The collection of photographs made with technologies ranging back to the birth of photography is truly impressive, and the same can be said for the collection of cameras. Bruce, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, relatable and as enthusiastic as a kid in a candy shop! This is a great to learn about our past. Add to that, the neighborhood is a burgeoning destination spot, with a mix of old school delis and fresh cafes. Catch it before it before its charm has left. read more

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This museum is one of my favorite hidden gems in Pittsburgh. In fact, it's one of the places I always bring visitors to check out when they come into town. It's packed with history of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas through photographs. The museum had been around since the early 90s (1992-1993 I believe) and it's a must-see. I started taking my daughter (who is now 23) on visits one a year or so starting around age 5. It's so important to learn about history and on each visit we would often experience something we'd not notice on previous trips. I journal my life with photographs, always have and knowing we have a museum dedicated to that speaks volumes. It's fairly reasonably priced for entry at around $10. read more

Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to a museum that focuses on photo history, technology, and equipment from its inception up to the current day? And that it's located right in the Northside on East Ohio Street? I toured the Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History today, and was blown away by the sheer volume and variety of cameras, film, projectors, accessories, slides, and rare antique viewing machines, many in pristine condition. The $10 admission came with a private tour by the owner of Bernie's Photo Center, which is located just a few doors from the museum. In the past 30 years, his family has built the largest collection of 19th century photographic equipment and related artifacts in the United States, and his personal commitment to that legacy shows. He took us through four large rooms of treasures, each with a different focus (pun intended). In between viewing rooms is a tall, narrow space lit from above by a skylight. The shelves must be 12 feet high and are absolutely filled with box cameras, lenses, even a full-sized mannequin in period clothing "operating" a large vintage camera. Standing in front of this exhibit will transport you back in time. It's very cool. The Pittsburgh room was my favorite, as it was filled with photographs of the city that I've never seen before, including a permanent exhibit of the only 16 photos ever taken of Pittsburgh's Shantytown, which was created during the Great Depression and existed along the river between the Northside and Lawrenceville. I could have spent an hour just staring at all the photos in this room--especially those showing the Point in its early industrial days--not a skyscraper in sight and the rivers filled with barges of coal. The last room we visited had the largest camera I've ever seen as well as a bevy of the smallest cameras--spy cameras--and everything in between. Do you want to see a wall of lens caps? How about a wall of Brownies and a whole section devoted to photo accessories in their original packaging? Well, you will get your wish in this museum. I can't wait to go back and spend some real time taking in the details. It's a shame that I hadn't heard of this place until a few weeks ago. The owner said that they don't have the budget to advertise, which is why I decided to write this article. If you are a photographer, historian, artist, antique collector, or lover of all things Pittsburgh, then this museum is a must-see. Here's a list of social media locations where you can learn more about this fascinating place: www.photoantiquities.org Twitter: @PA_Moph Instagram: PhotoAntiquities Facebook: Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History Or better yet, GO THERE IN PERSON! 531 East Ohio Street, Pittsburgh The museum is closed to the general public due to Covid-19, but private tours are available for $10--call ahead to schedule: 412-2310-7881. Street parking ($2 for up to 2 hours) is easily accessible on East Ohio Street. Covid-19 masking is required by all. Submitted by Leslie Green Guilbault 3/11/21, Spring Hill read more

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What a treasure trove of a museum-- honestly overwhelming. If you or Someone you know has a passion for photography, this is a museum they will not want to miss! Tons of camera equipment through the years, but also the evolution of photography shown through the various forms of printing from its inception through more modern images. Definitely a boutique museum pieces together with absolute love and passion for this pastime. Long May it remain! read more

My dad loves photography and he found this museum to visit! We walked up to the door and no one was there so we had to go to the store next door to call the owner to open up the museum. Once inside, it was a little smaller than I expected, but the quality and content inside is superb. There is a huge collection of cameras, and we happened to come in during his Abraham Lincoln exhibit-it will be there for about a year. There were so many photographs of Lincoln that I had never seen before, it was amazing. I am in awe at how he was able to collect all of them. The owner was knowledgeable about all the photographs and very personable. Tucked away in a strip mall, this place is definitely worth a visit! read more

Photo Antiquities Museum Of Photographic History - special abraham lincoln exhibit - Museums Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I was super excited to come visit this museum on a trip to Pittsburgh and walked a couple of miles in the cold just to see that it wasn't open, despite the fact that it should have opened at 10am and I waited until 10:45am. It looked pretty cool from the outside though. read more

Incredible museum, I highly recommend! Extremely knowledgeable and attentive docent who was entertaining, informative and polite. If you have never been here, or haven't been in awhile I would recommend you go! read more

One of my favorite museums I have ever been to! I learned SO MUCH about all the different styles of cameras, photographs and the history and timeline of both! I am someone who has always been into photography and learned manual photography and developing in high school. I am so passionate about it! This place is a true gem and not to be missed if you are coming through Pittsburgh or even if you live/are based in Pitt but haven't been here yet! read more

Damnit! Why won't this thing go to six stars? Why this gem is tucked away where it is, I'll never know. Is it worth a drive? Yes. Is it worth walking three miles in frigid snow and blistering wind beating the hell out of your schnozz? Yes. The time and effort it took to gather such an intense collection of antique photos should really be applauded. The Smithsonian should swipe this place up and do something grandiose with it. Most definitely this place has more daguerreotypes than I have ever seen at one time. Beyond that, there are a huge amount of other things to check out. Drop a penny in movie viewing machine and check out the dancing girl show. This is right up there with a visit to the Warhol Museum. For art and history lovers, it should be on the list in permanent ink. read more

This tour was incredibly informative and niche. Ask a lot of questions and you will receive knowledgeable answers! One of the coolest museums I've been to. read more

All of these positive reviews speak to the wonders of this museum. Although tours are by appointment only at the moment, I was able to sneak into a tour already scheduled. A $10 admission grants access to this collection of more than "500,000...Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Lantern Slides, Stereo Views and paper process." Although I had read widely about the early photographic process, I'd never seen the objects. On exhibit were glass negatives of "French postcards," mourning portraits, early mug shots (with hand-printed descriptions), and tissue stereo cards highlighted with gold. It's a truly amazing collection (and the only museum in the US specializing in 19th C. photography). While you're there, take walk around the neighborhood. read more

A true hidden gem! Bruce was welcoming and gave a most knowledgeable tour of the collection. Every camera (still and movie) from Argus to Zeiss and a most incredible selection of old photographs. I am so glad I found it! Highly recommend. read more

About a ten-minute walk from the Warhol, this storefront museum is a real gem. Currently has an impressive collection of Lincoln portraits - original photos and paintings. The (separate) history of photography tour in the next building takes you through the very first processes of recording images to the beginning of digital innovations - there are thousands of examples to view. The owner of the museum gives a great anecdotal/industrial/aesthetic history. And then... the astounding camera collection! Also good to know - the working photo processing plant still produces custom prints - bw and color - if you have negatives you have been meaning to print. read more

Put this on your MUST SEE list! This is a lot of museum packed into a small space. If you are even mildly curious about history, historical figures (Civil War, Presidents, etc), local Pittsburgh locales, travel, science, or the history of photography and photo processes.....then visit this museum. There is something here for everyone to appreciate. We were just driving by and spotted the storefront. It was locked up but luckily the owner has the shop next door and came and walked us through. Fantastic, informative tour!! We could have stayed for hours and will definitely go back to view some of the other special exhibits and collections. My husband was a professional photographer for many years but I learned (and finally understood) more about the history of photography touring this museum than I ever had before (sorry dear). Note: probably not a great place for elderly (entrance is up a flight of stairs) or very little kids, but call ahead and let them know who is in your group and they can guide you. Seriously though, this museum should be on everyone's MUST SEE list. read more

One of the most unique and special museums in Pittsburgh -- all things related to the history of photography. Called to make sure they were open, and shortly thereafter the museum's founder was giving us a guided tour, which is very informative and interactive. The place feels very mysterious but also very welcoming. Photograph and camera specimens ranging from Daguerreotype, magic lantern slides, Stanhopes, Polariod and everything in between. So many cameras! I am looking forward to visiting again. read more