What's New

"If Pittsburgh were situated somewhere in the heart of Europe, tourists would eagerly journey hundreds of miles out of their way to visit it."

—Brendan Gill, The New Yorker

Honoring African American Culture

Pittsburgh’s new August Wilson Center for African American Culture opened in 2009. The $36 million center, which was built in the heart of downtown, features Pittsburgh’s contributions to African-American art, culture and history. The 80,000-square-foot facility includes a 500-seat theater, galleries, bookstore, café and space for education and research.

The Dinosaurs are Back

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History opened the final phase of the new $36 million “Dinosaurs in Their Time” exhibit with the return of T. Rex in June 2008. The new exhibit is triple the size of the former Dinosaur Hall. With more than 103,000 specimens, the museum has the finest Jurassic dinosaur collection in the world and is the world’s third largest repository of dinosaur fossils. Visitors can see real dinosaurs, dramatically posed in their natural habitats. It’s been named one of the best places to see dinosaurs by the Discovery Channel and Forbes magazine.

Robots Inhabit Pittsburgh

Carnegie Science Center opened “Roboworld,” the nation’s largest and most comprehensive permanent robotics exhibition in spring 2009. The $3.4 million exhibition features more than 30 hands-on interactive stations in three areas: robotic sensing, thinking and acting.

Dive In

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium unveiled an exciting new exhibit, called “Water’s Edge.” This exhibit features polar bears, sea otters and walruses. Visitors can walk onto a pier to get another view of bears from eye level and under water. The Pittsburgh Zoo is one of only four places in the country that’s home to all three of these beautiful creatures.

Kennywood Expands

Kennywood Amusement Park, the century-old “roller coaster capital of the world,” is in the beginning stages of developing a $60 million plan that will increase in size from 92- to 140-acres with bigger and faster rollercoasters, a hotel and an indoor water park, which would allow the park to operate year-round. This is a family favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Pittsburgh's 250th Anniversary Celebration

Pittsburgh celebrated its 250th birthday in 2008. In honor of this milestone, an elaborate, year-long celebration happened. From the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage a hiking and biking trail connecting Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., to an amazing Festival of Lights, Pittsburgh celebrated in a big way! As part of the festivities, Point State Park, located in downtown Pittsburgh, underwent a $35 million renovation. About 120 of the world’s best young cyclists biked from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh as part of the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter Reopens

Meadowcroft Rockshelter reopened May 2008. Located in Washington County, Meadowcroft is the oldest site of human habitation in North America. Enjoy tours of the Rockshelter and marvel at the new enclosure, which will allow large groups to explore the oldest and deepest part of this National Historic Landmark.

Experience Architecture

Tour two masterpieces designed by world-renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright: Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob in the beautiful Laurel Highlands. And, visitors can even sleep overnight at the nearby Duncan House, another Wright-designed home located in Polymath Park, a 125-acre site created by one of Wright’s apprentices.

Fireworks Capital of America

It’s a blast when you visit New Castle, the “Fireworks Capital of America” in Lawrence County. Watch stupendous fireworks displays, view replicas of the Statue of Liberty and a fireworks exhibit at the Lawrence County History Center.

Jimmy Stewart Turns 100

The Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana County is celebrating Jimmy’s 100th birthday in 2008. Today, this one-of-a-kind museum pays tribute to this great American actor by highlighting his life and career.

Explore Radios and Mines

In Armstrong County, check out Check’s Radio Museum, which features over 800 radios dating back to the beginning of radio, and journalist Nellie Bly’s childhood home. Explore the workings of an underground coal mine in Tour-Ed Mine and Museum.

Get Pampered in a Castle

The Buhl Mansion in Mercer is one of America's top rated Bed & Breakfasts, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Perfect for romantic getaways, indulgent spa escapes, exclusive executive retreats and castle weddings.

The Amish of Western Pennsylvania

Experience authentic Amish settlements in Smicksburg, Indiana County, or Volant and New Wilmington in Lawrence County. Shop for furniture, quilts, cheeses, chocolates, crafts and more. Wineries located near these settlements add sparkle to the day.

The Harmony Society

Old Economy Village in Beaver County invites you to experience the 19th Century way of life by exploring the grounds and buildings of this National Historic Landmark. Old Economy was the home of the Harmony Society, established in 1824, and known worldwide for its piety and industrial prosperity.

What it Really Means to be "American Made"

Private tours are available at the W.A. Young Foundry in Greene County. This uniquely preserved landmark, called “the greatest find in 100 years” by the Smithsonian Institute is the best example of what “American Made” really means.

Wire Rope and Asian Culture

Visitors can tour John Roebling’s house and workshop in Saxonburg, Butler County. Roebling, who revolutionized the art of bridge building with the invention of wire rope, is most famous for designing the Brooklyn Bridge. Then, visit the Maridon Museum, the only museum in western Pennsylvania with a specific focus on Asian art and culture.