For a city with only about 300,000 residents, Pittsburgh is home to an incredible array of cultural activities, historic sites, and art exhibitions — many of them available to visitors at no charge. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for a weekend, you will be able to pack your days with exciting and informative events and museums. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting free things to do in our fair city.
Fort Pitt Block House
The oldest building in Pittsburgh, the Fort Pitt Block House, was built in 1764 and is the only remaining structure of the original Fort Pitt. One of the largest and most elaborate British forts in North America, it has been free and open to the public for over a century.
A visit to Fort Pitt provides a fascinating look into Pittsburgh’s important history during the French & Indian war and the American Revolution. Beside the Fort Pitt building lies the beautiful Edith Ammon Memorial Garden, built in her honor to commemorate her staunch support of the restoration of the historically significant Fort Pitt Block House around 1900.
The Frick Art and Historical Center
One of the crown jewels of Pittsburgh’s cultural history, the Frick Art and Historical Center showcases internationally recognized art and history that was established by Helen Clay Frick. Aside from an admission fee for the historic Clayton House, everything else on the grounds of the Frick is open and free to the public.
The Frick art museum opened in 1970 to house the personal collection of Helen Clay Frick. The collection is rich in early Renaissance paintings and 18th-century French paintings, furnishings, and decorative arts.
Also on the ground of the Frick is the Car and Carriage Museum, highlighting the role that Pittsburgh played in the development of the automobile and showcasing some of the first horseless carriages. When you’re visiting, make sure to leave some time to stroll through the Frick’s 5.5-acres of lush gardens and paths that showcase a diverse collection of plantings that are meticulously maintained.
McDonald’s Big Mac Museum
While it’s not the most traditional museum, the McDonald’s Big Mac Museum certainly occupies an important role in the history of America and the invention of the pivotal Big Mac sandwich in nearby North Huntingdon.
Enjoy the world’s largest Big Mac statue, an 18-foot interactive map, and a wealth of historic materials about the history of the sandwich as well as the philanthropic efforts of the Ronald McDonald Charities.
In the event that you work up an appetite during your visit through the free museum offerings, this museum also doubles as a McDonald’s restaurant. A state-of-the-art PlayPlace and a 24-hour double-lane drive-thru round out the exciting offerings of one of Pittsburgh’s most treasured spots.
These are just a few examples of some of the wonderfully eclectic offerings that are free to visitors everyday. Providing the opportunity to learn something new and engage with locals and visitors, it may change the way you see our wonderful city.
Image via Flickr by steakpinball
Connect with us
