The Mattress Factory contemporary art museum in Pittsburgh's North Side is known for its large-scale installation works by international artists. It offers public programs, talks and workshops, and has an onsite gift shop and cafe.
Best and worst time to go
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and on Sunday afternoons. Weekends can be busiest, particularly if a new exhibition is opening, when entry can be restricted to allocated time slots. Weekdays are quieter, and admission is half-price on Tuesdays.
Must see at the Mattress Factory
Exhibitions at the museum are always changing, so the experience is different every time you visit, but it's always worth taking a wander through the outdoor garden area for hidden sculptures and surprises. The gift shop is a treasure trove for art and design lovers, with limited-edition posters, t-shirts, screen prints and bags.
Admission to the Mattress Factory
Adult entry is $20, seniors and students are $15, and veterans $10. Children under 6 and members are free. Members of reciprocal museums elsewhere in the U.S. can also enter free by showing their membership card.
Parking and public transportation
Parking is free in the museum lot at 505 Jacksonia St, but space is limited and parking can be tricky to find on surrounding streets. From Downtown Pittsburgh, the number 13, 15 or 16 buses run every 15 minutes to Brighton Rd, just a few minutes' walk from the museum.
Food at the Mattress Factory
The MF cafe is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11.30 a.m to 3 p.m. Located in the lobby with extra seating in an outdoor patio, it offers a range of casual snacks and meals including soups and salads.
Insider Tip for visitors to the Mattress Factory
The Mattress Factory is located in the heart of Pittsburgh's historic Mexican War Streets area, a great place to take a stroll and view the beautifully restored row houses from the 1800s.
Author's bio: Heather McCracken is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh who loves writing about travel, art and food.
Robert Daley, founder and owner of South Hills Art Center, is primarily a portrait artist. He worked for many years as a freelance portrait artist before buying this gallery in Brookline. Daley now teaches classes in oil painting techniques and much of his work is hanging in his gallery. Daley also still paints custom portraits.
This non-profit organization offers classes in pottery, painting, sculptures, crafts, cartooning and drawing. It also provides Scout parties and birthday parties. The gallery is open to the public and has a gift shop.
The Frick Art and Historical Center, known locally as the Frick, is a shining example of the legacy of steel money of the Steel City. The former estate of the Henry Clay Frick, a founder of US Steel, was converted into a museum and showcases how the wealthy Frick family lived as well as displaying many pieces of priceless art. Located at the edge of Pittsburgh's Frick Park, the museum is a perfect place to relax after a long stroll.
Parking and public transportation at the Frick Art and Historical Center
The Frick has a decent sized parking lot that is free to visitors. Visitors can also take the P1 bus from downtown, which travels along a car-free busway and gets to the museum in no time. Exit the Homewood station if taking the bus.
Best and worst time to go to the Frick
The warm months of June and July are the best time to visit the Frick. Since the museum is located on the grounds of a former estate, it is very pleasant to meander from building to building to enjoy the sun and then escape into the air conditioning. Also, Fridays in June and July are open until 9 p.m. February is the worst, as Pittsburgh is freezing and the Frick holds few events.
Admission to the Frick Art and Historical Center
Most exhibitions in the Frick are free. Tours into the magnificent Frick family home, Clayton, are $12-$15 for adults. Seniors, students, and active military are $10-$12, while kids under 16 years old are $6-$8. The grounds and exhibits are closed on Mondays and most major holidays.
Must see at the Frick
Though it costs extra, tours of the beautiful Clayton mansion are worth every penny. Not just for the glimpse into the life of a wealthy steel baron from the late 1800s, but also for the priceless art. Don't miss a chance to sneak into the old green house too; it has a bunch of retro charm.
Other places to visit near the Frick Art and Historical Center
East End Brewing in nearby Larimer, is arguably the city's best brewery. It is very hard to find since it is located in an old warehouse and you enter through barely advertised door, so keep your eyes peeled. Point Brugge Cafe has been serving up affordable Belgian fare for years, and is consistently voted best fries in the city. Also, don't miss a chance to wander through Pittsburgh's largest park, Frick Park, just south of the museum.
Insider tip to visitors to the Frick
If you are in Pittsburgh for the whole week, or live in the Steel City, visit the Frick on Tuesdays. It is buy one get one for tours of Clayton. Not to mention it is not very crowded on Tuesdays, you might have the whole estate to yourself.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.
