Small and humble but fun photographic gallery in Pittsburgh's up-and-coming arty neighborhood of…read moreGarfield. An absolute hidden gem if you are looking for something less well-known than Pittsburgh's famous "big" galleries and museums. Regular exhibits of black-and-white photographs are displayed on the wall with accompanying text explaining the thought process and motivations of each artist. The photographic art displayed here is often socially conscious and utilized to make points about gender, class, and culture. While those points are made with varying degrees of success, the photographs themselves are always quite intriguing. In addition to the gallery, there is also a reading room. Several of the photography books are for sale, but it can also be used as a library space. If you want to learn about classic photographers and their art, there are more than enough books to give yourself a thorough education as an autodidact. I have only one caveat about this place that should be taken into account. I want to point out that if you are going here with younger family members, discretion and close supervision should be STRONGLY advised. There are certain visuals you may want to steer away from. The content occasionally goes well beyond PG-13 territory and occasionally into R-rated or NC-17 photography. The gallery portion for example is not unfriendly to nude photographs, and the reading room contains NSFW and explicit titles such as Nan Goldin's Ballad of Sexual Dependency (among others in a similar vein). With that caveat aside, however, Silver Eye Center Photography is one of Pittsburgh's hidden treasures and is very worth your time.

Great gallery, wonderful classes. I enjoy their exhibits and gallery openings. Very good staff with…read morepassion and expertise for photography.

Ryan Arts Center is a gem in the heart of McKees Rocks, and every community could only be as…read morefortunate as this one to have such a wonderful place to learn, grow, and explore their creativity! Jennifer was extremely helpful in providing information to my boyfriend and I since last night was our first time being here. I can say with confidence that it certainly won't be our last. Kevin Mosely was a speaker featured at Ryan Arts last night and he was speaking on Black history and his experiences as an activist. We started out socializing in the art gallery, which at the time was featuring art for the African American Celebration of the Arts. You could even vote for your favorite to be in the running to win a prize, but all the art was so incredible it's been tough to pick a favorite! The gallery had such a cozy feel to it that it almost felt like I was somewhere I'd been many times before. They had small bites of fruit, veggies, cheese and meat for guests to snack on, and even a few desserts. There was a table with some wine on it if you preferred something to sip on before Kevin took the stage for the night. Soon enough we headed into the auditorium, which was nice and spacious. After Kevin finished answering questions from the crowd, we were welcomed back into the gallery to take pictures and speak with him before we left. Jennifer gave us 2 packets of information on upcoming programs such as yoga, cooking classes, etc. She gave us 2 so I could share with a friend of mine that just moved to the McKees Rocks area which was super nice of her! From the outside it's hard to tell how big this place is, but it has the gallery, auditorium, ceramics studio, kitchen, area for painting, reading, and more. There is something for everyone here regardless of your age and artistic ability, and I can't begin to explain how welcomed we felt during our first visit. Can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the year!

This is far more than a typical venue to see live performances or art exhibits. It's a place that…read moreallows a community to come together through art and music. Several programs and classes are available. There's a coffee shop where proceeds go back into centre. Part of FOR, also known as For Our Renewal which is a community initiative that has been a part of the McKeesRocks landscape for years. In addition to Ryan's they have a senior center, health center and more. Ryan's allows children to cultivate talents through dance, painting and more. A vital part of life in the Rocks.

I have been here twice AND have interacted with Velda and Mr. Arm outside of their tour. I just…read morelove these people and the wacky maximalism they're living in. Velda is a superb tour guide. Be sure to give them a donation (suggested $20 for the hour) or alcohol or some weird oddity if you go! They have events like movie nights that I would love to attend. Many great dead things are waiting to meet you at the Trundle Manor. Parking on the street!

This was the coolest place ever. We had a group of eight people and came hear to see all the…read moreoddities. If you are into Steam Punk, this is a definite must go. All they ask for is a donation of liquor or cash contribution-$20. If you are with a large group, I would suggest doubling the contribution, since it is really such a cool experience and I love supporting local artists. Everyone in our group were in awe of all the taxidermy and the creativity of the house. The tour is private and the couple who owns Trundle Manor limits the tour to eight people maximum. Can't really explain it, except something like the Adams Family meets Steam Punk. Great experience and thank you Velda for allowing us to your your home and giving us the narration.

This is a newish art gallery managed by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Admission is free, and the…read morecurrent exhibition is the artwork of Danny Devine .... Soooo much cool stuff to look at in here, most of it Yinzer inspired ... BIG CHEERS!!!!!

This is a very unique organization and establishment. As a migrant from Brazil, we feel right at…read morehome with the staff, the bookstore, restaurant and stage. The programs are very unique and yesterday we were able to catch Brazilian music being presented in such a rich delicate style. There might have been 30 to 40 Brazilians in the house and we were so fortunate to have this venue to welcome us in such a warm and artistic way. I encourage everyone reading this review to check their program and have a seat at the restaurant or at the bar to enjoy one of the most diverse venues in Pittsburgh! Cheers and may Pittsburgh's City of Asylum remain a remain vibrant and fun establishment for all people

Super cool bookstore! We found lots of books on poetry, philosophy, and more- plus a nice little…read moreused book section in the back that's fun to explore. Make sure to check out books by the authors sponsored by the bookstore. Such a great contribution to the world of ideas. We weren't there when they were serving food or when there were musical performances, but it looks like a very good space. Anyway, good vibes, good books... what else could you ask for?

Laura Jean McLaughlin's art studio. It/she is magical in her artistry, making creations that often…read moreinclude cats and humans interacting and conspiring together with the cat seemingly taking the lead into all types of merriment and follies as an equal (no, superior) ally, playing instruments, flying in spaceships. If that can't lift your mind and spirits, what can? I'm not an expert in art so I can't boast of her materials used, etc. I just simply enjoy the whimsical nature of it all. Ms. McLaughlin is a notable Pittsburgh artist, especially leading public efforts for public pieces with mosaics such as the Southside Slope steps at 27th and Josephine seen here in a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/pqVRE5e-YUc I had a lovely time visiting her gallery and purchased a piece she is making for me similar to one that already sold. She was so gracious in person, showing me her studio and briefly chatting about common interests while showing me the art I had inquired about. When my art is ready, a vase-like piece with cat and spaceship? I will post its photo here. Definitely Google Laura Jean McLaughlin and her art ceramics and mosaics. Make a call to check out hours for her studio. I was fortunate to come on the first Friday of August. First Fridays 6:30pm to 9pm Garfield Penn Ave shops, restaurants, art venues open and vendors are on the street to welcome visitors. So happy I went and, especially happy to have come here, met the artist in person, and secured a work of art from her.

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.

If you're a huge admirer of contemporary art then this is the place to go. Edward Eberle is a…read morewell-known and highly respected ceramicist in the 21st century. His work is very refined and in tune with geometrical pattern in relationship to nature. You will feel in zen when you look at his work. I highly recommend this place when you're in Pittsburgh!