SEVEN STORY MUSEUM DEDICATED TO ICONIC POP ARTIST ANDY WARHOL CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

The largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America, The Andy Warhol Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with a host of new exhibits, events and celebrations from May 2024.

An underrated art city, this year offers even more reasons for culture-seekers to add Pittsburgh to their travel bucket list. This spring sees the 30th anniversary of The Andy Warhol Museum - the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America which includes a beloved collection of work from one of the most famous artists in history. 

Part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh; a family of four diverse, dynamic museums, avid pop art fans can learn about the Pittsburgh-born artist through exhibitions, displays, interactive and informative tours. The colourful venue has permanent and rotating exhibitions which give an insight into Warhol's life and distinctive style. Spread over seven floors, the museum exhibits over 12,000 pieces of the artist's work, including portraits of Marilyn Monroe and one of his most famed paintings 'Coke'. 

Synonymous with his time in New York and rubbing shoulders with the Hollywood elite, Andy Warhol hailed from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was widely known for his commercial pop art, including Campbell's Soup Cans (1962), his work with rock band The Velvet Underground and his collaboration with artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

Pittsburgh honours the undisputed king of pop art and influences can be seen throughout the city - including an entire steel bridge named after him. Retrace the artist's steps with these seven experiences you can enjoy during a trip to the museum (and in the city) this year.

1. Get to know Warhol and his Pittsburgh roots on every level

The son of eastern European immigrants, each floor of the museum explores a decade of Warhol's life in great detail starting with his relationship with the city through some of his earliest sketches. Visitors will learn how the artist found inspiration in comic books and Hollywood magazines setting the stage for his later works. Whilst in Pittsburgh, Warhol attended Carnegie Mellon University before focusing on art and leaving for New York where he found his fame. 

2. Admire curated exhibits 

Home to the largest collection of artwork and archives - some of which still haven't been seen by the public), the museum showcases Warhol's work in every medium from paintings, drawings and photographs, to film and print spanning his career. Starting on the top floor, and descending through six additional galleries representing key decades of his work, the museum provides an in-depth story of his life through art in minute detail. 

3. Enjoy interactive experiences 

Engaging all of the senses in one visit, the museum offers many ways to immerse yourself in the artwork with pieces of art that are meant to be touched. Located on the fifth floor is one of the museum's more popular exhibits. Named Silver Clouds, the interactive exhibit consists of gigantic, metallic silver helium balloons in a nod to Warhols love of aluminium foil and visitors are encouraged to wander through the “clouds' as they gently float through the space. There is also an old fashioned photo booth that invites visitors to use their own film and take home a souvenir selfie. 

4. Re-create a Warhol screen-print 

Open to all ages, the museum holds a dedicated space for art workshops, collages, sculptures and other creative activities. Inspired by the exhibits, visitors can work with experienced artist educators to create handmade silkscreen printed artworks and other souvenirs. Printing on paper is free, and other materials like tote bags, t-shirts, bandanas and notebooks are available for purchase at an additional cost. The Factory is located on the underground level and included with admission.

5. Stay for a gallery talks 

Providing an introduction to the museum and a thematic discussion related to Warhol's life, art, and legacy, the gallery talks are led by artist educators, museum staff, or experts such as Donald Warhola, one of Andy Warhol's 10 nieces and nephews. Talks are 30 minutes long and take place daily at both 11:15 am focusing on the life and times of Warhol, and at 12:15pm focusing on silk-screen techniques and the current special exhibition - Altered States; representing the artist's radical approach to Abstract Expressionism, a movement popularised by painters like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko after World War II. 

6. Explore the new KAWS + Warhol exhibition (18 May 2024 - 20 January 2025) 

The first exhibition to examine the dark themes present in the work of both artists, from 18 May, the Warhol presents KAWS + Warhol. From skulls to car crashes, both artists deploy their signature bright colours and pop culture references while also presenting the lurid spectacle of death. SuppportingThe Warhol's new Pop District initiative, KAWS will also present a monumental wooden sculpture in Pop Park, directly across from the museum. 

7. Get creative scene at Community Day (19th May 2024) 

Known for bringing artists, musicians, models and the art world together in his Silver Factory Days, the Museum continues in Warhol's footsteps with a Community Day for fans of the Museum. Taking place on the 19th of May, the establishment invites art fanatics to experience the museum's world-class collection in addition to activities including mural making and silkscreen printing.

Fun Fact - Andy Warhol has a bridge dedicated to him

The only bridge in the United States named for a visual artist, the Seventh Street Bridge was dedicated to Andy Warhol in 2005 as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Andy Warhol Museum. Now known as the Andy Warhol Bridge, it is also one of the 'Three Sisters' bridges - the only trio of identical, side-by-side bridges in the world and the first self anchored suspension span designed and constructed in the US. Spanning 884 ft across the Allegheny River, the yellow design mirrors the loud artist for who he was; bold and iconic. It also houses the city's famous Picklesburgh culinary event, celebrating the humble cucumber in all its glory.

Art throughout the city

Pittsburgh's art offerings go beyond galleries and museums - the city is home to over 30 of them - but also through visual, music, architecture and historic arts. Key establishments to visit include contemporary art at The Mattress Factory, an in-depth look into the city's pioneering past at the Heinz History Museum and visual delights at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens showcasing an outdoor gallery of nature across 15 acres of flora and fauna. 

Book a trip with Trailfinders from £379 per person

Travellers looking to explore the full offering of Pittsburgh can book a 5 day / 4 nights package with Trailfinders. This action-packed trip break offers an affordable city-break with arts, culture, sports, craft beer and more. Highlights include a visit to The Andy Warhol Museum, a ride on the funicular for sensational skyline views and a visit to one of the iconic sports games. Guide prices start from £379 per person, based on two adults sharing. Fly direct with British Airways from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International Airport from £510 return in economy plus. 

For more information, please visit: visitpittsburgh.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Andy Warhol Museum 

warhol.org 

Address: 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Entry starts from £20 per person 

Open 10am - 5pm Saturday - Thursday and 10am - 10pm on Fridays (closed on Tuesdays)

Founded on 13 May 1994