Photo Antiquities — Attraction in Pittsburgh

I decided to walk over the Warhol Bridge to check out the Photo Antiquities Museum, intrigued after seeing it listed as “open” on Google Maps. When I arrived, the entrance was blocked by a metal gate—even though the “open” sign was clearly displayed. A small sign instructed visitors to enter through Bernie’s Photo Store next door.

When I walked in, a woman approached me, and I asked about the museum. She seemed confused and had no idea what I was referring to. Only then did an older gentleman behind the counter speak up and tell me the museum is by appointment only. I explained that I had checked online beforehand, and nothing mentioned needing an appointment—not on Google, not on the museum’s website, and not on the door outside.

He dismissively replied, “Well, if you look online…” But I had. There was absolutely no indication that appointments were required.

His attitude was unnecessarily rude and condescending. The store was completely empty, and he had another staff member present. There was no reason he couldn’t have taken 20–30 minutes to show me the space—especially considering how misleading the signage and online listings were. Extremely Disappointing Experience

This was my last day in Pittsburgh, and I made a point of walking over from downtown specifically to see the museum. I left feeling unwelcome and frustrated. Based on this experience, I would not recommend supporting this business or any of its...

Intense jam-packed bursting-at-the-seams Museum of nicely organized photos and cameras dating from the earliest camera development and forward requiring film. Exec Dir Bruce Klein gives an excellent one hour plus tour of the history. Hours are limited and by reservation only, but Bruce can be accommodating. It is totally worth trying to score a reservation. Museum is on 2nd floor with no elevator, so people with mobility issues be forewarned. However on the ground floor is a special exhibit gallery featuring a particular subject (current is on Flight)...this also requires a separate reservation but has no mobility issues. The photos exhibited are amazing from a historical camera development and subject matter. Only a fraction of the photos are exhibited and if you become a member, which is not much more than the admission price, Bruce, with advance notice, can pull photos of a particular subject for you to view. Pittsburgh has tons of funky and interesting things to do...this has easily slid into one of my top...

Bruce generously scheduled a private time to accommodate my wife's travel schedule. We had no idea what to expect --- and both left feeling this museum is a real gem in Pittsburgh. The amount of history and the actual collection of cameras, prints (some hand colored), glass negatives, and realizing how photography was truly a luxury was incredible. There is also a wonderful section on Pittsburgh including the city's 150th celebration in the early 1900's.

Everything is also very well organized and it not just a bunch of equipment laying around.

Bruce spent close to 90 minutes with us and we felt bad only paying $10 each -- so we gave $30 for both of us but it feels worth way more than that!

Definitely...