You can't take pictures... which adds to the surprise, but if you like something super quirky like…read morea dilapidated house that an artist purchased for $9,000 to then completely "remodeled" into an odd art piece in and of itself -- with cool photography by the artists, floor-to-ceiling record (literally), ceiling fans used like table lamps, ear molds and canned produce in jars mimicking preserved body parts, and crawl spaces to different rooms and up to the attic where you finish the (by appointment only) tour with an odd video of the artist himself... this is your kind of place, too. Bottom line: Shhh -- keep this place a secret but also go, go, go!

Free Admission ... Highly recommended ... This is the…read moreoriginal (out of three (there will be a fourth in the near future)) of the Troy Hill Art Houses. Without giving spoilers, I will only say that the inside of this house is really cool, and totally worth your while to visit. Make your reservation online, arrive on time, and enjoy ... Cheers! P.S. Contrary to what the listing says on Yelp, this art museum is NOT closed, it is open on weekends by appointment. See web site for details . . . https://www.troyhillarthouses.com/

The Andy Warhol Museum is a great place to spend a couple hours before a Pittsburgh Pirates game…read more There are a bunch of levels in this museum, and it's pretty easy to navigate. A ton of art work throughout Andy Warhol's life. The iconic paintings of Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Campbell's Soup, and Coca-Cola are all here. I had a fun time in the video booth where you can record your own distorted video just how Andy Warhol used to record his guests. The museum is $25 for adults, $13 for seniors, $13 for students with ID, and $13 for kids 3-18 years old. Located right by PNC Park the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I didn't know much about Andy Warhol but the 7 floors of information and art gave me a good…read moreunderstanding of his artistic progression and range and life both in (from) Pittsburgh to NY and elsewhere. He was not just an interesting eccentric that pushed culture forward but someone who found a way to make money off his art in advertising while also having a style of his own and forays into film. While this is the Warhol museum, there are pieces by others on the ground floor, including collaborators. Bottom line: Worth a view if you are a museums person and like modern art.

Very much an Instagram attraction, but also a "what you make of it" experience. You can blow…read morethrough the whole place in probably 15-20 minutes or you can spend an hour or two depending on how much time you take to interact with the various exhibits and the "games" that are in the middle of the experience. I was leaning more towards four stars but stuck with three because it IS expensive for what you actually get, the space itself is pretty tiny and it can be a bit crazy if the admission slot you purchase is sold out. I have to admit, I liked this experience more than I thought I would. Sure, it has the tourist trap instagram photo spots, but it has some degree of an educational experience that I wasn't expecting. They have signage explaining some of the illusions and the science behind them. This is what I mean when I said you can blow through our spend more time. You get more out of the experience (and will spend more time there) if you take the time to read why the various illusions work. I'm a knowledge junkie, so this was really fun for me. Your best experience will be if you follow the guidelines they have posted. Each exhibit has places marked on where to stand to get the illusion and the best spot to take the photo. I have to admit, you can get some really creative and fun ones! Although those are the ones you often have a long wait for. There is very helpful staff rotating throughout the experience. I just wish they would gently push some of the people along that seem to take FOREVER to get the "perfect" shot. I came back to the building illusion (the one where you can make it look like you are hanging off the top of a building or sitting on ledge) and ten minutes later the same two girls were still taking pictures despite there being a line behind them. Exhibits are well maintained and the staff is informative. It should just have a lower price point for what you get. Parking is street parking (good luck with that on busier days) or you can park in one of the nearby garages (which would add to your expense). There is a gift shop on the way out with a variety of items ranging from magnets and pins to shirts and games. Is it worth a visit? Sure, but try to find a coupon or buy when they have some sort of promotion to make it more affordable.

Overpriced…read more Tourist Trap. Not a museum at all. It's gallery sized. Takes about 30 minutes to view everything. That includes the time you are stuck waiting for tourists to snap their instagram photos.

We had an awesome experience at the Clemente Museum! The guided tour was excellent, and our guide…read morewas knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing Roberto Clemente's incredible story and legacy. You could really feel the history throughout the museum. Highly recommend taking the tour -- it was a memorable experience from start to finish!

This place was awesome. It's not a massive space for a museum, but there is so much interesting…read morestuff inside the space. Even if you know very little about Clemente or not a big baseball fan, this museum really walks you through who he was, what his values were, and the impact he made. The employees inside are extremely helpful and knowledgeable too. We did the self-guided open house, and liked it. Also, a MASSIVE shoutout to Mr. Rieder, who ended up talking to me for about 40 minutes as I wandered into a spot I wasn't supposed to. Go here, it's well worth it.

I was excited to go after seeing so many pictures people posted. The end result was - it was…read moreunderwhelming and something to do. The first disappointment was being surprised by having to pay $10 for parking on top of the expensive cost of the ticket. The check in process was very easy and you could walk right into the show. It was a 30 min reel of Van Gogh's art. I felt like there was a lot of space inside going at 5pm on a weekday. It was relaxing to watch but in the end I just felt like it was too expensive for what it was. I most likely would not go again but it was nice to have something to do. Oh and they had mobile bathrooms similar to those at a concert bathroom. Ehhhh.

Really cool take on an art exhibit. It was such an immersive experience we felt like we were…read moretransported to Europe and seeing the sights through Van Gogh's eyes. The music was well done and added a lot of depth to the production. Now the bad....soooo expensive. I got a black Friday deal and went off hours and it was still $28 per person. They also were charging $12 for parking. I can't imagine going for full retail price. Seems like it could've been more affordable.

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.

The collection of photographs made with technologies ranging back to the birth of photography is…read moretruly impressive, and the same can be said for the collection of cameras. Bruce, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, relatable and as enthusiastic as a kid in a candy shop! This is a great to learn about our past. Add to that, the neighborhood is a burgeoning destination spot, with a mix of old school delis and fresh cafes. Catch it before it before its charm has left.

This museum is one of my favorite hidden gems in Pittsburgh. In fact, it's one of the places I…read morealways bring visitors to check out when they come into town. It's packed with history of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas through photographs. The museum had been around since the early 90s (1992-1993 I believe) and it's a must-see. I started taking my daughter (who is now 23) on visits one a year or so starting around age 5. It's so important to learn about history and on each visit we would often experience something we'd not notice on previous trips. I journal my life with photographs, always have and knowing we have a museum dedicated to that speaks volumes. It's fairly reasonably priced for entry at around $10.

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.

Everything about this space is spectacular from the Franco Harris theatres to the art galleries and…read moreeverything in between. The museum has so much incredible memorabilia. The exhibits are beautifully curated to tell a robust story. The staff are always so friendly. I have had the pleasure of attending for a couple of private events as well as a play and of course a museum visit. It's a wonderful representation of our city and a fantastic place for locals and visitors alike.

There is n0ever, not, a time to experience the cultural diversity that is in abundance at the…read moreAugust Wilson Center. This exhibit was thought provoking, and really embodied some of the black and brown experiences that have evolved over time, but still remain prominent in our culture. I'm so glad they're open for our viewing pleasure again. The staff was so very pleasant and accommodating! They spoke with us about the exhibits and what's coming in the future and even let me know qhats around the cultural district that's worth exploring! Do yourself, and The August Wilson Center, a favor and make it down there to see our beautiful cultures come to life.

Full disclosure, I am a Docent Volunteer with Doors Open Pittsburgh. I became a volunteer after…read moreattending the annual Downtown event in the fall ever since moving to Pittsburgh. Lots of folks attend this big downtown tour, but did you know that DOP also does Guided Walking Tours, Insider Tours, Bus Tours and Virtual Storytelling Events? I have done Walking Tours focused on the historic numbers racket on Fifth Ave and Squirrel Hill. It was fascinating to learn about the old gangsters in Pittsburgh! I did an Insider Tour of Thaddeus G. Mosley's Woodworking Art Studio this year. Mr. Mosley is a real Pittsburgh treasure! During COVID, I did a lot of the Virtual Storytelling Events. You can sign up for these anytime as they are all online at https://doorsopenpgh.org Go ahead and #BeNebby by signing up for a tour! I think you'll love it!

Came to an event last weekend in the Hill District to check out the Pittsburgh Bomb Squad event. We…read morestarted promptly at 10am and were wrapping up about an hour to hour and half later. It was really interesting to hear about how the Bomb Squad came to be and some of the training and best practices they use--especially after the Boston Bombing. The Doors Open volunteer helped facilitate the introduction but after that they kind of took a step back to let the Bomb Squad lead the discussion which was definitely the right call. Thanks Doors Open for setting these up!