburgh's favorite sandwich might be, arguably, the Primanti Brothers, topped with fries and coleslaw. But, one of the top sandwiches in the world is undoubtedly the Big Mac, invented right here in western PA by Jim Delligatti. Fans of the Big Mac, and McDonald's in general, can visit the Big Mac Museum, tucked right in a McDonald's in North Huntington. Snap photos of the memorabilia, including a 14-foot statue of the Big Mac.
The Big Mac Museum is located at 9061 US-30, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.
Do you know of any other little known museums in Pittsburgh where the admission is free? Let us know in the comments! Then, click here to read about several other must visit museums in Pittsburgh.
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