A Colorful Downtown: Free and Public Art in Downtown Pittsburgh
Written by Madeline Milchman
What's better than art? Art that's free. This list is a compilation of free and public art throughout the Golden Triangle. It features murals, sculptures, installations, and more that spotlight the diversity of people, culture, and experiences throughout the city. Downtown might be nicknamed the Golden Triangle, but it is made up of more colors than just gold.
Liberty Avenue Musicians- 947 Liberty Avenue
Image courtesy of simonsculpture.com
These three 15-foot musicians pay tribute to Pittsburgh’s musical legacy. They took James Simone and John Fleenor 15 months to create before they were revealed in 2003. Simon, the main artist of the piece, was inspired by travels to Brazil, Greece, and Mexico, giving the sculptures a green hue similar to Mayan artifacts.
Pittsburgh Postcard- 6th Street
Image courtesy of https://downtownpittsburgh.com/publicart/
Phil Seth, a Pittsburgh-born and raised artist, designed this iconic mural as part of a project to rebrand Sixth Street as a destination for dining.
Rainbow Road- Strawberry Way
Image courtesy of Madeline Milchman
As if Strawberry Way isn’t a cute enough name, the street is now nicknamed “Rainbow Road” after the mural that covers it. In 2022 two muralists, Shane Pilster and Max GEMS Gonzales, partnered with 37 CAPA students to paint a 440-foot-long mural on the road. The colorful piece of art incorporates the imagination and creativity of each student.
Downtown Renown- Multiple Locations
All around the city, there are 14 installations featuring renowned athletes done by Gavin Benjamin. Some of the athletes pictured are Mario Lemieux, Franco Harris, Swin Cash, and Dan McCoy. To find the location and athletes of the 14 installations visit https://downtownpittsburgh.com/renown/.
The Strip Mural- 1907 Penn Ave.
Image courtesy of http://pghmurals.blogspot.com
This vibrant mural is inspired by the community, the history of the area, and the art of Romare Bearden. The artists, Carley Parrish and Shannon Pultz, compacted and distorted the appearance of the Strip District to portray all of it in one mural.
Agnes R Katz Plaza- 655 Penn Ave.
Image courtesy of https://trustarts.org
This plaza was opened to the public in 1999 thanks to artist Louise Bourgeois, architect Michael Graves, and architect Dan Kiley. Bourgeois sculpted a 25-foot bronze fountain that is meant to replicate the hilly topography of Pittsburgh. Surrounding the fountain are three benches sculpted like eyes.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Gallery- Multiple Locations in the Cultural District
Image courtesy of https://www.trustarts.org.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents 5 different galleries within the cultural district at no cost to visitors. Each gallery features a contemporary artist from across the country and world. Their 820 Gallery currently showcases Melike Konur: Women I’ve Been which explores Konur’s different identity throughout the roles she’s played in her life. For more information about the exhibitions visit https://www.trustarts.org.
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center- 980 Liberty Avenue
Image courtesy of https://awaacc.org
The AWAACC hosts another free art exhibition. August Wilson: The Writers Landscape is the gallery’s permanent installation, dedicated to the works of August Wilson. Other temporary installations are in rotation. Though it is free admission, tickets are still required for entrance. For more information visit https://awaacc.org.
