Pittsburgh is a booming hub of cultural heritage and is the home to a diverse collection of museums and art galleries. The art community of Pittsburgh has always been an integral part of the city’s history. Pittsburgh also has a very iconic and rich history, great artists like Andy Warhol and the Heinz family have a rather conspicuous legacy in the city.
Museums hold a great significance in the city of Pittsburgh as they are an ode to the rich heritage in art, history, science and more, it has no shortage of major art institutions, in fact it also has more arts and cultural opportunities than other larger cities like Boston or Philadelphia.
Immerse yourselves in the vibrant and rich cultural scene of Pittsburgh, explore and feed your inquisitive thoughts with rich, powerful knowledge.
The Big Three: Popular Legacies of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pennsylvania, and the vibrant culture is just a plus point. These museums, each based on a different personality native to Pittsburgh; Andy Warhol, who needs no introduction, a pop art icon, Senator John Heinz and family who have contributed largely to the cultural world of Pittsburgh, and lastly Roberto Clemente, baseball legend and every local’s favorite. These museums are each based on the contributions these people made to the city’s culture.
Without further ado here are the three best museums in Pittsburgh.
The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, PA
Andy Warhol was one of the most prominent and leading figures in the pop art movement, his art has received recognition all over the world and Warhol became an icon in the art scene. The Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh is the largest museum in America that is dedicated to one single artist.
The Warhol Museum is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. The museum showcases a permanent collection of art, archives, paintings, photographs and filmed works of Warhol. The museum features over 900 paintings, and over 4,350 films and video works! The Warhol museum, Pittsburgh, PA is also known for its exquisite traveling exhibits, which have attracted millions of visitors over the years.
| Address | 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 |
| Hours and Timings | 10AM – 5PM |
| Opening days | Closed on Tuesdays. Open Monday, Wednesday – Sunday |
| Entry Fee | $25 |
The Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh
The Heinz History Center is the oldest cultural institution in Western Pennsylvania, and has existed for more than 135 years. In the 18th Century old residents established a historical society to preserve local history. The museum has Smithsonian artifacts on display across all 6 floors of the building. Exciting exhibits like the ‘Neighborhood of Make Believe’ which is an interactive exhibit including the original set of the living room from the children’s show.
The history center is also home to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, the two floor building celebrating the athletes and key moments from the ‘City of Champions’ making it a must-visit Pittsburgh Sports Museum!
| Address | 1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 |
| Hours and Timings | 10AM – 5PM |
| Opening days | Open Everyday |
| Entry Fee | $20 |
Roberto Clemente Museum
The Roberto Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh is dedicated to preserving the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of photographs and memorabilia related to Robert Clemente. The museum is dedicated to educate visitors on his impeccable baseball career as well as his humanitarian efforts throughout his life.
The exhibits contain photographs, artifacts from all areas of Clemente’s life to help educate visitors on all forms of his life. The Museum’s mission is to honor the memory of Clemente and promote his huge humanitarian efforts.
The Museum also has a close relationship with Clemente’s family and have managed to acquire a generous amount of personal artifacts from them. The Robert Clemente museum is one of Pittsburgh’s best sports museums and even if you aren’t a huge baseball enthusiast, the exhibits will certainly catch your attention and interest.
| Address | 3339 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 |
| Hours and Timings | Tour timings vary each day as per the schedule, schedule and book your tickets on the museum website. |
| Opening days | The Museum is not open to the public daily, operates guided tours only. |
| Entry Fee | $21 |
Artistic Adventure: Art Galleries and Contemporary Spaces in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is easily one of the most artistic places in Pennsylvania, you will find a mirage of artistic styles and concepts. Explore contemporary and unique artistic styles, or explore the history of created works across museums in Pittsburgh, PA!
Carnegie Museum of Art
The Carnegie Art Museum in Pittsburgh is part of four Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh, alongside Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum. Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Institute, which has now become the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
The museum first opened its gallery in 1895, the various departments of the museum are; fine arts, decorative arts, architecture and photography. The permanent collection includes approximately 3,500 pieces, including paintings, prints, sculptures and several installations from the seventeenth century.
The Carnegie museum, Pittsburgh is also home to six different galleries with different exhibits showcased in each.
| Address | 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 |
| Hours and Timings | 10AM – 5PM |
| Opening days | Closed on Tuesdays. Open Monday, Wednesday – Sunday |
| Entry Fee | $25 |
The Mattress Factory Museum
The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The Museum has been a pioneer in the growth of alternative art forms through performance art. It is internationally recognized for its unique and extraordinary artwork.
The building itself is considered an artwork, the roof of the building is a light art installation and is a part of the Pittsburgh Northside evening skyline.
The Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh contributed largely to the growing trend of alternative and contemporary styles of art and provided lots of opportunities to local artists to showcase their unique, beautiful art works.
| Address | 509 Jacksonia St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 |
| Hours and Timings | 11AM – 8PM- (Wednesday-Thursday)11AM – 6PM- (Friday-Sunday) |
| Opening days | Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Open from Wednesday-Sunday |
| Entry Fee | $22 |
Winding Up
Pittsburgh is a city with a vibrant and diverse art scene. The cultural institutions of Pittsburgh hold a deep significance within the community and society of Pittsburgh.
Immerse yourself in art, history and culture during your visit to Pittsburgh. Explore new worlds of culture and art as you step into each museum. If you are an art connoisseur, you have no excuse to not visit Pittsburgh.
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