Brandon & Marian
Things To Do
1 - Carnegie Science Center
By day, our wedding venue is one of Pittsburgh’s best attractions and most visited museums, with four floors of interactive exhibits and an OMNIMAX theater. Marvel at astronomy in Buhl Planetarium and learn about the human body in BodyWorks. Watch hair-raising live shows and discover an array of programs for the entire family. Follow model trains as they chug through Western Pennsylvania in the Miniature Railroad & Village. If you’re looking for physical activity, many sports-related adventures await you in the adjacent Highmark SportsWorks. Carnegie Science Center is a fun-filled destination guaranteed to ignite the “Wow!” in everyone (both before and during our wedding celebration!).
2 - Rivers Casino
Are you feeling lucky? Open 24 hours daily, Rivers Casino features non-stop fun with 2400 slots, 100+ table games, a 30-table poker room, 5 restaurants, 3 bar areas and live entertainment. With so many options at your fingertips, you'll have one place to explore all night! Must be 21+ to enter. Smoking permitted.
3 - Mattress Factory
The Mattress Factory has pioneered the development of alternative art forms through site-specific installations, video and performance art. It is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in site-specific, contemporary art and is notorious for pushing the boundaries of both artist and viewer. The unparalleled support that artists receive from the Mattress Factory, while working in residence, often results in the production of extraordinary artwork that propels the artist’s career and significantly impacts the field of contemporary art. Mattress Factory exhibitions present new works by critically-acclaimed regional, national and international artists, and the museum’s exhibitions appear in publications like The New York Times, Art in America, Art Asian/Pacific, and the Wall Street Journal.
4 - National Aviary
The National Aviary is the only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States. It is also the country's largest aviary and the only one accorded honorary "National" status by the United States Congress. The National Aviary works to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. Immerse yourself in warm, tropical habitats with more than 500 beautiful birds and mammals from around the world! Enjoy daily interactive activities included with admission as you learn about different species, their role in our ecosystem, and what you can do to help protect them. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged.
5 - Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is a hands-on interactive children's museum located in the Allegheny Center neighborhood of Pittsburgh's Northside. It was named one of the Top 10 Children’s Museums in the U.S. by USA Today in its Top 10 Reader’s Choice 2022 poll. The mission of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is to provide innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged.
6 - The Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. The museum holds an extensive permanent collection of art and archives from the Pittsburgh-born pop art icon Andy Warhol. The Museum tells Andy Warhol’s story and explores his legacy through the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world. Its rotating exhibitions feature deep dives into the museum’s collection or showcase contemporary artists who resonate with Warhol's life and work. Advance purchase of timed admission tickets is strongly encouraged.
7 - Point State Park
Point State Park, located at the confluence of three rivers, is at the tip of Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle.” Its 150-foot fountain, the dramatic first image visitors have of the city, features a plaza that is ADA-accessible, an overflow waterfall and reflecting pool, a seating ring and benches and dynamic LED lighting. The park, a beautiful 36 acre green space, is a National Historic Landmark that commemorates and preserves the strategic and historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War.
8 - Senator John Heinz History Center
Devoted to the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania, the History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The 370,000 square-foot Senator John Heinz History Center and museum system presents compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection in an interactive environment perfect for visitors of all ages. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a museum-within-a-museum located on the History Center’s second and third floors, celebrates Western Pennsylvania’s unsurpassed sports legacy. From football to baseball and hockey to golf, the Sports Museum highlights the region’s passion for amateur and professional sports.
9 - Strip District
"The Strip," as locals call it, is just that – a narrow strip of land between the Allegheny River and portions of the Hill District. Most of the popular businesses are located between 16th and 25th Streets, with the bulk of establishments located on either Smallman Street or Penn Avenue. The Strip District combines the hustle and bustle of a Turkish bazaar, the nightlife of Las Vegas, ethnic cuisine, the fun of a street carnival, and the atmosphere of days gone by. Pittsburgh’s Strip District is truly a place like no other. Bordering Downtown, this neighborhood is pure Pittsburgh.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Explore the beauty and wonders of nature at Phipps, encompassing 15 acres including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. Experience industry-leading sustainable architecture and green practices, stunning seasonal flower shows, exclusive commissioned exhibits, renowned orchid and bonsai collections and more. This historic landmark is just a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh in Schenley Park.
Carnegie Museum of Art
The Carnegie Museum of Art's (CMOA) collection of more than 30,000 objects features a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting and sculpture; prints and drawings; photographs; architectural casts, renderings and models; decorative arts and design; and film, video and digital imagery. Coming to CMOA this fall is the 58th Carnegie International. This exhibition will bring together new commissions, existing works and projects by established and emerging artists working internationally, domestically and locally. The 58th Carnegie International, which is titled 'Is it morning for you yet?' runs from September 24, 2022 to April 2, 2023, and unfolds along two conceptual overlapping currents: historical works from the collections of international institutions, estates and artists, alongside new commissions and recent works by contemporary artists. Advance purchase of timed admission tickets is strongly encouraged
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Advance purchase of timed admission tickets is strongly encouraged.
Mount Washington
Take a step back in time on a century-old cable car and see the best views of downtown Pittsburgh while riding one of the few remaining inclines in the country. Opened on May 20, 1877, the Duquesne Incline was rescued and restored by a group of local residents in 1963 and still delights residents and visitors with its original, elegant, wooden cable cars. Now you can visit the interior of the incline and watch the machinery while it operates. The Duquesne Incline's upper station houses a museum of Pittsburgh history, including photos and a storehouse of information on inclines from around the world. Exact fare upon arrival - no tickets, no advance payment, no reservations and no debit or credit cards.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park neighborhood, the zoo sits on 77 acres of park land where it exhibits more than 4,000 animals representing 475 species, including 20 threatened or endangered species.
Segway Pittsburgh
Experience a scenic tour of the City of Pittsburgh, with plenty of photo opportunities. The Segway Personal Transporter is easy and fun to glide. Helmet & training included. Advance reservations are recommended.
The Pittsburgh Tour Company
Uncover the best sites of Pittsburgh at your own pace aboard a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This engaging tour highlights history, architecture and plenty of spots for shopping, dining and entertainment, allowing you the chance to hop off at any of the 21 stops to explore on your own. Board the bus at any of the stops along the route and set off into the city. The bus begins in Southside and winds its way along the river, up into the North Shore, through restaurants and shops in the Strip and Central Business districts, and into Oakland, home to the University of Pittsburgh.