A Modest Home. An Extraordinary Legacy.
Before he became one of America’s most celebrated playwrights, August Wilson was a young boy growing up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. The modest home at 1727 Bedford Avenue where he spent his childhood now stands as a powerful tribute to his life, his work, and the community that inspired his award-winning plays.
Today, the August Wilson House serves as a center for arts, education, and cultural programming, welcoming visitors from around the world while preserving the stories of one of Pittsburgh’s greatest literary voices.
The Pittsburgh Cycle — Ten Plays, One Century
Wilson’s celebrated American Century Cycle — ten plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century — drew deeply from the lives, hopes, struggles, and triumphs of Black Pittsburgh. The Hill District was not just a backdrop for Wilson’s work; it was the living, breathing source of his imagination.
From Gem of the Ocean (set in 1904) to King Hedley II (set in 1985), Wilson’s plays trace the arc of Black American life with unmatched depth, compassion, and power. Two of his plays — Fences and The Piano Lesson — won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
“I want to place the culture of Black America on stage in all its richness and fullness, and to demonstrate the existence and the possibilities of that culture.” — August Wilson
Preserving the Source
The August Wilson House was designated a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark and has been carefully restored to honor Wilson’s memory and legacy. The house hosts educational programs, artistic events, and community gatherings — ensuring that the stories Wilson told continue to inspire new generations.
August Wilson didn’t just write about Pittsburgh — he wrote Pittsburgh into the American literary canon. The August Wilson House ensures that the Hill District community that shaped his genius is never forgotten.