The Oakland District

Pittsburgh's Global Center for Innovation, Education, and Healthcare.

If your business thrives on knowledge, talent, and strategic connections, Oakland is your ideal location. As the vital bridge connecting downtown Pittsburgh to its eastern neighborhoods, Oakland offers more than just accessibility—it offers unparalleled assets. Oakland is recognized as the core of the city's Innovation District, providing a dynamic environment where you can engage with the latest advancements in biotechnology, robotics, and academic research.

For a productive and uniquely inspired meeting experience, start here.

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UNIQUE VENUES
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Lodging in Oakland

Oakland offers a range of top-tier lodging options, from boutique luxury to all-suite extended stays, all within immediate walking distance of the universities, hospitals, and cultural landmarks.

Whether your attendees require executive amenities, reliable conference services, or a comfortable long-term stay, you will find a home base that perfectly supports your agenda and puts you steps away from Pittsburgh's brightest minds.

Beyond the Boardroom

In Oakland, a productive meeting doesn't mean sacrificing inspiration. Oakland is home to many of Pittsburgh's finest cultural institutions, which double as absolutely unforgettable event venues. Elevate your next client dinner, corporate reception, or large-scale conference by hosting it in a setting surrounded by history, art, and natural beauty.

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

Inspiring & Unforgettable Ambiance. Host your event surrounded by natural history and world-class art. Spaces range from grand, columned halls to a soaring, gilded foyer, perfect for receptions, galas, and keynotes that demand a sense of awe.

Capacity: The Music Hall Foyer can host up to 1,000 for a standing reception. Other flexible areas like the Hall of Sculpture and the Music Hall accommodate everything from seated dinners (220 guests) to theater-style presentations (1,550 guests).

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Carnegie Museum of Art, Hall of Sculptures
Credit |
Jody Mader
Pictured |
Carnegie Museum of Art, Hall of Sculptures
Credit |
Jody Mader

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Breathtaking Natural Beauty & Sustainability. One of the world's greenest public gardens, Phipps offers stunning indoor and outdoor settings. It is perfect for elegant wedding-style receptions, upscale dinners, and corporate events seeking a beautiful, environmentally focused backdrop.

Capacity: The Special Events Hall is ideal for receptions of up to 250 guests, while a full facility buyout can accommodate up to 1,000 for a strolling reception among the various glasshouses.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

Classical Grandeur & Large Assemblies. An architectural landmark, this venue offers a majestic and versatile setting. Its spaces are perfect for galas, large conferences, trade shows, and sophisticated public lectures, providing a unique historical backdrop.

Capacity: The main Auditorium accommodates over 2,300 guests with brilliant acoustics, while the Grand Ballroom is ideal for banquets of up to 300. Smaller, stately rooms like the Hall of Valor and Gettysburg Room host groups of 50-100.

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Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
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Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
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Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
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Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms

Global Culture & Intimate Heritage. Located inside the University of Pittsburgh's iconic skyscraper, these 31 working classrooms represent the culture of various ethnic groups. They offer a distinguished, unique, and deeply inspiring setting for small, intimate meetings, dinners, and special presentations.

Capacity: The individual rooms are designed for small-scale use, typically accommodating 12-40 seated guests, with the adjacent Commons Room available for larger receptions.

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Cathedral of Learning
Credit |
Dustin McGrew
Pictured |
Cathedral of Learning
Credit |
Dustin McGrew

Petersen Events Center

Maximum Scale & State-of-the-Art Technology. Home to the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, the "Pete" is Pittsburgh's premier indoor arena and conference center for massive events. It is the go-to choice for large graduations, national conventions, and keynote speakers requiring theater-level production.

Capacity: The main Arena can host over 12,500 patrons. The venue also features various Club and Premium spaces that offer versatile settings for VIP receptions, breakout sessions, and smaller corporate events.

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Petersen Events Center Arena
Credit |
Dave DiCello
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Petersen Events Center Arena
Credit |
Dave DiCello

University Club

Historic Elegance & Fine Dining. This beautifully renovated 1923 building seamlessly blends Old World tradition with modern conference amenities. It is ideal for high-level executive meetings, formal dinners, and wedding-style receptions, with a dedicated in-house event team.

Capacity: Features multiple ballrooms, including Ballroom B (up to 300 theater-style), and several elegant Conference Rooms for smaller, intimate sessions.

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University Club Ballroom A
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University of Pittsburgh
Pictured |
University Club Ballroom A
Credit |
University of Pittsburgh

Flexible & Focused Campus Spaces

Oakland's university infrastructure provides countless options for specialized needs:

  • Lecture Halls and Auditoriums: University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University offer a wide inventory of tiered lecture halls, ranging from 50 to 400 seats, all equipped with audiovisual technology ideal for presentations and seminars.
  • Modern Collaborative Rooms: Dedicated spaces in campus buildings like the Gates Center for Computer Science (CMU) and the Cathedral of Learning (Pitt) offer unique configurable multipurpose spaces designed for breakout sessions, workshops, and small executive meetings.
  • Outdoor and Terrace Venues: Seasonal event spaces include open quads, courtyards, and rooftop terraces that provide scenic backdrops for networking receptions and casual gatherings.
Credit |
David DiCello
Credit |
David DiCello

Conveniently Located

Oakland, located just under 3 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh provides convenient access for all attendees, whether they are arriving from local hotels or out of town.

Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) offers the most frequent and reliable connection between Oakland and Downtown. Bus lines travel directly along the major corridors (Fifth Avenue/Forbes Avenue) linking the two neighborhoods.

To make planning even easier, download the Ready2Ride app (Apple/Google Play) to manage ticket purchases digitally. The Transit app is also helpful for planning and navigating to your route and seeing when the next bus is due to arrive.

Parking & Driving
Public parking garages and lots are accessible throughout Oakland. Check with specific venues for the recommended parking locations.

Plan Your Next Event in Oakland

Submit a Business Events RFP

Ready to bring your conference, meeting, or event to the Oakland District? Let VisitPITTSBURGH help you navigate the unique portfolio of venues and find the perfect fit for your needs.

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