Celebrating 30 years of Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh

An underrated art city, Pittsburgh is presenting even more reasons for culture-seekers to visit.

This spring sees the 30th anniversary of The Andy Warhol Museum – the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America.

Part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, avid pop art fans can learn about the Pittsburgh-born artist through exhibitions, displays, and interactive tours.

The venue has permanent and rotating exhibitions which give an insight into Warhol’s life and distinctive style.

Spread over seven floors, the museum exhibits over 12,000 pieces of the artist’s work, including portraits of Marilyn Monroe and the iconic ‘Coke’.

Pittsburgh honors the undisputed king of pop art and Warhol influences can be seen throughout the city – including an entire steel bridge named after him.

Retrace the artist’s steps with these Warhol themed experiences in Pittsburgh this year.

Get to know Warhol and his Pittsburgh roots

The son of eastern European immigrants, each floor of the museum explores a decade of Warhol’s life in great detail starting with his relationship with the city through some of his earliest sketches. Visitors will learn how the artist found inspiration in comic books and Hollywood magazines setting the stage for his later works. Whilst in Pittsburgh, Warhol attended Carnegie Mellon University before focusing on art and leaving for New York where he found his fame.

Admire curated exhibits 

Home to the largest collection of artwork and archives – some of which still haven’t been seen by the public, the museum showcases Warhol’s work in every medium from paintings, drawings and photographs, to film and print spanning his career. Starting on the top floor, and descending through six additional galleries, the museum provides an in-depth story of his life through art.

Enjoy interactive experiences 

The museum offers many ways to immerse in the artwork with pieces of art that are meant to be touched. Located on the fifth floor is one of the museum’s more popular exhibits. Named Silver Clouds, the interactive exhibit consists of gigantic, metallic silver helium balloons in a nod to Warhols love of aluminium foil.  Visitors are encouraged to wander through the ‘clouds’ as they gently float. There is also an old fashion photo booth that invites visitors to use their own film for a souvenir selfie.

Re-create a Warhol screen-print

Open to all ages, the museum holds a dedicated space for art workshops, collages, sculptures and other creative activities. Visitors can work with experienced artist educators to create handmade silkscreen printed artworks and other souvenirs. Printing on paper is free, and other materials like tote bags, t-shirts, bandanas and notebooks are available for purchase at an additional cost.

Stay for a gallery talk 

Providing an introduction to the museum and a thematic discussion related to Warhol, the gallery talks are led by artist educators, museum staff, or experts such as Donald Warhola, one of Andy Warhol’s 10 nieces and nephews. Talks are 30 minutes long and take place daily, focusing on silk-screen techniques and the current special exhibition – Altered States; representing the artist’s radical approach to Abstract Expressionism.

Explore the new KAWS + Warhol exhibition (18 May 2024 – 20 January 2025)

The first exhibition to examine the dark themes present in the work of both artists, from 18 May, the Warhol presents KAWS + Warhol. From skulls to car crashes, both artists deploy their signature bright colors and pop culture references while also presenting the lurid spectacle of death. Supporting the Warhol’s new Pop District initiative, KAWS will also present a monumental wooden sculpture in Pop Park, directly across from the museum.

Get creative scene at Community Day (19 May 2024)

Known for bringing artists, musicians, models and the art world together in his Silver Factory Days, the Museum continues in Warhol’s footsteps with a Community Day for fans of the Museum. Taking place on the 19 May, it invites art lovers to experience the museum’s collection in addition to activities like mural making and silkscreen printing.

Fun Fact – Andy Warhol has a bridge dedicated to him

The only bridge in the United States named for a visual artist, the Seventh Street Bridge was dedicated to Andy Warhol in 2005 as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Andy Warhol Museum. Now known as the Andy Warhol Bridge, it is also one of the ‘Three Sisters’ bridges – the only trio of identical, side-by-side bridges in the world and the first self-anchored suspension span designed and constructed in the US. It also houses the city’s famous Picklesburgh culinary event, celebrating the humble cucumber in all its glory.

Art throughout the city

Pittsburgh’s art go beyond galleries and museums – the city is home to over 30 of them – but also through visual, music and architecture. Key establishments to visit include contemporary art at The Mattress Factory, an in-depth look into the city’s pioneering past at the Heinz History Museum and visual delights at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

UK travellers looking to explore the full offering of Pittsburgh can book a 5 day / 4 night package with Trailfinders. This action-packed trip offers arts, culture, sports, craft beer and more. Highlights include a visit to The Andy Warhol Museum, a ride on the funicular for skyline views and a visit to a sports game. Guide prices start from £379 per person, based on two adults sharing. With British Airways from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International Airport.  

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