In Partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH

To help you get the most out of your Carnegie International experience, we’ve partnered with VisitPITTSBURGH, the city’s official tourism bureau, to bring you everything you need to know as you explore our great city.

Where to Stay

During your visit, make your home base just steps away from the museum at our official hotel partner, The Oaklander Hotel. The Oaklander Hotel offers a refined boutique experience at the very apex of the Oakland neighborhood. As an Autograph Collection property, it captures the intersection of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage and its intellectual future. Guests are greeted by a sophisticated design and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an unmatched view of University of Pittsburgh’s iconic Cathedral of Learning. For dining, be sure to experience Spirits & Tales, the hotel’s signature brasserie.

Other Accommodations Near the Museum

• Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center: A modern and dependable choice located just a block away from the museum.
• Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place: Situated in the heart of Oakland, offering easy access to both the museum and local dining.
• Residence Inn Pittsburgh Oakland/University Place: Ideal for those planning a longer visit, featuring spacious, suite-style accommodations with the comforts of home.
• Mansions on Fifth Hotel: A historic and grand boutique hotel located nearby in the neighborhood of Shadyside, offering a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s Gilded Age opulence.

If you’re looking to explore accommodations in other vibrant neighborhoods, from the historic landmarks of Downtown to the trendy boutique stays of the North Side, Pittsburgh offers a diverse range of hotels to suit every traveler.

VisitPITTSBURGH Guide to Hotels and Resorts →

The Carnegie International in Pittsburgh’s Neighborhoods

The 59th Carnegie International transcends the walls of the museum, weaving new artist commissions into the very fabric of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods including the North Side and Hill District. Learn more about these dynamic areas and what they have to offer as you visit our presenting partner institutions, the Kamin Science Center, Mattress Factory, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and Thelma Lovette YMCA.

The North Side

Kamin Science Center

The Kamin Science Cetner is a riverfront landmark and hub of curiosity and technical innovation, as well as one of the four Carnegie Museums. For the 59th Carnegie International, the Kamin Science Center is hosting a site-specific installation by artist Torkwase Dyson, whose work explores the intersection of environmental liberation and architectural form.

While you’re there… Experience the high-octane energy of Sports360, the center’s massive interactive exhibition. It’s the perfect place to test your physical limits with nearly 25 stations—including a virtual Zamboni and NFL Combine-inspired challenges. Afterward, take a short stroll along the North Shore Trail to see the iconic Mr. Rogers statue or step aboard the historic USS Requin (SS 481) submarine docked on the Ohio River.

Mattress Factory

Renowned globally as a pioneer of site-specific installation art, Mattress Factory provides an immersive, “room-sized” experience that challenges the traditional gallery format. For the 59th Carnegie International, the museum presents new works by Arturo Kameya and Claudia Martínez Garay.

While you’re there…Wander through the historic Mexican War Streets, a disctrict famous for its beautiful architecture. For a quiet moment, visit the City of Asylum bookstore on North Avenue, which serves as a sanctuary for writers in exile and offers a curated selection of international literature.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Art is for every generation, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh proves it by blending sophisticated contemporary practice with the joy of play. For the 59th Carnegie International, the museum features the work of Sanchayan Ghosh, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with art through tinkering and social-emotional learning.

While you’re there…Explore MuseumLab, located right next door in a stunningly renovated historic library. Designed for older children and teens, it’s a space where “beautiful ruins” meet cutting-edge tech and art making. If you need some fresh air, the museum sits on the edge of Allegheny Commons, the city’s oldest park. It’s also just a three-minute walk to the National Aviary, where you can walk through free-flight tropical habitats.

The Hill District

Thelma Lovette YMCA

The Thelma Lovette YMCA serves as a vital anchor for the Hill District, which is centrally located between Oakland and Downtown Pittsburgh. For the 59th Carnegie International, the Thelma Lovette YMCA will host a collaborative performance by Brooke O’Harra during opening weekend.

While you’re there…Take a moment to explore the rich cultural legacy of the Hill District, once known as “The Crossroads of the World.” Visit the August Wilson House, the childhood home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, located just a few blocks away. You can also visit Freedom Corner, a historic landmark of the Civil Rights movement, or admire the vibrant murals that celebrate the neighborhood’s legendary jazz history and the giants of the Negro Leagues who once played here.

Explore a full directory of museums, galleries, and cultural experiences across the city of Pittsburgh by clicking below.

VisitPITTSBURGH Arts and Culture Guide →

The Best of the ‘Burgh: Must-See Landmarks

While art and history provide the soul of the city, these attractions offer its most famous views, stories, and traditions. No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without checking these off your list.

The Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines

Take a ride on one of the city’s two remaining 19th-century funiculars. The Duquesne Incline (the red cars) and the Monongahela Incline (the yellow cars) scale the steep face of Mount Washington, offering an unparalleled panoramic vista of the skyline and the “Point” where the three rivers meet. Once you reach the top, stroll along Grandview Avenue for a series of observation decks that offer the best views in the city. If you take the Mon Incline, walk a block to Shiloh Street for a scoop of local ice cream or a craft beer at a neighborhood pub.

The Cultural District

Spanning 14 blocks of Downtown Pittsburgh, the Cultural District is the heart of the city’s performing arts scene. It is home to world-class venues like the Benedum Center, Heinz Hall, and the Byham Theater. Whether it’s a touring Broadway show, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, or a contemporary dance performance, there is almost always a curtain rising.

Embark on a self-guided Public Art Walking Tour. Start at the Agnes R. Katz Plaza to see the 25-foot bronze fountain and eye-shaped benches by artist Louise Bourgeois, then wander to Tito Way to find Cell Phone Disco, a massive light screen that visualizes the electromagnetic fields of your phone in real time. For a bit of hidden history, look for the Magnolias for Pittsburgh bronze trees at 7th and Penn.

The City of Champions

In Pittsburgh, sports are a way of life, and our stadiums are as much a part of the architecture as the skyscrapers. Catch a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game at PNC Park, consistently named the best ballpark in America for its riverfront views, or visit Acrisure Stadium, the fortress of the Pittsburgh Steelers and book a tour of the Hall of Honor Museum.

For a complete list of attractions, seasonal festivals, and neighborhood guides, visit the Official VisitPITTSBURGH website to finish planning your stay.

Know Before You Go

Whether you’re curious about our diverse food scene or the best way to cross our 446 bridges, the guides below have you covered.