Carnegie Trees

Opening Nov. 22, 2025

A Pittsburgh Tradition Since 1961

For over six decades, the annual installation and decoration of the soaring evergreens in the Hall of Architecture, fondly known as the Carnegie Trees, has been the signature tradition of the Women’s Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art. Each year the trees are decorated in celebration of different themes with ornaments handmade by the committee.

In 1961, the group was approached by the museum to create a memorable holiday attraction for Pittsburgh that would support the museum. Since then, the Carnegie Trees have signaled the start of the holiday season for many Pittsburghers.

Located in the magnificent Hall of Architecture, the Carnegie Trees make an already incredible space truly spectacular each winter.

Carnegie Trees 2025: Around the World in 80 Days

Opening Nov. 22, 2025
This year’s theme, Around the World in 80 Days, pays homage to Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel that follows Phileas Fogg as he attempts to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Set in 1872, the story highlights the spirit of adventure and the advancement of travel of the time.

The five Fraser firs will be adorned by the Women’s Committee, each reflecting different themes of Verne’s novel:

1870 Travel Tools
Fantastic Migrations
Bon Voyage
Up, Up, and Away for the Holidays
The World is a Jungle

Explore Carnegie Trees of Years’ Past

2024: Iconic PittsburghThis year’s Carnegie Trees highlight the unique treasures that make the Steel City remarkable! The five majestic Fraser firs will be adorned by the Women’s Committee, each reflecting one of five distinct themes:

Pittsburgh Artists Featured at Carnegie Museum of Art
Black & Gold Champions
Flavors of Pittsburgh
Greetings from Andy Warhol
Living Waters: The Rachel Carson Tree

2023: Wintry Days & Frosty Nights

The theme for 2023 Carnegie Trees was Wintry Days & Frosty Nights. With trees celebrating world-renowned skiing destinations, woodland creatures, and the beauty of fresh snow, this year’s installation was not to be missed!

2022: Holiday Splendor

The theme for 2022 was Holiday Splendor. This year, the Hall of Architecture was filled with towering Fraser fir trees, each lit to perfection and trimmed with festive baubles, gingerbread, glistening snow, and more!

2021: Bedazzled—Celebrating the Diamond Anniversary of the Carnegie Trees

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this long-standing tradition, this year’s installation was titled Bedazzled: Celebrating the Diamond Anniversary of the Carnegie Trees. The Hall of Architecture was transformed into a winter-wonderland by five soaring Fraser Fir trees magnificently lit and adorned with hand-made ornaments.

2019: Artfully Inspired

This year, the Trees Committees chose artworks from the museum’s collection to use as inspiration for their creative decorations for each tree, including The Chariot of Aurora by Jean-Theodore Dupas, among others.

2018: Karen Kilimnik

The 2018 edition marked a first-ever collaboration with 57th Carnegie International artist Karen Kilimnik. Five soaring evergreens were decorated according to Kilimnik’s artistic vision, which has been described as “joyful fantasy and a quest for the romantic sublime.”

2017: Beloved Children’s Books

This year’s theme was Beloved Children’s Books, featuring trees inspired by The Cat in the Hat, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

About the Women’s Committee

Founded in 1957, the Women’s Committee is dedicated to furthering the interests of Carnegie Museum of Art and promoting its cultural and educational value in the community. Since its inception, the Women’s Committee has funded the purchase of art for the museum’s collections, contributed to its infrastructure and gallery renovations, created and supported outreach efforts for new audiences, and participated as a major donor to museum endowment and capital campaigns.