Pittsburgh Loves Mister Rogers!
Mister Rogers entered our homes with his gentle, soft-spoken personality and his positive and affirming messages - and he won our hearts.
Why Do Pittsburghers Love Mister Rogers?
Most people in America love Mister Rogers, but as per usual, Pittsburghers do it bigger and better. Why do we have such a strong affinity for Fred Rogers? It begins at home - he was born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania only about 40 miles from Pittsburgh! Because of that, there are lots of places around Pittsburgh for you to get your Mister Rogers fix! In fact, visitors from all over the country can now follow a three-day, self-guided Fred Rogers Trail along 15 key sites in his life that spans across Western Pennsylvania.
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Visit Fred Rogers Memories - a series celebrating the legacy of Fred Rogers and how he's inspired the children’s museum. See artifacts from the original “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” show, including original puppets, Fred's iconic sneakers, photos, and videos. And plunk out a familiar Mister Rogers song on our new piano! On display in MuseumLab. Visit a pop-up version of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit in the Museum’s Nursery - sit on the Trolley, share a learning strategy, and try on a red sweater for a photo op.
What if you're not a child but young at heart and want to reminisce? The Heinz History Center has you covered. They are featuring a “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” exhibit in their special collections gallery with the largest collection of original items from the Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood television set on public view - including the life-like figure of Mr. Rogers wearing his iconic sweater, necktie, khakis, and sneakers. Highlights from the "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" installation include:
- The entryway and living room set that Mister Rogers walked through to begin each show
- King Friday XIII's Castle
- Great Oak Tree, the residence of Henrietta Pussycat and X The Owl
- Picture Picture, the display that helped Mister Rogers teach children using interactive media
- McFeely's "Speedy Delivery" tricycle and more!
Statues of Mister Rogers
There are two wonderful and unique places where locals and tourists alike can pay homage to Mister Rogers. Make sure to check out "Tribute to Children", the ten foot bronze sculpture of Fred at North Shore Drive (located between Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park). This statue captures him in a familiar pose, sitting down and tying his sneakers with a gorgeous view of Pittsburgh in the foreground.
"Fredasaurus Rex Friday XIII" can be found outside of the Fred Rogers Company offices. He was designed by Karen Howell and is sporting a red Fred Rogers cardigan and has a great big grin.
The story of the beloved TV personality appeared on the big screen in the fall of 2019 staring Tom Hanks as everyone’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers. Certain parts of the movie were filmed in familiar Pittsburgh locations, including the actual studio where they filmed the original show. The same cameras and lights that lit up Mister Roger’s face were used in production. Even the ties Hanks wore throughout the movie were Fred’s, generously provided by his wife Joanne.
The trailer opens with stunning views high above the familiar Pittsburgh city skyline, home to “The Fred Rogers Studio.” Filming in downtown Pittsburgh took place in September of 2018 and Hanks was frequently spotted doing research for the film in Rogers’ hometown of Latrobe, PA, just outside the city. Based on a true story, the movie follows Mister Rogers as he befriends cynical journalist, Lloyd Vogel [Matthew Rhys] who ends up discovering a true American hero famous for his red sweater and unconditional kindness.
Although most of us have never met Mister Rogers, he has certainly left something of himself with us. As he himself once said:
