Ever imagined a museum where the exhibits are not dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, or world‑famous art—but creatures and plants altered by humans? That’s exactly what the Center for PostNatural History (CPNH) in Pittsburgh offers. This one‑of‑a‑kind museum challenges the idea of “natural history,” inviting you to examine how human hands have shaped the living world around us—with purpose, experimentation, and sometimes unsettling creativity.
Since opening its permanent space on March 2, 2012, after founding in 2008 by artist and academic Richard Pell, the Center has become a portal into what they call the “postnatural”: organisms intentionally modified through domestication, selective breeding, or genetic engineering.
What Makes It Worth The Visit
Walking into CPNH feels like entering a science‑fiction version of the natural history museum. The exhibits include living and preserved organisms such as fluorescent fish (GloFish), a silky‑coated chicken, and even a so‑called “BioSteel” goat engineered to produce spider‑silk proteins in its milk.
You’ll also see transgenic fruit flies, lab mice with unusual mutations, jars of flora and fauna preserved in fluid, and taxidermy or dioramas of potentially extinct or engineered species. More than just a display, some exhibits include recorded narrations accessible via telephone‑handsets — adding an eerie, immersive quality that pushes you to think deeper about each specimen’s meaning.
Beyond the oddities, the museum doesn’t push a simple “for or against” view on biotechnology. Instead, it presents its collection with neutral language that encourages reflection and discussion about how human culture, technology, and nature intertwine.
Atmosphere & Décor
Despite the weighty themes, the space itself is humble and unpretentious. Housed in a modest storefront on Penn Avenue in the Garfield neighborhood, the museum feels intimate and slightly under‑the‑radar — part gallery, part cabinet of curiosities, part research archive.
Inside, dim lighting and simple vitrines, jars, and enclosures give the place a little of a “secret lab meets museum” vibe. The phone‑handset narrations, wall‑mounted diagrams, and carefully organized displays make the experience feel more contemplative than sensational.
Because of its small size — roughly the footprint of a typical house — the space can feel cozy, even spare. Some visitors leave wanting more exhibits, which is a testament to how the subject matter grips you.
Other Considerations
Is it budget‑friendly? Admission is very reasonable: about US $10 for adults, $5 for students and children under 8, and free if you live in the 15224 ZIP code.
How much time should I set aside? Because it’s small — around 1,600 sq ft — you could see the whole museum in roughly an hour. If you like to linger and reflect, plan for more time.
When is it open? Typically Fridays 5–9 PM and Sundays 12–4 PM. Outside those hours, visits can sometimes be arranged by appointment.
Is it just for science nerds? Not at all. Even if you don’t have a background in genetics, the museum offers a powerful experience — a chance to rethink what “natural” really means, and how deeply human actions have shaped the living world around us.
Final Thoughts
The Center for PostNatural History isn’t about pretty animals or nostalgic exhibits. It’s a quietly radical space that asks tough questions about humanity’s role in nature. Visiting it isn’t entertainment — it’s a mirror. If you head to Pittsburgh and have even a passing interest in biotechnology, ecology, or the ethics of human‑altered life, this little museum will likely stay with you long after you leave.
Center for PostNatural History
📍 4913 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Website: postnatural.org
