New cultural happenings in Pittsburgh

Travellers looking for a city break brimming with culture should look no further than the affectionately named City of Bridges. The world-renowned exhibitions and highly anticipated new museum openings in Pittsburgh is even more accessible than ver the UK & Ireland from 3 June with the return of British Airways direct service.

We have lift off…

Space robotics company, Astrobotic, will open the Moonshot Museum in September where visitors will be able to experience a real spacecraft being built in addition to hands-on lunar exploration activities. Pennsylvania’s first museum dedicated exclusively to space, the feature attraction will be a large window through which visitors can watch real lunar landers and rovers being built and readied to fly to the Moon. Museum visitors experience the thrill of spaceflight up close and learn about possible career paths in the thriving $425 billion space industry through interactive exhibits, educational programmes, and specially curated space experiences.

Feel the music

Pittsburgh Black Music Festival returns to Point State Park and Market Square, 14-17 July. Taking place annually since 2013, the festival sees performances from North America’s best RnB, soul, jazz, blues, funk and gospel artists. Pittsburgh is renowned as a hub for jazz music and has produced world-famous jazz musicians over the years including George Benson and Art Blakey. Already announced acts include Jazz legends Ronnie Laws and Debra Laws and The Ohio Players.

Fine art

The 58th Carnegie International will come to Pittsburgh 24 September – 2 April 2023, in celebration of emerging and established artists from around the world. Established in 1896, it’s the longest running exhibition of international art in North America, second globally to the Venice Biennale. The Carnegie International will transform gallery spaces at the Carnegie Museum of Art, as well as public spaces throughout Pittsburgh, with pieces by talented artists locally and worldwide.

Movie magic

Pittsburgh has provided a backdrop for many blockbuster movies over the years. The city played a starring role in coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower as well as action thrillers The Dark Knight Rises and Jack Reacher, all of which celebrate their 10-year anniversaries this year. Ahead of The Batman’s release in March this year, visitors can see some of The Dark Knight Rises’ most notable filming locations in Pittsburgh including the football stadium scene, filmed at Heinz Field.

Where to stay

This summer, Pittsburgh will welcome The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino, a new 219-room luxurious hotel with panoramic views of the city from the North Shore. Connecting directly to the casino, guests will benefit from easy access to its restaurants, bars and entertainment venue, the latter of which hosts live musicians and DJs all year round. The central location of The Landing Hotel will also put guests steps away from key attractions including the Carnegie Science Centre, National Aviary and The Andy Warhol Museum.

Getting there

From 3 June, British Airways will reinstate its direct service from London Heathrow (LHR) to Pittsburgh (PIT). Operating four times weekly on Boeing 787-8 jets, fares start from £449 return in World Traveller (economy) departing London on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

About Pittsburgh

Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is home to numerous arts and cultural offerings, such as The Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Science Center. It is noted for a buzzing Downtown Cultural District, food scene, and outdoor activities.

For more information on travel to Pittsburgh, visit www.visitpittsburgh.com