During your visit to this Pittsburgh attraction, explore 275,000 square feet of long-term and changing exhibition space featuring artifacts and exhibits that reveal the fascinating scope and impact of Pennsylvania’s 250 year past. Enjoy a snack or lunch at Mixstirs Café. At the Center’s award-winning shop, enjoy a unique shopping experience.
Exhibitions
From Slavery to Freedom
Start your journey through Western Pennsylvania history in the From Slavery to Freedom exhibition. Highlighting the history of the anti-slavery movement, the Underground Railroad and the impact of 19th century activism for civil and human rights in Pittsburgh, you will embark on a journey that begins in 18th century Africa, crosses the Atlantic Ocean and ends in 21st century Western Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation
Celebrate the impact Pittsburgh has had on the world in the two-story, 16,000 square-foot exhibition, Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation. Featuring more than 50 hands-on activities and audio-visual displays learn about events such as George Washington’s first experiences in the French and Indian War and Lewis and Clark’s groundbreaking expedition.
Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
Located on the second and third floor of the Heinz Museum is the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum showcases a stunning collection of unique artifacts and interactive exhibits that capture the tales of unforgettable moments in Pittsburgh’s sports history.
Clash of Empires
Learn about the story of the French and Indian War between 1754 and 1763 and its impact as a turning point in American history. Highlighted in Clash of Empires are nine life-like figures created by world famous Swiss model-maker, Gerry Embleton, each representing a fascinating character from the French and Indian War.
Special Collections
Special Collections is a 10,000 square-foot open gallery featuring a collection of artifacts that highlight Western Pennsylvania’s unique blend of cultures, people and ideas. Delight in iconic items from various ethnic communities, ethnic costumes and vintage clothing, artifacts from local businesses and corporations, toys from 19th and 20th centuries, a 1941 Cadillac hearse from the Gaines Funeral Home, stained glass and Mr. Roger’s sweater, sneakers, and trolley.
Heinz 57
Heinz 57 celebrates one of America’s most beloved companies, the H.J. Heinz Company. Discover how the H.J. Heinz family business in Sharpsburg grew into one of the world’s most creative marketers and an international company as you play Heinz-themed games at a 1950s-style soda counter, race the clock to pack Heinz pickles, design ads and store displays for Heinz products and watch videos of international Heinz commercials.
Glass Shattering Notions
Step into a window in time before steel production took the spotlight in Pittsburgh. Glass Shattering showcases the beauty, science, utility and technology of Western Pennsylvania glass over the past 200 years from the birth of the glass industry in Pittsburgh to glass production in Pittsburgh today.
Senator John Heinz: A Western Pennsylvania Legacy
Learn about the life and legacy of John Heinz. The Senator John Heinz: A Western Pennsylvania Legacy honors John Heinz’s life, public service and contributions to arts and culture, the environment, economic development and society through web kiosks and other unique displays.
Rediscovering Lewis & Clark: A Journey with the Rooney Family
Rediscover one of the most exceptional exploring expeditions in American history, Lewis and Clark’s epic trek from Pittsburgh to the Pacific. In Rediscovering Lewis & Clark: A Journey with the Rooney Family, an exciting collection of photographs and materials retrace the explorers’ journey.
The Prine Collection of Woodworking Planes
The Prine Collection of Woodworking Planes represents planes made or retailed in the region during the early 19th century. Showcased in the exhibition are 27 different kinds of planes and information on the trades that utilized these speciality tools such as carpenters, wheel wrights and boat builders.
Mixstirs Café
Located on the Heinz Museum’s first floor is Mixstirs Café. Opened from 10:00 until 17:00, Mixstirs Café serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups and beverages.
- In addition to its long-term exhibits, the Senator John Heinz History Center features changing exhibits throughout the year.
- The most unique selection of Pittsburgh items, books, and souvenirs are available to purchase in the Museum Shop from regionally made pieces to Heinz 57 items. In addition you will find items that complement the center’s changing exhibits.