Events

EVENTS

NFL Draft in Pittsburgh April 23-25th Events

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to be the premier event in Pittsburgh in April 2026, transforming the city from April 23–25 with a "PicksBURGH" theme. The three-day event is expected to draw 500,000 to 700,000 visitors to the North Shore and Downtown areas.

Draft Events & Locations

Main Draft Theater & Stage: Located on the North Shore, directly outside Acrisure Stadium.
NFL Draft Experience: A free, three-day interactive fan festival located at Point State Park featuring games, exhibits, and player autographs.
Hours of Operation:
- Thursday, April 23: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 24: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Draft Day 5K: The "PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K" takes place on Saturday, April 25, running through the North Shore and Downtown.
Pitt Block Party: Held at the new Arts Landing in the Cultural District, offering a family-friendly alternative, featuring a Pitt football museum, food trucks, and live music.
Pedestrian Access: The Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicles and transformed into a pedestrian-only walkway connecting Downtown and the North Shore.
River Transportation: The Gateway Clipper Fleet will operate as a shuttle between Station Square, PNC Park, and Point State Park.

Draft Week Special Events & Concerts

April 22 - Draft Kick Off Party (Bakery Square): 4-7 PM, featuring a giant football mural, Madden, and custom t-shirts.
April 22 - Opening Night Party: Featuring Nelly at the Plaza at North Shore.
April 23 - Tailgate Celebration: Featuring DJ Steve Aoki at the Plaza at North Shore.
April 25 - Concert: Featuring 2Chainz at the Plaza at North Shore.

Know Before You Go

Registration: Admission is free, but registration is required via the NFL OnePass App.
Safety: A clear bag policy will be enforced.
Transportation: Attendees are encouraged to use public transport (PRT) or the T-light rail, which will have enhanced service.
School Closures: Pittsburgh Public Schools will move to asynchronous learning on April 22-24 to accommodate traffic.

VisitPittsburgh Transportation Guide:

The game plan for getting around the 2026 NFL Draft is here and built to keep the city moving!

With expanded public transit, park and ride options, dedicated Football Flyer routes, and increased light rail service, getting to and around Draft weekend April 23–25 is simple and efficient.

Whether you’re heading Downtown, the North Shore, or navigating your day, a range of multi-modal options are in place to make getting around easy and efficient.

Plan ahead, pick your route, and get ready to be part of a global moment as we continue forging what’s next for Pittsburgh!

Click here for the 2026 NFL Draft Transportation Guide: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/.../nfl-draft-pittsburgh.../

Draft Entertainment Series

Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown & Bret Michaels to Headline Draft Entertainment Series in Pittsburgh

The National Football League announced the headlining acts for the free NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light in Pittsburgh, featuring award-winning global superstar Kane Brown, Pittsburgh native and Grammy-nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa and Pittsburgh-area native Bret Michaels. All three artists will perform as part of an unforgettable three-day celebration at the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Bringing the Draft to Pittsburgh gives us a chance to tap into a city with a deep connection to football and music,” said Tim Tubito, NFL senior director of global event presentation and entertainment. “This year’s event brings together artists with strong roots in the region and renowned global reputations to help create even more memorable moments onstage throughout Draft.”

To kick off Day 1 on Thurs., April 23, Pittsburgh-raised and jazz-trained artist KELS will perform the National Anthem. KELS toured and sold-out hundreds of shows across the country independently before her 2025 breakout single “Gone” put her on the map. Preceding the National Anthem, the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s National Hymn Choir, featuring The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, will perform the hymn Lift Every Voice and Sing - conducted by Grammy Award-winning, Dr. Jeffery Redding.

As part of the Day 2 festivities on Fri., April 24, Pittsburgh natives Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will perform at 5:15 p.m. ET ahead of the Draft rounds 2 and 3 that evening. Multi-platinum, Grammy- and Golden Globe-nominated artist Wiz Khalifa broke through with his major-label debut Rolling Papers, led by chart-topping hits including “Black and Yellow,” “See You Again” and “No Sleep.”

“Coming home to Pittsburgh for the Draft is pretty special,” said Wiz Khalifa. “This city raised me, and the energy here is different. Being back with the fans and representing the city in a moment like this just feels right.”

Bret Michaels, iconic frontman of Poison with a multi-platinum-selling career in music spanning decades, will headline alongside Wiz Khalifa on Day 2 of the Draft, said, “I cannot be more honored, excited and fired up to be asked to perform at the Pittsburgh 2026 Draft on Friday night. As a Pittsburgh native and a diehard fan of the Steelers, the NFL and all things Pittsburgh, this is a dream come true.”

After the Draft selections conclude on Sat., April 25, global superstar Kane Brown will take the stage for a high-energy finale to the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light. Following the success of his widely acclaimed 2025 record, The High Road, the multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning singer/songwriter just released “Woman”.

“The Draft is one of those weekends where you can feel how much the game means to people,” said Brown. “Fans, players, the whole city, everyone’s part of it. Being here for that is going to be unforgettable.”

This year’s artists join an elite lineup of performers who have helped bring the Draft to life through music over the years, including Tim McGraw, Eminem, Dierks Bentley, Weezer, Brad Paisley, Mötley Crüe, Ice Cube, Marshmello, Kings of Leon, Fall Out Boy, Black Pumas, Big Sean and more.

All performances as part of the NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light will take place at the Draft Theater adjacent to Acrisure Stadium. General fan viewing of the performances is free, and fans are encouraged to arrive early, as standing room will be on a first-come first-served basis.

In addition to the live performances, the NFL will host the NFL Draft Experience presented by American Express, the league's ultimate fan football festival that's free to fans of all ages who can run the 40-yard dash, take on football drills, meet NFL Legends, grab photos with the Lombardi Trophy and all 58 Super Bowl rings, and enjoy food & beverage concessions. Fans will also be able to take the field of Acrisure Stadium to kick a field goal, participate in clinics and activities, and watch the NFL Draft happen live onscreen. Draft Experience presented by American Express will be free and open to the public from April 23-25.

Fans planning to attend the free 2026 NFL Draft Experience should download the NFL OnePass app. Available through NFL.com/DraftAccess, NFL OnePass is the must-have tool for navigating Draft weekend and provides real-time updates, a full schedule of interactive activities, Know-Before-You-Go information, and access to exclusive digital content and prizes, including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.

NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE PROGRAMMING

DATE

TIMING

Thursday, April 23

12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, April 24

12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 25

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

All times are local and may be subject to change.

For fans not in Pittsburgh, the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes and will be available to stream on NFL+. Round 1 begins Thursday, April 23, followed by Rounds 2–3 on Friday, April 24 and Rounds 4–7 on Saturday, April 25.

For more information on the 2025 NFL Draft, including programming, special events, and registration, fans should visit NFL.com/DraftAccess.

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The NFL officially announced on April 2, 2026, that Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa, country star Kane Brown, and rock icon Bret Michaels will headline the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series in Pittsburgh. NFL Draft Entertainment Series (April 23–25, 2026)This free, three-day event takes place at the Draft Theater near Acrisure Stadium, featuring nightly performances.

Friday, April 24: Performances by Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels.
Saturday, April 25: Headlined by Kane Brown.
Access: Free, but fans should register at NFL.com/DraftAccess.

The NFL Draft Entertainment Series is a major component of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, featuring free nightly concerts at the Draft Theater on the North Shore.

Locations: The event is split across the Allegheny River. The Draft Theater (concerts and player picks) is located on the North Shore next to Acrisure Stadium, while the NFL Draft Experience (fan festival) is centered at Point State Park.
Entry Requirements: Admission is free, but all fans must register for a digital NFL OnePass QR code at NFL.com/DraftAccess or via the NFL OnePass app.
Hours of Operation:
- Thursday, April 23: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Draft starts at 8:00 PM).
- Friday, April 24: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Draft starts at 7:00 PM).
- Saturday, April 25: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Draft starts at 12:00 PM).

Draft Theater & Concert Series

The concerts take place on the main stage after the day's draft selections conclude.

Lineup: Headliners include Wiz Khalifa, Bret Michaels, and Kane Brown.
Seating: Reserved seating is for invited ticket holders only. However, general fans can access standing-room viewing areas on a first-come, first-served basis.
Afterparties: Additional concerts at the Plaza at North Shore feature Nelly (April 22), Steve Aoki (April 23), and 2Chainz (April 25).

Fan Experience & Attractions

Interactive Games: Fans can participate in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and field goal kicks on the field at Acrisure Stadium.
Exhibits: View all 59 Super Bowl rings at the NFL Museum and take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Autographs: Free sessions with current NFL players and Legends; schedules are updated daily in the NFL OnePass app.
The Football Town: An immersive film narrated by Pat McAfee showing the region's football history at the Kamin Science Center.

Getting Around

Pedestrian Corridor: The Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicles, serving as the primary walking path between the North Shore and Downtown.
Water Transport: The Gateway Clipper Fleet will provide shuttle service between the two main event sites.
Public Transit: Pittsburgh's 'T' light rail will run with increased frequency and is free between Downtown and the North Shore.

Heinz History Center

Draft History HQ: History Center and Sports Museum Announce NFL Draft Week Plans

-Football fans can explore pop-up exhibitions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Pittsburgh Steelers-

The Senator John Heinz History Center – America’s #1 History Museum and the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh – has announced special exhibitions, programs, and activities during the 2026 NFL Draft.

From iconic artifacts within the Franco Harris Sports Museum to special pop-up exhibitions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Pittsburgh Steelers, the History Center is a must-see attraction for the more than 500,000 fans in town during NFL Draft Week.

The story of professional football begins in Pittsburgh, and visitors can discover how the city forged a football legacy defined by trailblazing moments, legendary players, and six Super Bowl championships.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Exhibition

Is it something in the water? The high schools of Western Pennsylvania have turned out countless college and professional football stars, but they are perhaps best known for producing great quarterbacks. Nearly 50 professional quarterbacks are from Western Pa. – more than any region in the country – including six Hall of Famers. In partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, visitors can see game-worn jerseys from George Blanda, Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino as part of this special pop-up exhibition in the History Center’s first floor Great Hall.

On view from April 17-27, the Sports Museum will also feature 27 original NFL Draft cards from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round picks from 1997-2025, on loan from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Explore the Franco Harris Sports Museum

The Franco Harris Sports Museum, recently renamed in honor of the late Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back, features 20,000 square feet of interpretive galleries and more than 50 interactive experiences that showcase the unforgettable and almost forgotten stories of athletes who transformed Pittsburgh into the “City of Champions.”

As the “home of the Immaculate Reception,” the Sports Museum features an iconic lifelike figure of Franco making the catch, his cleats from the play, and the piece of Three Rivers Stadium field turf where the play happened. The Super Steelers exhibition includes a special section dedicated to Franco’s life and career including his championship rings from Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV, his 1976 Man of the Year Award (now named for Walter Payton), and his “Franco’s Italian Army” helmet.

In the high school football section, learn more about the Cradle of Quarterbacks, meet the 30 legendary NFL head coaches who played their first competitive football here in our region, including Steelers’ coaches Bill Cowher and Mike McCarthy, as well as players who set records, won Heisman trophies, captured Super Bowls, and became Hall of Famers.

NFL Draft Exhibit

Fans can uncover the stories that connect the region’s rich football roots to the 2026 NFL Draft in this limited-time exhibition, developed in partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the 2026 NFL Draft Football Legacy Committee.

On view now in the Franco Harris Sports Museum, the 2026 NFL Draft Exhibit celebrates the region’s deep football roots and shares this region’s innovative connections to the draft. Visitors can explore Pittsburgh’s role in the origins of the NFL Draft, which dates to the 1935 NFL owners meeting at downtown’s Fort Pitt Hotel, and the evolution of the Steeler’s draft philosophy, from a team that mortgaged the future by trading draft picks to one that built a legendary dynasty using the draft.

Draft Week Fan Zone and Museum Shop

Visitors to the History Center from April 23-25 can get in the game with family-friendly activities in the Draft Week Fan Zone, featuring tailgate-style games, sports-themed scavenger hunts, special tours of the Sports Museum, and gameday food throughout each day. Kids aged 17 and under always receive free admission to the History Center, supported by the museum’s Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative.

The History Center Museum Shop will offer official NFL Draft merchandise alongside items from hometown favorites like Mister Rogers and Heinz.

VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center

The History Center is home to the official VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center, where out-of-town guests can speak with trained visitor service associates about how to make the most of their stay in the Steel City. The VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center is located in the museum’s first floor Great Hall and does not require admission to access.

For more information and updates on NFL Draft Week offerings at the History Center and Sports Museum, please visit heinzhistorycenter.org/draft.

Draft Week activities are supported by VisitPA and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

“Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders”

History Center, Pitt to Host Film Screening Exploring History of Freedom House Ambulance Service

The Senator John Heinz History Center will host a free, in-person screening of “Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders” on Tuesday, April 7 from 6-7:30 p.m., in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.

Presented as part of the African American Program’s From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, “Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders,” produced by WQED, explores the rise and fall of America’s first emergency medical service comprised entirely of Black men and women from Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood.

Freedom House was initially conceived to respond to the needs of Pittsburgh’s African American community who often couldn’t rely on police and fire departments during an emergency. Their groundbreaking work became the basis for all paramedics training in the country. However, despite its success – racism and power dynamics in Pittsburgh shut down Freedom House in 1975, leaving its legacy almost lost to history.

Featuring rare archival images, the documentary tells the story of the organization’s inception through the perspective of a founder, along with reflections from surviving paramedics, stories of the world-renowned doctors who trained them, and memories from lifelong Hill District residents.

Following the screening, the event will feature a panel discussion with film producer Annette Banks; former Freedom House first responders George McCary, John Moon, and Darnella Wilson; Freedom House co-founder and Falk Foundation President Emeritus Phil Hallen; and University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor Jason Deakings.

The story of Freedom House has recently made national news after its inclusion in the hit television series “The Pitt” on HBO Max.

The History Center’s film screening and panel discussion are free with advance registration. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events.

Handmade Arcade's new Modern Craft Market

New Modern Craft Market launches in Pittsburgh featuring 100 contemporary makers

New Modern Craft Market launches in Pittsburgh featuring 100 contemporary makers from around the country

Tickets are now open for Handmade Arcade's new Modern Craft Market supported by Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center from March 27-29, 2026 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. This juried market is the first of its kind in the region, featuring contemporary handcrafted goods created with traditional materials by nearly 100 makers from 12 different states.

"The Modern Craft Market was created to help amplify Pittsburgh as a destination location for celebrating the best of contemporary craft," saysKelsey Ford, Handmade Arcade's Executive Director. "It follows in the footsteps of other juried fine craft markets around the country, including American Craft Made Baltimore, the Smithsonian Craft + Design Show in Washington, D.C., and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show. This new shopping event puts Pittsburgh on the map as a retail destination for buyers to shop for contemporary craft and regional and national makers to showcase their work."

The inaugural Modern Craft Market will feature handcrafted products from over 100 makers and artists specializing in traditional handcrafts like metal, wood, fiber arts and textiles, ceramics, and glass. Shoppers will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. The market was juried by Jennifer-Navva Milliken (Executive Director & Chief Curator, Museum for Art in Wood), Jessica Todd (Curator, Tampa Arts Alliance), and Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy (Independent Curator).

The Modern Craft Market has received a welcomed reception from both makers and local arts organizations alike. In addition to funding from PA Creative Industries, the 2026 Modern Craft Market is supported by Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, two organizations that are also committed to elevating Pittsburgh as a destination for craft.

"The Pittsburgh region has a rich history of making - and primarily making things that come from craft materials. As our region expands our craft offerings and strengthens our ecosystem, this event is a perfect way for artists to connect their products to a marketplace and furthermore, put our city on the national stage as many craft markets around the country shrink," says Rachel Rearick, Executive Director of Contemporary Craft. "We're grateful to Handmade Arcade for being bold enough to launch this initiative and honored to sponsor this inaugural market."

In addition to shopping, attendees can experience the artistry of handcrafted goods firsthand with live artistic demonstrations from arts organizations like Pittsburgh Glass Center and artist collectives like Turners Anonymous.

“An essential part of Pittsburgh Glass Center’s mission is to cultivate, nurture, and support diverse and passionate glass artists, while expanding opportunities for them to create and share their work in Pittsburgh and beyond," said Heather McElwee, the Randi & L. Van V. Dauler, Jr. Executive Director at Pittsburgh Glass Center. "The Modern Craft Market aligns beautifully with that commitment, connecting artists to other makers, new audiences, collectors, and industry partners, and celebrating contemporary craft where traditional skill meets forward-thinking design."

Handmade Arcade, Contemporary Craft, and Pittsburgh Glass Center are three of many organizations throughout the country hosting exhibitions and events - including the 2026 Modern Craft Market - that are part of Handwork 2026, a nationwide Semiquincentennial celebration of craft presented by Craft in America.

Event Schedule:
Attendees can get an exclusive look at the Modern Craft Market and shop without the crowds during a ticketed VIP preview event on Friday, March 27 from 5 - 8 PM and a ticketed early bird shopping event on Saturday, March 28 from 9 - 11 AM.

Pay-What-You-Can General Admission Weekend Passes are available for attendees to shop on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 from 11 AM - 6 PM both days. Suggested prices for Weekend Passes are $5, $10, or $20, but free tickets are available to anyone who needs them thanks to support by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). RAD works here. There is also a Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hour on Sunday, March 29 from 10 - 11 AM.

For tickets, the maker catalog, and more information, visit https://www.handmadearcade.org/modern-craft-market.

Virtual Career Fair NAACP

NAACP Holds Virtual Career Fair to help Black Workers Under Attack

In 2025, 316,000+ Black women have had a mass exodus out of the labor force, with the national rate for Black unemployment rising to 7.7% as of February 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Primarily due to sweeping cuts in public-sector agencies, mass deportation, and federal downsizing that target Black people, especially Black women's traditional strongholds in middle-class employment.

The NAACP recognizes the intentional attacks on the Future of Black Workers and will not stand by and watch the decline of the Black economy and talented people left behind. We are seizing opportunities in our own hands and connecting available job positions with host employers. The NAACP is bringing diversity, equity, and inclusive hiring practices, while also providing equitable job opportunities.

Join the NAACP’s Virtual Career Fair, powered by TalentAlly, open to everyone, on April 29, 2026.

tapescape

a fan favorite returns! tapescape opens saturday, january 24

The Children’s Museum is delighted to open its fourth version of Tapescape, an indoor climbing, sliding, rolling art installation made of more than 50 miles of packing tape stretched over a steel frame, designed by creator Eric Lennartson.

Explore and crawl through the twisting tunnels and curving walls of this unique climbing terrain showcasing an unexpected and delightful use of a common material.

Learn about Opening Weekend activities.

Tapescape will be open to explore 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM every day that the Children’s Museum is open.

My America: An Illustrated Experience

My America: New History Center Exhibit Kicks Off America’s 250th

As the region and the nation prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Senator John Heinz History Center has partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators (PSI) on a new exhibition that uses the power of illustration to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the America’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and liberty. Opening this Saturday, Oct. 11 in the museum’s fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery, My America: An Illustrated Experience features 63 original works of art by 35 illustrators that answer the question: what does America mean to you? From paintings and portraiture to sculpture and cartoons, the artwork asks visitors to consider how American ideals have been realized, challenged, and redefined over time. The My America exhibition invites visitors to celebrate voices that shaped our nation, embrace diverse perspectives, and continue the shared work of building a more perfect union to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Exhibit highlights include:

Portraits of beloved Pittsburghers like civil rights activist Daisy Lampkin, environmentalist Rachel Carson, and television host Fred Rogers
A large-scale sculpture of 50 historical figures, including the flag-raisers at Iwo Jima, highlighted by imagery of Americans through time
Illustrations of iconic places, from Plimoth Plantation to Pittsburgh neighborhoods, that explore the power and meaning of home and community
The artwork “Thoughts and Prayers” which is designed to spark reflection and civil discourse about freedom of expression
Hands-on interactives that invite you to create your own art, from designing a felt flag to piecing together a puzzle that reflects your vision of America

The exhibition also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, one of the largest illustrator groups in the United States. Visitors can meet and interact with PSI artists throughout the exhibit’s opening day on Saturday, Oct. 11. My America: An Illustrated Experience will be on view through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Celebrating America’s 250th in Pittsburgh The exhibition is a core component of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA. America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. My America is also part of the History Center’s America 101 initiative, which empowers and inspires citizens to learn more about history and civics through public programs, special exhibitions, digital learning tools, and educational curriculum. Learn more at heinzhistorycenter.org. The Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, presents American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. The History Center was voted as the #1 history museum in America by readers of USA TODAY (2024, 2025) and “Pittsburgh’s Best Museum” by Pittsburgh Magazine (2022, 2023, 2024). The History Center and Sports Museum are located at 1212 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The History Center’s family of museums includes the Sports Museum; Fort Pitt Museum in historic Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Pa., in Washington County. The History Center and Fort Pitt Museum are always free for kids, supported by the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative. More information is available at heinzhistorycenter.org.

Featuring 63 original works of art by 35 illustrators, My America: An Illustrated Experience uses the power of illustration to reflect on ideals associated with the American Revolution and the pillars at the heart of the nation’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and liberty. Image: “History of Persistence” by James Mellett.

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen

The exhibit includes the Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight exhibit

Don’t miss our newest exhibit inspired by the tools, tasks and history of airplanes and flying! Children of all ages can imagine themselves as future aviators through hands-on activities including rocket building and launching, a cockpit flight trainer and wearable wings.

The exhibit includes the Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight exhibit featuring a series of historic artifacts that tell the story of how African Americans, despite facing racial barriers, attained great achievements in the world of aviation.

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen was created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Hosanna House, Inc.

hands-on components

Cockpit Flight Trainer: Step into the role of flight captain in the Cockpit Flight Trainer, where you get a pilot’s vantage point complete with control panel, flight videos and a row of actual seats
Plane and Rocket Building & Launching: Build your own paper airplane or rocket, then use the launcher to fire it through the air to hit the bullseye
Imagination Mirrors: Try on costumes from various aviation fields, then stand in front of an interactive mirror and play the part!
Land the Plane Maze: Tilt a large table maze inspired by air traffic control radar to avoid obstacles and guide your “plane” to a safe destination on the landing strip
Wearable Wings: Build a pair of airplane wings or an entire rocket ship to wear, then “fly” through the sky
Things that Fly Praxinoscope: Draw anything that flies and make it come to life around a spinning column using this early form of animation

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen is presented in Pittsburgh by
PPG Foundation.

Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and made possible by the generous support of MetLife Foundation.

MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

Carnegie Museum of Art

Black Photojournalism Heinz Galleries Sept. 13, 2025–Jan. 19, 2026

Photojournalism is work and it is livelihood, it is craft and it is documentation, it is a way to be in the world and to share the world, it is a way to resist oppression while insisting on the fullness of life.

Black Photojournalism presents work by nearly 60 photographers chronicling historic events and daily life in the United States from the conclusion of World War II in 1945 to the presidential campaigns of 1984, including the civil rights movements through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Drawn from archives and collections in the care of journalists, libraries, museums, newspapers, photographers, and universities, the original work prints in the exhibition were circulated and reviewed in publishing offices before anything went to print. Each one represents the energy of many dedicated individuals who worked to get out the news every single day. One picture leads to another, making visible multiple experiences of history while proposing ways of understanding today as tomorrow is being created.

Responding to a dearth of stories about Black lives told from the perspectives of Black people, Black publishers and their staff created groundbreaking editorial and photojournalistic methods and news networks. During a period of urgent social change and civil rights advocacy, newspapers and magazines, including the Afro American News, Atlanta Daily World, Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender, and Ebony, transformed how people were able to access seeing themselves and their communities. Their impact on the media landscape continues into the digital present.

The exhibition, designed by artist David Hartt, is co-organized by Dan Leers, curator of photography, and Charlene Foggie-Barnett, Charles “Teenie” Harris community archivist, in dialogue with an expanded network of scholars, archivists, curators, and historians.

Learn More