In the middle of one of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's shopping centers is a hulking mass of steel. It's a Bessemer converter, once part of an old steel blast furnace, now an artifact in a courtyard at Station Square. What was once a part of the steel-working industry is now a piece of visual art. In a way, it represents Pittsburgh itself: the city that was once merely an industrial town is now a culturally vibrant city with a thriving arts scene.
The following eight locations represent the best of the city's museums, whether you seek artistic, scientific, or historical enlightenment.
Pittsburgh's Best Art Museums:
Carnegie Museum of Art (4400 Forbes Ave. at Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, 412-622-3131)
More than just paintings, the Carnegie Museum of art recognizes that art takes many forms. The world-class collection also includes noted film and video works, photographs, decorative arts, and a collection of architectural casts that is believed to be unique to the United States. Despite all of the other offerings, the painting collection is still suitably awe-inspiring, with enough Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works to keep you busy all day. Highlights not to miss include Cezanne's Self Portrait, Monet's Water Lilies, and paintings by Whistler, Degas, and Gaugin. Stop by the gift shop for unique, art-inspired gifts to take home: Monet night lights and Art Nouveau ties, for example.
Andy Warhol Museum (117 Sandusky Street, 412-237-8300)
Pop artist Andy Warhol's name will be forever connected to New York City, but it's in Pittsburgh that the filmmaker, painter, author and stage designer was raised. The museum is a worthy and comprehensive tribute to Warhol, with huge installation exhibits and over 500 canvases. This is a treat for those in your party who may think art museums are old and stodgy. Amid the fun, recognizable pieces such as his Soup Cans and Brillo Boxes, you can also see how many celebs you can spot. You'll see Liz, Elvis, and Marilyn, just to name a few. Check viewing times and catch one of his much-discussed films to see what all the hubbub is about.
Frick Art and Historical Center (7227 Reynolds St. in Point Breeze, 412-371-0600)
Former Pittsburgh industrial bigwig Henry Frick's 19th century home and estate is now a huge, six acre complex. The house is museum-worthy on its own, and you can tour it all, from the 1897 greenhouse to the children's playhouse. Frick's massive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art is on display, and traveling exhibits mean you can find new surprises on each trip. The Car and Carriage Museum is an impressive grouping of old-time vehicles, including Frick's own 1914 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Touring Car. With good timing you can catch one of the music concerts on site, for a day of visual and musical arts.
The Mattress Factory (500 Sampsonia Way, 412-231-3169)
Yes, you read that right. The Mattress Factory isn't a place to buy box springs, though. It's actually one of the most unique art museums in the country. The contemporary art museum is devoted to installations (that means room-sized exhibits) that are created on-site by world-renowned modern artists.The result is an art experience that engages all the senses (many of the pieces are multimedia) and surrounds you with art, literally. Previous art "supplies" have included tons of soil, thousands of Budweiser cans, and piles of mannequins. This is art on a massive scale, and it just may change the way you perceive art and the world around you.
Pittsburgh's Best History and Science Museums:
Carnegie Museum of Natural History (4400 Forbes Ave. at Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, 412-622-3131)
You'll want to allow three hours at the very least to explore all of this museum's offerings, running the gamut of science and history subjects. Biology, Geology, Anthropology: any "-ology" you can think of is represented here in displays that show as well as explain. The Halls of African and North American Wildlife display animals in detailed dioramas that show the creatures in their distinctive habitats. Don't miss the dinosaur exhibit here. The display presents the fossils in poses that are known to be scientifically accurate, the result of the most current evidence available. The whole family will love this one, especially those little budding "-ologists".
Carnegie Science Center (1 Allegheny Ave., 412-237-3400)
Where the Museum of Natural History concentrates mostly on classic display exhibits, the Carnegie Science Museum is an all-out hands-on interactive museum. More than 400 "please touch" exhibits allow an up close look at science and how it effects our lives. Step inside a wind tunnel, explore Mars or build your own dam. The Kitchen Theater even features science experiments you can eat. After you're all tired out, have a seat at the four story IMAX theater. 2009 shows range from mysterious mummies to Grand Canyon adventures.
Fort Pitt Museum (101 Commonwealth Pl., 412-281-9284)
Before Pittsburgh was Pittsburgh, it was Fort Pitt. This downtown indoor/outdoor museum focuses on the role of Fort Pitt during the French and Indian War, and also teaches about the role of Fort Pitt in the American Revolution and the Whiskey Rebellion. The museum itself is a recreation of the original fort, and details such as a reconstructed soldier's barracks can show kids exactly what life was like in the 18th century. While the wow factor may be missing from this traditional museum for non-military buffs, it makes up for it in importance and historical significance to the city of Pittsburgh itself.
Senator John Heinz History Center (1212 Smallman St., 412-454-6000)
How can you visit the Smithsonian Institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? By visiting the Senator John Heinz History Center, one of the Smithsonian's off-site affiliates, and the state's largest history museum. Six whole floors of exhibits illuminate the history of Pennsylvania in interactive replicas that include an 18th century log cabin, a 1910 steel worker's home, and a typical suburban house of the '50s. Pittsburgh used to be known as America's Glass City, and the moniker is remembered in an impressive collection of glass artifacts. Sports fans will appreciate that local sports history is represented here as well.
If you're not exhausted yet, Pittsburgh still has plenty more museums to see. Take in the Cathedral of Learning on Bigelow Blvd. or the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh at Allegheny Center. Hartwood Acres is an old English estate worth exploring if you have time. Don't worry if you can't see them all. Focus on the best of the best, and you'll be campaigning for "Steel City" to be renamed "Museum City."
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