Pittsburgh's Cultural District

In 1989 a plan was commissioned by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority, with assistance from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and the City Planning Department to define the vision for the Cultural District, and the steps required to make the vision a reality.

The plan was built on the foundation of the District's major performance facilities - Heinz Hall, Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, and the Byham Theater - and key projects already underway at that time, including the streetscape improvements, Byham Theater renovations, conceptual design of the O'Reilly Theater and restorations to buildings in the historic section of the Cultural District.

The plan envisioned the continued transformation of Penn-Liberty from its unsavory past to a vibrant urban gathering place, alive with activity day and night. This concept of the Cultural District is of a place that draws people time and time again, not just to enjoy cultural offerings, but also to avail themselves of commercial, recreational, residential, and retail uses.

Today Pittsburgh's Cultural District is a great success with over fourteen new cultural facilities, public open spaces and amenities projects, and countless commercial developments.

Pittsburgh's Downtown Cultural District is a fourteen-square block area bordered by the Allegheny River on the north, Tenth Street on the east, Stanwix Street on the west, and Liberty Avenue on the south.