Attraction of the Week: The Andy Warhol Museum
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Andy Warhol is arguably the most famous person born in the ‘Burgh. Pittsburgh magazine recently ranked the pop art icon #6 on the list of “The 50 Great Pittsburghers of All Time.” He joins the ranks of Mr. Rogers, Andrew Carnegie, H.J. Heinz (co founder of the ketchup company), and Jonas Salk (inventor of the polio vaccine), amongst others. I didn’t even know this until I relocated here, but the city is home to a comprehensive museum focused solely on the pop art legend. On an interesting note, The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest museum in the country dedicated to a single artist.
It’s a big space with a lot to explore. If you love his pop art work, I recommend making room for it on your bucket list (it is one of the best ‘Burgh attractions in my opinion).
Since opening in 1994, the museum has remained one of the city’s most popular attractions. I constantly see tourists waiting around outside each weekend for the doors to open. During my time living here, I enjoyed exploring the colorful collection on many occassions. I learned a lot more about Andy’s early life (I love how this museum is organized in chronological order). As I had free admission every month thanks to the Bank of America Museums on US program, I covered every nook and cranny.
Warhol’s early life
A fairly large section of the museum focus on his early works which is pretty cool. He was born in a working class neighborhood, attended Carnegie Mellon University, and later moved to New York City to become an illustrator. His painting career began in the 50’s when he took the advice of a former art teacher to “paint what he liked.” Warhol’s paintings of ordinary items like Coca-Cola bottles and Campbell’s soup eventually exhibited in L.A. and New York.
In the 60’s, he began mass producing images of popular celebrity icons as well as notable brands. The use of the silkscreen technique allowed him to transfer popular media images easily. Displaying numerous versions of the same image in vivid colors eventually became his trademark.
According to this Columbia article, Warhol used the Campbell’s logo without permission for many silkscreen prints. Campbell’s later approved the usage due to the free advertising.
You will be able to learn much more during your time at the museum, but for anyone eager to read the backstory before visiting here is more info about his early career.
A section of the museum focuses on his early life in the ‘Burgh. You will be able to see some family portraits and early drawings. Before exploring the extensive collection, you may want to watch Fifteen Minutes Eternal, a 30 minute film which offers a nice introductory overview of his life and art. Ask the admission desk for a schedule.
In 1954, Warhol published an artist’s book called 25 Cats Named Sam and One Blue Pussy which featured 19 lithographs. During this time, he lived in a NYC townhouse with his mom and 25 cats! As a cat lover with 2 of my own, I find this completely crazy! I did love browsing through all his cat pictures.
A few early drawings of cats
The pop art movement
Warhol is considered to be the icon of the pop art movement. For those unfamiliar, this type of colorful artwork is based on mass media trends. The movement started in the 50’s and became popular in the US and Great Britain in the 60’s.
The unique and eye catching use of bright colors really makes this artwork stand out. Many museums across the country feature some of Warhol’s works. If you have ever visited the Art Institute of Chicago or the Smithsonian American Art Museum in D.C., you likely have explored pop art. I’ve really seen it everywhere from Charlotte to Cleveland.
Pop art appeals to almost everyone as the art is based on everyday life. Beginning in the 50’s, Americans began to share a common culture based on media. In the 1950s as disposable incomes increased, the love of consumerism and mass media grew.
One of his most famous quotes:
“What’s great about this country is that America started the tradition where the richest consumers buy essentially the same things as the poorest. You can be watching TV and see Coca-Cola, and you know the president drinks Coke, Liz Taylor drinks Coke, and just think, you can drink Coke, too. A Coke is a Coke, and no amount of money can get you a better Coke.”
A 2019 Superbowl ad used the famous quote, “A Coke is a Coke.”
Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Diptych, a silkscreen painting portraying Marilyn Monroe (both 1962) are 2 of Warhol’s most famous works. In this museum, you will be able to enjoy an entire floor dedicated to vivid pop art paintings.
Take a look below at a few of the standout works on display. This is my favorite section of the museum and the one I spend the most time in.
The collection
The current collection includes 900 paintings, 2000 works on paper, 100 sculptures, 1000 published and unique prints, 4000 photographs, and more. Most famously, the museum showcases a large collection of pop art from the 1960’s. From consumer products, to famous celebrities, the colorful pieces really pop out and make a bold statement.
The 7 floor layout includes everything from 1940’s student artwork and continues on through the 1980’s. One floor is dedicated to archives, and another to special exhibits. A quick look at a few of the featured works:
I learned via my visits that he worked in fashion which influenced much of his art. He started his early career as a illustrator for Vogue. Later, he became friends with many prominent designers and made portraits of well-known designers like Armani and Versace.
He was fascinated by shoes and worked for several years as a shoe illustrator for I. Miller. The featured silkscreen Shoes paintings are fascinating. You will be able to read much more about his work through the various exhibits.
Another unique exhibit is entitled Cats and Dogs. Andy’s mother, Julia, inspired a love of cats in him from a young age. During the 50’s and 60’s, while living in NYC with his mother, all cats were named Sam except for one. As a cat lover, this was my favorite part of the museum!
If you are a cat lover like me, you will want to check out this museum article detailing Warhol’s love of cats
Overall, I would say this is one of the better things to do in this area, especially if you are a fan of Warhol or just contemporary art in general. It’s cold, snowy, and/or rainy most of the year and this is one of many great indoor attractions I recommend visiting to stay cozy during the gloomy season.
The Warhol Bridge
On a side note, this is one of 3 iconic yellow bridges in the city, the other 2 being the Roberto Clemente (he played 18 seasons for the Pirates) and Rachel Carson (a marine biologist and environmentalist). These 3 together are nicknamed “Three Sisters. ” This bright bridge is located just down the street from the museum. It really stands out as do the other 2 bold yellow bridges on either side. There is a short pedestrian path which you can walk across to take in great views of the skyline and Allegheny river.
If you are from here, then you probably already know that the city has been nicknamed “the City of Bridges” as there are hundreds – 446 in fact which is more than anywhere else in the world. You can walk across this one and and enjoy a nice viewpoint.
Many fun events take place here during the year, especially during the summer season. In June of 2026, you can look forward to the bridge’s 100th birthday bash. Here are some more details about this event. ‘
Where to eat?
There is a small cafe (it’s more of a coffee bar) at the museum, but I recommend checking out one of the local restaurants. One place I like downtown which is just a short half mile walk is Christos. This is a long running Greek establishment and the owners are really nice.
Location & pricing
Address: 117 Sandusky St.
Hours: 10am-5pm (8pm on Friday). Closed on Tuesday.
Pricing: $25 adult, $30 senior, child, student. Note that Bank of America members get in for free the first full weekend of each month as part of the Museums on Us promotion. This is a fabulous deal as The Carnegie Museums are also included. Please check the site for updates and upcoming promotions.
Parking is $8 unless a special event is taking place. Also, there is street parking although it is quite expensive ($4 per hour).
Additional details
How much time do I need?
If you are limited to one visit, I would plan for at least 2 hours, specially if you are a big fan.
Are there any discounts?
Yes, the museum offers free admission to students with ID, as well as military and EBT discounts. A RAD pass can also be checked out from the library. There is also free admission for BofA members the first full weekend as noted above.
What are the accessibility options?
The main entrance is accessible. All floors include an elevator and are wheelchair accessible. Restrooms include an accessible stall. A limited number of wheelchairs and gallery stools are available at the main desk. You can reserve in advance via emailing [email protected]. More features include: color blind glasses, noise reduction headphones, sighted guides, assisted listening devices for the theater, and tactile art reproduction for those with low vision. Service animals welcome. Please visit the site for more info.
Where can I park for free?
For anyone looking to save a few bucks, metered parking is free on Sundays. This is a great time to visit as it was also be less crowded.
Is there anywhere to eat?
Yes, there is a small cafe onsite serving coffee and light snacks.
What else can I do in the area?
Numerous restaurants and attractions in the Cultural District are easily accessible via a quick 10 minute walk across the bridge. The Cultural District is home to many theaters and restaurants. I love the Benedum (we saw a wonderful Nutcracker production recently).
Allegheny Landing Park: Small park featuring a few interesting sculptures and pretty views of the skyline.
Heinz History Center: Smithsonian affiliate featuring 6 floors of Western PA history. Highlights include an informative Heinz ketchup exhibit at the set from Mr. Roger’s neighborhood.
Point State Park: This beautiful city park marks the joining of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Today, a National Historic landmark, the park features a beautiful fountain, a large grassy area, and a long biking/walking path. I like to bike the Three Heritage trail down to The Strip District, a historic neighborhood now home to many restaurants, ethnic grocers, and shops.
