As we countdown the weeks leading to the American Museum Membership Conference, we’ve assembled our list of a few top picks, eats, and sights in Pittsburgh! In order to bridge every possible interest, in the “city of bridges”, we’ve put together a fun list of local food, museums and cultural institutions that you won’t be able to find anywhere else!
1) See a pop of color and a local legend at The Andy Warhol Museum.
Experience “seven floors and the underground” of Warhol’s spectacular artwork! While you are there try out the museum’s new time capsule app Unboxed, which aims to create time capsules of art throughout the museum, much like Warhol did in his archives. We hope to aid in the future of their creative app experiences!
2) Let’s see this gorgeous city by taking in the beautiful skyline of Pittsburgh on the Duquesne Incline!
The incline, which is over 140 years old, boasts what USA Today Weekend Magazine calls one of the "10 most beautiful views in America". Situated on top of Mt. Washington in Pennsylvania, the incline was completed in 1877 and is 800 feet (244 m) long, 400 feet (122 m) in height, and is positioned at a 30-degree angle. The Incline boasts a small museum in the lower station which features the history of the community that strived to keep it operating today!
3) Do-nut skip breakfast! Grab yourself a local legend of a donut at Peace, Love and Little Donuts.
Channel your inner hippie and get a, “delicious, fun, and shareable donut experience that'll satisfy any sweet tooth”. Founded in the Strip District of Pennsylvania, you can bite into these creative and groovy donuts on your way, or while you wait in line for the next attraction on our tour….
4) You must be hungry by now...Try an “almost famous” Primanti Bros. Sandwich.
The Primanti Sandwich is a staple of Pittsburgh, boasting the almost famous sandwich as “Freshly sliced meats and cheeses, tart coleslaw, and crispy French fries piled high on Italian bread, it’s Almost Famous and still a veritable institution.” This sandwich became popular in the 1930’s when it was sold from a food cart to truck drivers during the great depression. This is a tasty “almost famous” piece of history!
5) Tired of history? Venture into the future with the Robot Hall of Fame!
This gallery located in the Carnegie Science Center, nominates a robot every year to become a part of “roboworld”, the largest permanent exhibit of robots in the world. Everything from C3-P0 to Wall-E are in this out of this world gallery!
6) Stop and smell the roses at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
See what Pittsburgh was like in 1893, in this gorgeous botanical garden and conservatory. Situated downtown in Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory and Gardens features, “15 acres including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. Experience industry-leading sustainable architecture and green practices, stunning seasonal flower shows, exclusive commissioned exhibits, renowned orchid and bonsai collections.”
7) Eat at The Grand Concourse, a gorgeous historic train station that has been converted into a fine dining experience.
This famous seafood restaurant visited by Joe Biden, Michael Douglas, Col. Sanders, Terry Bradshaw, and Olivia Wilde hosts one of the most unique dining experiences. The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, built in 1901, offers visitors an exquisite meal as well as an historical perspective to the railroad era. Ask to go up to the roof to see the city of Pittsburgh by night for a fantastic view!
8) Go out and hit the town….or well church. Mr. Small’s Funhouse, an 18th Century Catholic Church, that has been turned into a brewery, concert venue, and skate park is the perfect place to end our night.
Get tickets to a show, of every possible genre, and experience the gorgeous 18th century architecture of this former church. Atlas Obscura says the building hosts, “a maze of outdoor terraces and an assortment of smaller, DJ club rooms, the large, underground cellar of the building became a draft beer bunker serving food and brews to concertgoers as well as the general public, until late into the night. There is even a skate park. Hallelujah.” So, finish your night off in the best Pittsburgh venue!
Bonus Points:
Do you love a good whiskey? Try Wigle Whiskey Garden at the Barrelhouse
Are you a fan of punk rock and pierogies? Check out Gooski’s
Interested in sipping on beer in an old Church? Stop by Church Brew Works
All in all, these are the plans for one spectacular trip to Pittsburgh! Have a great time at AMMC!
Headed to Pittsburgh and want to grab a coffee with a member of the Cuseum team? Connect with us!