August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Pittsburgh honors its most famous literary son through several world-class institutions and historic sites that visitors can explore today.
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center stands as one of the largest multidisciplinary Black arts centers in the United States. Since opening its doors fifteen years ago in Pittsburgh’s vibrant Cultural District, the Center has served as a community beacon dedicated to sharing the African American experience.
The AWAACC presents transformative arts experiences that reflect the prestige, authority, and vision illuminated in the work of August Wilson himself. By representing the rich history of Wilson's birthplace—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—the Center shares the unique perspectives of its inhabitants with the world.
Through its diverse festivals, world-class exhibitions, and community programs, the Center inspires all people to recognize Black creativity and innovation as a powerful impetus for heartfelt human connection.
Cultural Impact & Community Reach
The AWAACC is more than a landmark; it is a vital resource for the region, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to everyone.
- Youth Engagement: The Center engages more than 6,000 youth annually, providing educational opportunities and creative outlets for the next generation.
- Global Draw: Every year, the AWAACC welcomes over 100,000 visitors from across the globe.
- Accessibility: To ensure the mission remains inclusive, many world-class performances and educational programs are offered at low or no cost to the public.
Plan Your Visit
Location: The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh at 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh PA.
Gallery Exhibits: Galleries remain FREE and open to the public. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center offers a range of dynamic gallery and educational space that showcase the immense talent and artistic innovation of many established and emerging visual artists of color from around the globe.
Shows & Performances: The August Wilson African American Cultural Center presents more than 200 performances and presentations a year in multiple artistic genres — including free community events every quarter!
Permanent Exhibition
August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape
The Writer’s Landscape, the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the life and works of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. The 3,600 square foot permanent exhibition explores the people and places of Pittsburgh, where Wilson was born and raised, and which had a profound impact on shaping his worldview and inspiring his unprecedented 10-play American Century Cycle.
2026 Exhibitions
Peju Alatise: I Will Belong to Only Me | through May 31, 2026
Titled after a line from her own writing, I Will Belong to Only Me marks the first U.S. solo survey of Peju Alatise (b. 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria). A defining figure in contemporary African art, this exhibition brings together two decades of her work across sculpture, installation, text, and film.
Lavett Ballard: a Rose is a Rose is a Rose | through March 29, 2026
Lavett Ballard: a Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a poetic play of mixed media assemblages—varying in shape, scale, and texture—grounded in Ballard’s richly layered narrative style. Through her signature use of reclaimed wooden fences, collage, and historical imagery, this exhibition explores the intersections of womanist theologies, materiality, and representations of Black femininity across time.
Picture This | through February 1, 2026
From neighborhood sidewalks to living rooms and front porches, Pittsburghers of all ages are telling their stories in Picture This. Featuring vibrant photos by renowned Pittsburgh photographers, personal recordings, and interactive activations, this new exhibition reveals the power of connecting across generations. This uplifting all-ages exhibition is free and open to the public!
