Exploring Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Arts Scene
Submitted by: Michael Balkenhol
No matter your interests or preferred mediums, Pittsburgh has public art, murals, museums, and more to enjoy while in town for MLA ’25! From the conference location, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, you can set out in almost any direction and view remarkable public art from local and international artists.
Downtown Pittsburgh Public Art Walking Tours
Pittsburgh Art in Public Places is a free downloadable guidebook that highlights the art, architecture, and history of Pittsburgh. The guidebook includes downloadable self-guided walking tours of Downtown Pittsburgh and nearby neighborhoods. Don’t miss Magnolias for Pittsburgh for a quick escape to nature just a half mile from the conference!
Arriving early or staying the weekend? Pittsburgh boasts several art museums with a variety of art and unique experiences.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Located under one mile from the conference on the North Shore, The Andy Warhol Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Pittsburgh’s most famous artist. Visitors can explore Warhol’s innovative art and his influence on pop culture.
The Mattress Factory
The Mattress Factory, located on the North Side, is a contemporary art museum dedicated to immersive installation works by artists from around the world. This museum is known for its interactive exhibits, including Yayoi Kusama’s Repetitive Vision and Infinity Dots Mirrored Room on permanent display.
Carnegie Museum of Art
Located in the Oakland neighborhood, another gem of Pittsburgh is the Carnegie Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary art, classical works, and exhibitions. The museum shares a building with the historic Main Branch of the Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh. Located just across the street is the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh, or “Cathy.” The 535-foot-tall Cathedral is the second-tallest educational building in the world. While no students reside there, Cathy is home to Peregrine Falcons who nest at the top during spring and summer. If you can’t make it to Oakland during your stay, check out the Peregrine FalconCam!
