One of the most beautiful attractions in Pittsburgh isn't even in Pittsburgh, but a short drive a couple hours away — Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, Falling Water. But more on that later. For now, there's plenty to focus on in Pittsburgh proper.
In the city, there are plenty of amazing historical sites, some dating back centuries. One attraction, which has only been open a mere 130 or so years is the Duquesne Incline, which people still use to this day as a means of transportation up and down Pittsburgh's Mount Washington. It's like the beginning of a rollercoaster ride, without the fall that follows (unless something goes horribly, horribly wrong). What's really cool about the incline is that it provides an amazing view of the city and the three rivers that surround it.
Museum lovers will find plenty to do in Pittsburgh, too. There's the Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History, which share a common space, would take days to do justice, so plan accordingly. If you're short on time, then we say head straight for the Andy Warhol Museum. Filled with his most famous works and plenty of rare pieces, including videos, this is a must-stop for any fan of pop culture. We could've spent weeks just watching the video replays of his celebrity-studded MTV show or some of the bizarre films he made himself. What we're most excited about, however, is to return once the museum completes the archiving of his time capsules. From fan letters to take-out menus, each box contains a treasure trove of what life was like for the artist, and the world, at almost any given year of his life.
While you're in the mood for something a little out of the ordinary, head over to the nearby Mattress Factory, a contemporary art museum with full-room installations by artists in residence. Our favorite, the mind-numbing Repetitive Vision by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whose contant vision of polka dots everywhere led her to commit herself to a mental institution. After a few minutes in the mirrored room filled with naked Japanese mannequins, we were more than happy to join her.
If nature's more your thing, head to the Phipps Conservatory and surround yourself with natural beauty in year-round climate-controlled spaces. The butterfly room is a spectacular followup to an amazing display of beautiful and rare orchids.
But if you really, really want to get in touch with nature, book a Zip Car and head to Falling Water, celebrating 75 years in 2011. This once-private home is now open for daily tours (make sure to book in advance). It's an extraordinary look at the Frank Lloyd Wright genius, and the surrounding property in the Bear Woods Nature Reserve is so peaceful and serene to explore that you'll want to experience it as long as possible. It's anywhere from a 90-minute to 2-hour drive, so plan a whole day for this. And nearby Kentuck Knob, one of Wright's equally great designs, is just a short fifteen minute drive from Falling Water.
www.warhol.org
www.duquesneincline.org
www.mattress.org
www.fallingwater.org
www.kentuckknob.com
Photos by Rod Orta
Thank you for your beautiful pictures. I have not yet visited the Mattress Factory, but will now.
Posted by: Maureen | September 17, 2011 at 07:22 PM