Art In Public Spaces


 

No matter where you are in Downtown Pittsburgh or Oakland, you are steps away from experiencing a work of art. Self-guided walking tours of art in public spaces are available courtesy of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council in print or as downloadable PDFs (see below).

The Downtown tour winds through four neighborhoods, focusing on remarkable artwork by nationally and internationally recognized artists. Since many of these artists were inspired by the Pittsburgh region when they created their pieces, the tour is also a great way to learn about Pittsburgh's place in history. Downtown tour: 60-90 minutes; Oakland tour: 75-120 minutes.

Cultural District

Contemporary art was given a leading role in the development of Pittsburgh's central arts neighborhood. Adventurous works by prominent artists mark the district's boundaries and are integrated into its varied public spaces.

(download Cultural District walking tour PDF)

A River of Glass

A river of glass now flows through Pittsburgh in the city's first all glass public art installation. "Rivers of Glass: Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue," located in the lobby of 11 Stanwix Street, an historic 1960s-era office tower in downtown Pittsburgh is now open for all to enjoy, weekdays, 9 am-5 pm. The Pittsburgh Glass Center is one of the partners in this extraordinary work. See photos of the installation. 

Retail District and Firstside

Art in these districts is found amidst soaring office towers, French and Indian War sites, retail establishments and a historic financial district.

(download Retail District and Firstside walking tour PDF)

North Shore

The art on the North Shore is as diverse as the mix of cultural institutions, sports arenas, parks and residential districts in this vibrant neighborhood.

(download North Shore walking tour PDF)

Grant Street Corridor District

Many grand public and corporate buildings in this district integrate art into their design. Contemporary artworks that use sound and light are neighbors with historic works in stained glass, bronze and stone.

(download Grant Street Corridor District walking tour PDF)

Oakland

Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood tour offers lovers of art and the outdoors photographs and descriptions of 35 works of public art in this historic neighborhood with architectural notes for select Oakland buildings. Created in partnership with the Carnegie Museum of Art.

(download Oakland walking tour PDF)

MLK Community Mural Project

The MLK Community Mural Project is the biggest and brightest art venture in the city’s history, with murals scheduled to cover 26 walls throughout the city and already engaging hundreds of Pittsburgh’s biggest and brightest residents. Currently, the project has produced more than a dozen murals along the MLK East Busway, spanning eight neighborhoods.