Better known by its moniker Steeltown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a tough city – its weathered the effects of decades of industry as well as became a haven for waves of immigration.
It’s a city that has bred passionate people, especially when it comes to their Black & Gold. No matter if its football, baseball or hockey, Pittsburgh is truly in love with their sports teams.
But its also the city that fueled the oddball genius of modern artist Andy Warhol – and its not hard to understand after spending time in this northeastern city.
Pittsburgh is a city of bridges, thanks to the multiple rivers that surround the city, and another example of its industrial heritage. Yet it was the Andy Warhol Bridge, previously known as the Seventh Street Bridge, which confirmed my view this city should also be labelled as one of the major art cities of the world.
The only bridge in the United States named for a visual artist, the Seventh Street Bridge was renamed in 2005, on the 10th anniversary of the Andy Warhol Museum, located on the north shore at the end of this bridge.
But one bridge wasn’t the key to this city’s artistic soul – it started with two men of industry whose careers started here – Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick. These two men, who work and lives were linked intrinsically with Pittsburgh, both moved to New York City, not unlike the young Andy Warhol, to make themselves even better known in the Big Apple.
Like Warhol, their art devotion was fueled in the roots of Pittsburgh, with their private collections in their homes, but became public with their establishment of art galleries and museums. In Pittsburgh the Frick Art & Historical Center and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh continue their patronage – alongside modern additions such as The Mattress Factory of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum.
Yet when you walk the streets of this city, its not just these buildings that are showcases of art that matter – it’s the numerous public art pieces, from the bronze sculptures of baseball players surrounding PNC Park to the LED light installation that lights up the Convention Center or the colourful Two Andys mural that is displayed above Smithfield Street in the downtown cultural district.
Its finding unique architecture – such as the distinct style of the Renaissance Hotel, the reclaimed warehouses in the Strip District or the Bridge of Sighs, an elevated brick walkway between the Allegheny Courthouse and Jail.
From traditional bronze statues to modern LED installations, the city of Pittsburgh’s visual arts are hard to miss – even if you’re focus is on a game in one of its stadiums. Its no wonder with the numerous options for art appreciation that this city gave birth to Andy Warhol.
Fore more information: visitors should find a copy of Pittsburgh Art in Public Places – a series of walking tours of downtown Pittsburgh to find art at your own pace.