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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Science Center's operating hours? Is Highmark SportsWorks^® open at the same time?
The Science Center is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day. We are closed for Steelers home games with 1 and 4 pm kickoff times, and we may close early for others. We operate with extended hours during the holidays as well. Please check our website prior to your visit for any schedule changes. Highmark SportsWorks^® is open at the same time as the rest of the Science Center unless noted otherwise.

How much is general admission?
General admission prices vary for adults, children, and seniors. Current pricing can be found here. Members enjoy free general admission to the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, as well as other benefits. Information on membership can be found here.

Do I need to buy tickets ahead of time before coming to Carnegie Science Center?
No. You can buy tickets upon entering our main building and do not need to buy tickets ahead of time. Please be aware that our lines are longer during certain times, so you may want to arrive early.

What is Highmark SportsWorks^®?
Highmark SportsWorks^® is located adjacent to the Science Center's main building and contains interactive exhibits on the physics of sports, health and fitness, and sports challenges. More information can be found here.

Can I buy tickets at Highmark SportsWorks^®?
No, you cannot buy tickets in the Highmark SportsWorks^® building. All ticketing is done in the Main Lobby of Carnegie Science Center, and ample directional signage is available.

What does general admission mean?
General admission includes Highmark SportsWorks^®, roboworld^™, USS Requin, the rest of our four floors of hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and live demonstration shows. It does not include movies or laser shows, but these can be purchased for a special add-on price when you purchase general admission. Please visit our pricing page for current rates.

Is Highmark SportsWorks^® included when I come to the Science Center?
Yes, it is included with general admission.

How do you get to Highmark SportsWorks^®?
The building is bright red and is located directly adjacent to the main building. You can exit on the ground floor by Group Services or exit through the main set of automatic doors to reach paths to enter. You must show your wristband upon entering Highmark SportsWorks^®.

How do you get to the submarine?
Go down to the ground floor via the ramps. Once you reach the bottom of the ramp, keep going straight until you reach a set of double doors on each side of you. Turn right and go outside using that set of double doors. Follow the path down and toward the Rivers Casino until you see where you can board the submarine.

Highmark SportsWorks^® is appropriate for what ages?
Highmark SportsWorks^® is appropriate for all ages, although some experiences have height and weight requirements. If you are unsure what exhibits are right for you, ask a staff member dressed in red.

Are movies or laser shows included with general admission?
Movies and laser shows are not included with general admission, although each is available for an add-on price when you purchase general admission. Please visit our pricing page for current prices.

Do members have to pay for movies?
Yes, members do need to pay for movie tickets, but they do enjoy discounted prices. Please visit our pricing page for current prices.

What discounts do you offer?
We offer student discounts with a valid student ID, military discounts with valid military ID, discounts for those with Pennsylvania Access cards and photo ID, and other discounts throughout the year.

Is there a separate price for just Highmark SportsWorks^®?
No. Highmark SportsWorks^® is included with general admission. Those wishing to visit the exhibit must pay general admission.

Can I park at the Science Center for Pirates or Steelers games?
Yes, you can park at the Science Center for Pirates, Steelers, and Pitt games by paying the special event rate posted when you enter.

For what ages is the Science Center geared?
The Science Center welcomes all ages. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The Science Center has hands-on exhibits that are geared for every age level. Whether you are a two-year-old who loves to explore on the fourth floor in Little Learner Clubhouse. or a fun-loving adult who loves to learn about astronomy, we have experiences to suit every age and interest.

Does my membership include entrance to Highmark SportsWorks^®?
Yes, it does.

Is the submarine included with general admission?
Yes, it is. Those wishing to board the submarine only can do so by paying a walk-up fee. Please visit our pricing page for current prices.

What are the submarine hours?
Submarine hours vary depending on the time of year. Generally, in the winter months it is open on weekends only, weather permitting. During the summer, it is open daily from 10 am to around 4 pm. Please visit our website prior to your visit or ask the Ticket Counter upon entering for your day of exploration.

I'm coming with my kids and do not plan on participating in any of the activities or interacting with the exhibits. Do I still have to pay for general admission?
Yes, you must still pay for general admission. We cannot monitor those who are interacting with the exhibits and those who aren't. But we do encourage you to do so, because the Science Center is the perfect place to do something fun with your kids and encourage an interest in learning about the world. All of our exhibits are enjoyable, and all you need to bring is some enthusiasm and a willingness to explore.

How do I find out what programs are available?
Explore our website or our Field Trip Planner publication to learn about various demonstrations or Buhl Planetarium programs. Call our reservation staff to check availability of the programs you are interested in. With advance notice, we can schedule programs for your group.

What can I schedule for?
With advance notice, our reservation staff can schedule Buhl Planetarium programs and demonstrations into your day. All programs and times are subject to availability so call well in advance to reserve your visit. Demonstrations and planetarium shows are only available Monday through Friday.

Are there any restrictions as to what I can bring with me to the science center?
We welcome our guests to bring things with them to make sure their visit is comfortable and enjoyable. For the safety and comfort of all of our visitors and the preservation of our exhibits, there are a few restrictions. Firearms and Weapons of any kind are not permitted in our buildings. Our buildings are gun free facilities and our entire campus is smoke and tobacco free. This includes smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes or vaping devices. Guests are welcome to bring their own food or enjoy food purchased in our Riverview Café. Open food or drink containers are not permitted in our exhibit areas. Strollers are welcome and are available to rent.  Several of our theaters and the USS Requin submarine cannot accommodate strollers inside. Ask a staff member for more details and stroller parking options.