Exploring Pittsburgh’s culture has never been easier. With a range of free things to do, from art galleries to parks, Pittsburgh is filled with many ways to experience the beauty and culture of the city without breaking the bank!

At the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh, we have put together a list of free things to do in the city that are not only free but are educational and provide you with the opportunity to get active and enjoy the beautiful sights the city has to offer.

Free Art exhibitions Pittsburgh

August Wilson African American Cultural Center Art Center

At the August Wilson African American Cultural Center Art Center, we have multiple exhibition galleries that you can visit free of charge. From now until March 24th, 2019, you can visit our gallery to view the exhibition called “Familiar Boundaries. Infinite Possibilities.”

This group exhibition features the work from 12 regional, national, and international contemporary artists who question society’s obsession with policing, tradition, indulgence, and consumption, in an environment where they can create their own spaces of safety, healing, and care for not only humanity but for the environment as well.

This exhibition includes art from world-class artists such as:

  • Peju Alatise
  • Lizania Cruz
  • Tunde Wey
  • Shikeith
  • Vaughn Spann
  • Tsedaye Makonnen
  • Martha Jackson Jarvis
  • Tajh Rust
  • Stephen Towns
  • Kevin Snipes
  • Njena Surae Jarvis
  • Nakeya Brown

In addition to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and their beautiful art exhibitions in Pittsburgh, there are 14 blocks of theaters, urban parks, galleries, public art projects, and riverfront recreation spaces for visitors to enjoy in the Cultural District.

Art Around Town

Downtown Pittsburgh is full of public art that is free to view. The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council provides a free guide to public art in Downtown to make your self-guided artistic tour easier. This guide features the eyeball-shaped benches at Katz Plaza’s, the sculpture in Mellon Square, and the blue scrolling text on the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The MLK Community Mural Project is another free art venture located along the East Busway, engaging hundreds of artists in painting 26 walls with over 250 throughout Allegheny County. The Moving the Lives of Kids Community Mural Project (MLK Mural) is an Arts organization that focuses on the arts, youth development, and education and has created over one dozen murals along the MLK East Busway and span across eight neighborhoods.

Experience Pittsburgh History

At The Frick Pittsburgh, you can experience the refinement and culture of the Gilded Age at the Car and Carriage Museum, the Frick Art Museum, and the surrounding grounds for free. You can explore the various sleek and antique cars and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful grounds. You can also enjoy tours of the Frick family’s house museum and the Tours of Clayton for a fee.

Built in 1764, the Fort Pitt Block House is Pittsburgh’s oldest building and is the only surviving structure of the original fort. Inside the fort, you can learn about Western Pennsylvania’s role during the French & Indian War as well as the American Revolution. After you take in some of Pittsburgh’s rich history, you can hang around and enjoy the beautiful Point State Park.

Playgrounds and Sightseeing

Mt. Washington’s vantage point offers sightseers a breathtaking view of the city. Beyond the stunning scenic overlook, you can visit Emerald View Park. This 280-acre park features urban and forest settings with hills, trails, and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.

For a more elaborate exploration, you can check out Chatham University’s labyrinth and an arboretum featuring elements that were designed for the original Andrew Mellon estate. This beautiful campus features a 32-acre arboretum containing 115 varieties of species. Located on a small rise above Woodland Road, the labyrinth is nestled behind stunning landscaping and is presented to visitors gradually as they walk up the slight incline to the labyrinth’s entry path.

Visual art in Pittsburgh, as well as the museums and parks, are vibrant, abundant, and free, making exploring Pittsburgh’s culture fun for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about the August Wilson African American Cultural Center Art Center and plan your visit today!