Behind the Scenes Tour: Big Bone Room

Photo credit: John Schisler, courtesy of Carnegie Magazine

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10:30–11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 2:00–3:00 p.m., and 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Tickets: $50 (includes museum admission).

Visitors ages 18+ are invited to join Dr. Matt Lamanna, Mary R. Dawson Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, or Dr. Sarah Davis, Collection Manager of Paleobiology, for a tour of the Big Bone Room. See a fraction of the vertebrate paleontology collection’s 90,000 specimens, which are housed in this space. You’ll get a close up look at dinosaur fossils not on display, historically significant specimens dating back to the museum’s early days, and fossil vertebrates from the Pittsburgh region. Learn about the paleontology research happening at the museum and ask the experts your questions.

Sign up today! Spots are limited to 10 people per tour on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: To participate in the Big Bone Room tour, participants will need to be able to stand for the duration of the tour and navigate uneven flooring. If you have any concerns regarding accessibility, please email us.

Purchase Tickets for Behind the Scenes Tour: Big Bone Room

Choose your time and purchase your ticket below. Tours meet in the front lobby across from the Admissions Desk and will depart for the Big Bone Room promptly at the tour start time.

Get Tickets for 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Get Tickets for 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Get Tickets for 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Get Tickets for 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Behind the Scenes Tours are part of DinoFest! General admission for June 13 is included with your Big Bone Room tour ticket. We encourage you to enjoy the museum and DinoFest before and after your tour.