MATTRESS FACTORY

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to interact with a piece of art? The Mattress Factory Museum offers this in a way that no other museums can compete with. It is “art that you can get into,” a truly a unique, one of a kind experience. There are no white walls with dusty old paintings. It is suggested that you plan two or three hours to experience all the exhibits have to offer. 

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The Mattress Factory was founded in 1977 by artists who were working to create site-specific installations. According to the Operations Manager, Misha Cannon, “The founder, Barbara Luderowski, never intended for it to be an art museum or expected to grow to such popularity. It is now known internationally. It was really well known among artists for a while, but then with the growth in the past decade and it being so Instagram-able has really helped with the growth of the Mattress Factory.”  The museum has since commissioned more than 750 artists. According to, Katie Urich The Marketing and Communications Manager, about the time that it takes for an installation to be complete depends on the artist the time needed really depends on the artist. The museum gives as much time as the artist’s need, it can take as little as two weeks all the way up to years to set up an installation. The artists it can take are chosen by one of three ways by submissions: an open call where the museum receives submissions online, co-directors of the museum hand selecting artists, or using guest curators. The museum has residency programs for its artists to help guide and give them resources to the artists. “It’s really important for us to support local artists and bring international artists into Pittsburgh,” said Urich.

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The Mattress Factory Museum is set up so that you can enter room size exhibits. Each of which you encounter a completely different environment from the last, not knowing what perplexity awaits at the next turn. Each room is more mysterious and thought provoking than the next. Some rooms provide an environment in which you are encouraged to interact with the art, but not all so keep in mind that the staff will let you know which can be and cannot be touched. Feel free to walk around and observe the installments from different views. They suggest taking as much time as you need view each room. There are three building rooms all located throughout the Mexican War streets of the North Side. Some exhibits are permanent, while some are temporary. Returning visitors many experience something different between installations. 

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In my personal experience, each room that I visited made me feel something different. Some were so mesmerizing that I was left completely speechless. The beauty and craftsmanship was unlike any museum I had ever visited. 

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THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM

 

When you walk into The Andy Warhol Museum, you’ll be greeted by Andy himself. No, not physically, but rather a large portrait of him lounging on a red velvet couch, featured in his 1964 underground film, “Couch.” Below this portrait sits a replica of the couch, where visitors can recreate the photo and channel their own inner ‘Warhol.’

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Throughout the museum, visitors will travel back in time to get a glimpse of Warhol’s life, from growing up in Pittsburgh and his early commercial career, to becoming  a Pop Art icon. Visitors will see a  large collection of paintings, prints, photographs, films, and more. The collection includes some of Warhol’s most notable pieces, such as his Campbell’s Soup cans paintings, his silk-screen prints, like Marilyn Monroe, and his abstract Oxidizations pieces. In addition to the main museum galleries, visitors can stop by The Factory in the museum’s underground studio, where they can take part in activities that explore Warhol’s art-making techniques.

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Among the highlighted exhibitions at the museum is the visitor-favorite Silver Clouds gallery. This installation features floating metallic ‘pillows’ that visitors can interact with. The gallery allows visitors to experience Warhol’s world of art differently.

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Visitors are also invited to discover temporary exhibitions. Adman: Warhol Before Pop, a temporary exhibit on display through September 2, 2018, provides viewers with new insights into Andy Warhol’s career as a Pop Art artist. This new exhibition features over 300 pieces, including many rare and never-before-seen drawings and photographs, as well as some vintage advertisements, and more. 

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The museum offers also programs for visitors, educators, and youth. These include public art talks, film screenings, LGBTQ+ events and talks, contemporary art performances and experimental theater, and more, all with the aim of giving visitors new and thought-provoking experiences.

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As one of the four Carnegie Museums located throughout Pittsburgh, The Andy Warhol Museum holds the most inclusive collection of Warhol’s artworks and materials. Visitors are invited to dive into the mind of one of the most iconic Pop Art artists, and to explore his life before, during, and after fame. With so many notable artworks and exhibitions, The Andy Warhol Museum is a must-see if you are visiting Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

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BICYCLE HEAVEN

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One of Pittsburgh’s hidden gems is right in plain sight. Located in a large warehouse on the North Side, Bicycle Heaven is the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop – that’s right, the largest. How large exactly? They have over 4,000 bikes, and counting.

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Starting with one bike that he found in the junk and repaired for a kid, owner Craig Morrow, a bike collector of 30 years, and his wife Mindy turned their passion into a work of art. “I was always into antiques and collectibles, so I started collecting antique bikes, and then I needed a place to put them all, so that’s what got me thinking about making a bike museum,” said owner Craig Morrow.

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Bicycle Heaven Museum was formed in 2011, and has grown to be the #1 Thing To Do in Pittsburgh on Trip Advisor. The collection includes rare,
collector, and famous bikes, like PeeWee Herman’s bike from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, as well as sports and music memorabilia, and more. Among the collection are  the most sought-after bicycles in the world: the Bowden Spacelander. “We have 17 of the maybe 30 or 40 known. It’s the most famous bike in the world; one sold for about $48,000,” said Morrow. 

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Visitors may also stumble upon the Groovy Cranky Panky Sprocket Room, a room filled with neon-glowing bike sprockets. “I had a lot of extra sprockets, so I wanted to make it look cool, like back in the 60s, all psychedelic. The museum isn’t just about bikes; we have music and sports sections, so that’s sort of the art section,” said Morrow.

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In addition to the museum, Bicycle Heaven offers repair services, along with renting  out bikes. Part of the Pittsburgh Bike Trail is located behind the museum, providing a perfect place to go riding. They also rent out part of the museum for events such as dinners, parties, and even weddings.

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The museum also holds a bike show and swap-meet twice a year. This year, the event will be held on June 9th and 10th, as well as August 25th and 26th, with antique bicycles and parts, new bicycles and bicycle dealers, food, drinks, and free admission. 

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When you visit Bicycle Heaven for the first time, you might not know what to expect. With three floors and over 4,000 bikes, they have something for everyone. Owner Craig Morrow has turned his passion into one of the most unique places to visit in Pittsburgh. “When people visit, I just hope they see the bikes they had when they were a kid. That’s why I have so many. I just hope they leave with a smile on their face.”