This review is for the guided tour of the nationality rooms and the building itself…read more
The 42 story late Gothic Revival architecture-style building was dedicated in 1937 for the University of Pittsburgh. The land it sits on in Oakland was a gift from the Mellon family.
It houses 31 Nationality rooms, each nationality representing influences of communities that supported and planned their construction. The room was provided by the University. All the elements within, design, and labor was provided by the room's committee with rules being the period design be dated before the signing of our Constitution (and the founding of the University of Pittsburgh) in 1787.
The building is the tallest building of learning in the Western Hemisphere, second largest in the world as of this review, second to one in Moscow. At the time of its inception, it was the tallest building in Pittsburgh, but by the time it was built, the Gulf Tower overshadowed it.
Interesting tidbits -- there is excellent 360 degree viewing from the 36th floor open to the public i have yet to visit, a pair of Peregrine Falcons roost at the top, and it is supposed to be haunted. Also, note, this tall building can be seen all over Pittsburgh since there aren't any tall buildings near it for miles!
I did take the guided tour of the Nationality rooms and highly recommend. Aidan was our guide for the 23 of us. He led us on a 90 minute tour, going to rooms those in our group suggested. We were able to cover 7 of the 31 rooms -- Polish, Irish, Swedish, German, Japanese. Indian, and Israel Heritage rooms. Aidan gave us interesting information about each of the rooms --materials used, artifacts, traditions. Well worth the $10. Tips are accepted and appreciated so, dont skimp!
There are also self-guided tours, also $10. However, those are first come, first serve, no reservations and only available on weekends.
To be noted, while classes are not in session, all rooms are locked so are only accessible by a card key from either the guided or self-guided tour. Plus. If you are on a self-guided tour, you can be interrupted by the guided tour which has precedence. Just take the guided tour for goodness sake.
Oh. And one last note. On a winter day, it was wicked hot in the whole building,tall open space or the rooms. I certainly wonder who gets to pay for all that heat.