Heinz History Center

About

The Senator John Heinz History Center is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, spanning 275,000 square feet across six floors in Pittsburgh's Strip District. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, it holds an extraordinary collection that traces the story of Western Pennsylvania from its earliest days to the present.

Exhibits cover everything from the region's industrial heritage and immigrant communities to Pittsburgh sports legends and pop culture icons. You'll find immersive galleries dedicated to the French and Indian War, the glass and steel industries that shaped the city, and a beloved Sports Museum packed with memorabilia from the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. There's always something new, with rotating special exhibitions throughout the year.

The History Center also oversees the Fort Pitt Museum and Meadowcroft Rockshelter, two additional sites that expand the story of the region. But the main building in the Strip District is the crown jewel, housed in a beautifully restored historic ice warehouse that blends old architecture with modern museum design.

Practical details make planning easy. The Museum Shop near the main entrance is free to browse without admission, offering Pittsburgh-themed souvenirs and Heinz Company memorabilia. Restrooms are available on each floor, and WiFi is accessible throughout. Staff members are on hand to answer questions and help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you're a lifelong Pittsburgher or visiting for the first time, the Heinz History Center brings the grit, creativity, and spirit of Western Pennsylvania to life in a way that's both fun and genuinely informative.

Accessibility

The Heinz History Center is fully wheelchair accessible. An ADA push-button door opener is installed at the museum's main entrance, making independent entry straightforward. All six floors of exhibits are reachable by elevator, so every gallery is available to visitors with mobility needs.

Wheelchairs are available for use during your visit. Accessible restrooms are located on multiple floors throughout the building. The Fort Pitt Museum galleries, managed by the History Center at a separate location, are also wheelchair accessible.

For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, assistive listening systems are available, including T-coil compatible devices. Sign language interpreters can be arranged. These services help ensure the exhibits and programs are accessible to a broad range of visitors.

Staff and ranger-level personnel are present throughout the museum to offer assistance, provide maps, and share information about exhibits. The museum also offers WiFi access, which can be helpful for visitors who rely on communication apps or digital accessibility tools.

For the most current details on specific accommodations, including service animal policies, sensory-friendly programming, or arranging interpreter services in advance, contact the Heinz History Center directly before your visit.

More accessible places in Pennsylvania

• Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Pittsburgh)
• The Andy Warhol Museum (Pittsburgh)
• Carnegie Science Center (Pittsburgh)
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh)
• Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium (Pittsburgh)
• Kennywood (Pittsburgh)