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Fabulous Pittsburgh
by Joe McGrath
Welcome to Pittsburgh!
In September 2009, Pittsburgh welcomed the world as the host city for the G- 20 Pittsburgh Summit. World leaders, their delegations, and thousands of journalists from around the globe came to Pittsburgh for a seminal event that was like no other in the city’s history!
Why Pittsburgh? The White House answered that question saying: “As a city that has transformed itself from the city of steel to a center for high-tech innovation—including green technology, education and training, and research and development—Pittsburgh will provide both a beautiful backdrop and a powerful example for our work.”
Pittsburgh reinvented itself by building a balanced, innovation- driven economy based on its strengths in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, financial services, life sciences, and energy solutions. Also, the quality of life here is second to none, demonstrated by the fact that the city has twice been named “America’s Most Livable City.”
Official guests at the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit dined amid the flowers of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the art of The Andy Warhol Museum; and tours and performances took place at the Pittsburgh High School for Creative and Performing Arts.
The city’s long history of renewing, reclaiming, and redeveloping its environment while demonstrating a commitment to employing “green” technology to further economic recovery and development was illustrated by the fact that the Summit was held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the world’s first green convention center.
CNN reported from the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit: “Just 10 years ago, you couldn’t mention the words ‘posh’ and ‘Pittsburgh’ in the same sentence without a collective laugh. Not anymore.”
Consistently ranked among the best arts destinations in the United States, it’s easy to see why Pittsburgh is one of the most vital cultural centers in America. Pittsburgh’s Cultural District is home to the Benedum Center for Performing Arts, Byham Theater, Heinz Hall, the O'Reilly Theater, and now the new August Wilson Center for African American Culture— named for the Pittsburgh-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. With the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Frick Art & Historical Center and one-of-a-kind installation art exhibits at the world-renowned Mattress Factory, you’ll be immersed in a cultural scene that is second to none!
Visitors will soon discover that Pittsburgh is full of passionate, friendly people. This town is welcoming to everyone, and provides a wealth of entertainment for every interest. With 89 neighborhoods, Pittsburgh is a city to be explored one delightful area at a time.
In Oakland, you’ll find the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. These world-famous museums stand as Andrew Carnegie’s lasting legacy. Situated alongside the Carnegie Library and Music Hall, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History showcase one of the finest dinosaur exhibits in the world. The Carnegie Museum of Art houses an extensive collection of Impressionist, post- Impressionist, and 19th- and 20th-century American works. Here, you’ll also find the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh’s (AAP) 100th Annual Exhibition running from July 24 through September 26. This is one of 50 exhibitions planned throughout the region in honor of AAP’s centennial celebration.
Architecture and ethnic heritage meet at the towering Cathedral of Learning’s Nationality Rooms, where 27 working classrooms depict different cultures from around the world.
The region’s steel heritage is celebrated at Rivers of Steel in Homestead. History buffs can also discover the region’s heritage at the Senator John Heinz History Center. Find out what Big Macs, Bingo, and the Ferris Wheel have in common at a new permanent exhibition, Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation.
Pittsburgh is a family town, too. Visit the many attractions on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side where you’ll find the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, National Aviary, New Hazlett Theater, Allegheny Commons Park, and Carnegie Science Center, home to the new Highmark SportsWorks.
With so much to see, and even more to do, Pittsburgh is a great place to revisit your childhood and create your special getaway. A must-see for every visitor who fondly remembers the late Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, this new art installation provides another reason to visit Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Tribute to Children is located in the heart of the city that was Fred Rogers’ home.
Recently named the “Best Sports City” by Sporting News magazine, Pittsburgh is certainly serious about sports. From the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, to a wealth of college sports, you can take in all of the action. Enjoy PNC Park, voted best ballpark for baseball by ESPN, or tee off at one of more than 100 area golf courses.
And, get ready for the new Consol Energy Center, the first environmentally friendly hockey arena in the nation. When it opens for the 2010 hockey season, the building will host sporting events, concerts, and a variety of other spectator events. The number of seats— 18,087—is a nod to the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby’s No. 87. Inside the Heinz History Center is where sports meets history —the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is where you’ll find the story of the region’s long, rich sports heritage.
There’s nothing quite like the magnificent scenes from atop Mt. Washington. See what USA Weekend calls “one of the most beautiful views in the country.” Try to include a ride on an historic incline car to the top of Mt. Washington. “Wow!” is the frequently heard refrain from visitors when Pittsburgh’s beautiful skyline bursts into view after exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel. It’s fitting that Pittsburgh, the birthplace of renowned environmentalist Rachel Carson, is today a national leader in the environmental movement and a green model for cities all over the globe. No wonder the United Nations recently selected
Pittsburgh as the North American Host City for World Environment Day on June 5! Pittsburgh has transformed itself through a series of lasting public-private partnerships going back more than 65 years— from the first air quality legislation to robust reclamation of Brownfield sites and river cleanups during the past 25 years.
Today, we are the materials innovator and supplier for a greener global economy. Pittsburgh is a “Top 10 Metro” for green jobs and Pennsylvania has more than 5,000 green building product manufacturers employing 200,000 people.
Pittsburgh is proud to be home to more than 30 green-certified buildings, including the first green college residence hall and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is pursuing a net-zero energy and water designation as a “Living Building.” This is a direct result of this region’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Once known as the “Steelmaking Capital of the World,” Pittsburgh is now a hub for finance, medicine, education, and technology—including robotics and advanced steelmaking technology.
Downtown Pittsburgh is not only the heart of the business community, but also the soul of a city rich with many cultural, dining, and shopping destinations. The 14- block Downtown Cultural District offers a vibrant mix of both classic and contemporary performing and visual arts. Attend performances of the renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and the Pittsburgh Opera, as well as firstrun Broadway touring productions. The Harris Theater hosts some of the most provocative independent and foreign films.
And, there’s no shortage of culinary choices. Some of the region’s best dining can be found in and around the Cultural District, but be sure to make reservations during the pre- and post-theater rush.
Department stores are within an easy walk of downtown hotels, giving you plenty of reason to enjoy the fact that there is no tax on clothing in Pennsylvania. While you are out, be sure to look up and enjoy the unique melding of old and new architecture. Catch live music at one of the many restaurants and clubs in the city’s popular Strip District. Or cross the Allegheny River to Station Square, a turn-of-the-century railroad terminal that has been transformed into a bustling array of shops, restaurants, and night spots. Check out one-of-a-kind shops in the 16:62 Design Zone in Lawrenceville and discover Pittsburgh’s arts and design district.
Athletic types can run along the treelined riverfront paths that lead to Point State Park at the confluence of the city’s three rivers. Start Downtown, then cross one of Pittsburgh’s famous rivers—the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio—to explore the region’s distinctive topography and countryside jewels.
Nearby, you can tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces— Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, and Duncan House. Venture further into Pittsburgh Countryside where you’ll find some of the most picturesque surroundings imaginable.
Pittsburgh’s industrialist age comes alive at The Frick Art & Historical Center, where visitors can tour the former residence of steel magnate Henry Clay Frick and view an outstanding permanent collection of Italian, French, and Flemish art.
In this town, one word is synonymous with fun—Kennywood. This traditional amusement park is a summertime destination for thrill seekers with six roller coasters! Party animals love the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, where you can see polar bears, sea otters, and sand sharks in the new Water’s Edge exhibit. A colorful array of more than 600 exotic and endangered birds take flight at the National Aviary, the nation’s premier bird park.
Pittsburgh is indeed a fabulous city. It’s a city that’s rich in culture and steeped in history. Pittsburgh is livable, affordable, and a whole lot more. We hope you enjoy your visit!
—Joseph McGrath is the president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh. www.visitpittsburgh.com
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