Image courtesy of Pixabay
Pittsburgh’s greatness was built on the steel industry through the 20th century, but since its collapse the Steel City has forged new greatness. Pittsburgh is now a major tech city, thanks to incredible innovations from Carnegie Mellon University and big names like Google and Uber. It’s an ever-growing healthcare epicenter, thanks to UPMC and Highmark. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins crowned it the City of Champions after their 2009 championship victories and perennial playoff drives.
But did you know Pittsburgh is also home to incredible art? Pittsburgh has a wide variety of museums and galleries spread throughout the city, representing an impressive range of mediums from diverse artists and backgrounds. Getting to see everything can be incredibly difficult, but you can get a good taste of Pittsburgh’s artistic possibilities just across the Allegheny River. Here are a few of the best artistic offerings near the North Shore:
Andy Warhol is perhaps Pittsburgh’s most famous artist, and the Warhol Museum does an excellent job of preserving his legacy. It features works from every stage of Warhol’s life, including paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, videos, and wallpaper. There are also extensive archives of Warhol’s papers, source materials, collectibles, time capsules, audio tapes, scripts, Interview magazine, and more available to study by appointment.
The museum also features works inspired by Warhol’s art, including paintings, sculptures, and even performances from around the world. For example, the West African band Songhoy Blues will be playing a standing-room only show in the museum on April 12.
While the Warhol is home to some fantastic displays and performances, the Mattress Factory takes it to another level. Since 1977, the artist-founded museum has supported installations and performances by over 650 artists from a variety of backgrounds. They are renowned for the way they change our perceptions of space and push the boundaries between artist and viewer.
The Mattress Factory also aims to empower its visitors to engage with art and get creative. They offer classes and workshops for children, teens, and communities to encourage artistic expression inside and outside of the museum.
While the Mattress Factory takes a playful and creative approach to space, City of Asylum takes a socially- and economically-conscious approach. They revitalize blighted properties and turn them into artistic spectacles and residences for writers in exile. City of Asylums efforts have been featured in the Atlantic and have helped energize the Mexican War Streets as center of literary vibrance and creative placemaking.
This is an impressive amount of creative brilliance -- and it’s all in one part of the city! To keep up with all of the artistic wonders taking place around Pittsburgh, check out the Artsburgh calendar and get inspired.
