The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is quite possibly the best museum of its kind. Off the top…read moreof my head, I can't think of another major city among the many I have been to across the country that does a better job of encompassing its city's history so well in a museum. I'm glad I finally took the time out to visit, as I had not visited on my many prior visits to Pittsburgh. The museum does have a few exhibits dedicated to Heinz ketchup, but there's so much more from natural history to sports history to the periods of time where Pittsburgh was a national leader in steel and glass-making. I especially liked the "Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation" area and the small space they have dedicated to Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The Pittsburgh sports exhibits are really comprehensive, covering non-traditional sports in addition to their major teams (Penguins, Steelers, & Pirates). Even if you don't care for sports, there's a decent variety of exhibits that are sure to catch your interest. The facility itself is wonderfully modern and well organized, such that it's easy to get from exhibit to exhibit without getting lost. There is a decent gift shop and cafe on the first floor. I'd highly recommend a visit to the Senator John Heinz History Center if you're interested in learning about the history of the city of Pittsburgh, or are a first time visitor.

More of a 3.8…read more This place came up over, and over, and over again on lists of places to go to when visiting Pitt. And, I get why. The place has a bunch of random (could choose a better word here) history pieces. Where the place could do better is expand on some of these pieces. Example, as a huge fan of Mr. Rogers and saying you have a part of the set, ok, yeah, you do, and it was awesome to see, but it was such a small fixture, there could have been more. At 20/person to enter, it's worth the trip since it's relatively affordable compared to some 40-50/pp spots. Can easily do 1.5 hours here.

We went to the 5th annual chalk fest on Isabella St near Allegheny Landing…read more It was absolutely fantastic. We have gone for several years and loved it every time. The level of artistry and connection to Pittsburgh and pop culture increases yearly. Adults and kids alike absolutely love it. There were nods to famous athletes this year like baseball great Bill Mazerovski. Andy Warhol, our most well known artist, was featured in two creative works. The giant duck reappeared in person and in art this year with a creative piece by the water. We also saw Jeff Goldbloom and Noah Wylie whose mother was from Pittsburgh. There were also other animal and pop culture icons used in the other pieces. I also liked that kids could draw on the sidewalk and come up with their own artistic creations. They were also out enjoying the water steps nearby. That's when you know summer is near. When you come to Allegheny Landing, you see so many great city and water views. We took some amazing pics.

Lovely park nestled along the Allegheny River next to the Ballpark. There's a sloping green, some…read morepublic art sculptures, and some benches. The trail was restored this past year by Riverlife. They planted native plants and created a rain garden. The park was once the site of the annual WYEP concert, which has since moved to a larger space at Schenley Plaza. The dock is a stop for the River Taxi. You will often find photographers using the park for photo shoots, especially for engagements and model porfolios. I also find a lot of Pokemon players here, it's quite a hotspot for that.

Definitely weather plays a part. Vendors this year are less than in past and some fav vendors are…read moreabsent. Plenty of plants to be had but disappointed to see the butterfly bush being sold by a vendor as the Phipps venue stands for sustainability. The butterfly bush (not butterfly weed which is native and Monarch caterpillar host plant) is considered to be a non native invasive plant meaning propagation escapes the garden and many end up everywhere unintended. Invasive means it fights for resources and outcompetes natives. It is a plant recommended we not grow due to its competition with natives. Parking is difficult but not impossible. If you are willing to walk and detour around closed street by Schenley Park you can still park on the other side of the park (what i did)or you can use Phipps valet parking for 10.00 most likely cash if it is like other past valet events. There are free spots in the middle of street in front of Phipps if you have parking karma.

The Schenley Park area is one of Pittsburgh's most pleasant outdoor venues. In all seasons the…read morePhipp's has something for everyone. In springtime the May Garden fair is an added attraction that offers a pleasant spot to spend a portion of a spring day. Set up like many of the outdoor farmer's markets, there are tables with fruits, vegetables, flowers and a variety of other locally grown fare. With the Phipp's in the background and Flagstaff Hill across the street it offers plenty of other diversions for those who would like to make a morning or afternoon of it. Parking close by fills up quickly, but on a nice day it there are a variety of scenic walks that will get you there. The venue is proximate to Oakland, the Universities, museums and the park. It is easy to find an excuse to spend some time here. Enjoy your day!

Museum Lab is an extension of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and they're located next door to…read moreone another. The lab is geared towards teens offering programs and workshops in tech, art, and more. The innovative space has an industrial ambiance and boasts a climbing sculpture made of hemp that's three-stories high. The museum also offers networking programs for adults. Variety of art exhibits at any given time. Great place to explore.

A hidden gem full of hidden gems!! The Westmoreland Museum…read moreof American Art is nestled perfectly in Greensburg with stunning views inside and out. We stumbled upon their Putt-A-Palooza: Art Inspired Mini Golf Exhibit and... of course... had to give it a try, but the golf only helped to showcase the stunning layout and amazing Pittsburgh exhibits. The mini golf had 9 holes that were all inspired by a piece of art on the premise. With point systems similar to Putt Shack and even a battle hole where all four players tee off at once to put it in the hole first. But... then you could receive bonus points by finding the matching art piece in the museum and answering trivia. With the gold exhibit only open til the end of summer, go now!! I can't wait to see what new exhibits and fun events that they host in this space. With discounts for members, we may have to consider joining.

Art in Bloom 2026 was another AMAZING exhibit. I truly do not understand why more people are not…read moretalking about this! This exhibit blends art + nature in the most beautiful way, challenging local floral designers to reimagine pieces from the gallery through stunning arrangements. It's colorful, creative, and exactly the kind of spring energy us Pittsburghers all need during the transition between grey winter and spring!

This museum has something for everybody. Whether you are a youngster wanting to control your train…read morearound a track or an older "youngster" reliving the experience of the trains you used to have or any age in between, this is a must see museum when you are in Western Pennsylvania. The upstairs HO scale display is a thing of beauty and of the history of the rails in Western PA as close to the real trains and buildings existing in the 1950s. Well worth the price of admission and the caretakers/hobbyists are there to provide information or answer questions about the display or about the history of the museum.

I have been to model train exhibits before and have always enjoyed them. Usually these exhibits…read moreare modest in size because of the time, money, hands and other resources required to build and maintain them. Additionally, in my experience they are usually meant to portray hypothetical settings rather than resemble actual places. So, I was quite surprised at both the scope of this particular project as well as the fact that this is a miniaturized cross section of the city of Pittsburgh from 1953 that stretches from downtown toward Ohio Pyle and beyond. Its many historical details are pleasingly accurate as anyone can attest to through research on the internet. For me, I had the privilege of having my Dad and Uncle there (both of whom were living in Pittsburgh in that year and were excited at getting to walk through their childhood city). Walking through the room and experiencing it through their eyes made it perhaps even more enjoyable. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in this very specific category of art. It is definitely worth the entrance fee. Also, a huge shout-out to those who worked on creating this masterpiece. Please keep it up!

I have visited twice now, and have seen two different rotating exhibits, plus some of the…read moremanuscripts and models were there both times. On my most recent visit, my favorite manuscripts on display were from Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" (see photos). The current rotating exhibits have to do with the life of Abraham Lincoln in illustrated form, and also documents from the Civil War. I think these will be on display until January, when another rotating exhibit will take its place. Admission is free (donations accepted), and the museum is located in the Sheraden neighborhood, housed in a beautiful old church with stained-glass windows, and a giant pipe organ up in the choir loft . . . Cheers!

What a great repurpose for a beautiful building! Many unique documents and exhibits. Best part is…read moreit is FREE!!

In an otherwise unassuming house you walk in through a chilly hallway, down some stairs to the…read morebasement and are immediately greeted by a... lighthouse. The lighthouse is the structure of this otherwise previously dilapidated home, where you can see remnants of its past... look up from your spot in the basement and you can see tile from the kitchen and the opening for where the pipes were once attached. Enter the lighthouse and feel how real it is -- save for being hidden from the world outside rather than visible for all travelers, lighting their way. Enjoy the living space in the middle complete with a curved bed and cooling area and a few books to make the time go by. Travel higher to the attic, and see the top of this lighthouse, going round and round and shunting light like a kaleidoscope through an intricate glass 'shade'. Make your way partway back down to what used to be a bathroom, fit with a clawfoot tub and tacky retro curtain to match the typical pink tile if the time. Then venture outside and down the stairs after contemplating the black color of the semi-burnt (deliberately) wood to honor the history of the home. Take a loop in the backyard flush with coastal grasses growing wild around a massive orange cone. Bottom line: Weird, authentic-feeling to lighthouses and the coast (although I wonder if the non-native species are okay...?), and worth a stroll.

The latest of 3 art houses in Troy Hill, Darkhouse, Lighthouse has generated substantial excitement…read moreand acclaim by imbedding a lighthouse in the middle of a house. As you move your way through the house to the top floor, you are able to see the authentic Fresnel Lens, which is both beautiful and compelling. Touring the art houses is free, and the online booking has made the process easier than ever. It's difficult to describe, however a visit to Darkhouse Lighthouse is experiential, self reflective, and fun.