The Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh is excited to offer FREE admission to all visitors during the month of August as part of the Allegheny Regional Asset District’s (RAD) “3 for Free” initiative.  

The Heinz History Center, The Andy Warhol Museum, and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will all be open to visitors free of charge from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, 2023.

“3 For Free” celebrates each museum’s recognition among the nation’s best as part of USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Online voters recognized the History Center as the No. 2 history museum in the country, and Pittsburgh was the only city to see three of its museums honored in the top five.

Reserve Your Spot

Heinz History Center

Tickets for August are now available to book online! Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.  

Groups of 10 or more should confirm availability through our Group Tours team.

Please note, free admission for August 2023 does not apply to the Fort Pitt Museum or Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. Purchase tickets for Fort Pitt here, and Meadowcroft here.

What’s On at the History Center

Open Now: Wars of Empire and Liberty

The History Center is partnering with the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia to showcase a new exhibition, Wars of Empire and Liberty: Featuring the revolutionary art of Don Troiani provides a fresh look at two epic conflicts – the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War.

NEW! Sport and the Body Exhibition

The Sports Museum’s Sport and the Body exhibition has undergone extensive renovations to highlight Pittsburgh’s critical role in the evolution of sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. Rooted in the findings of two visionary local doctors, Dr. Albert Ferguson and Dr. Freddie Fu, Sport and the Body explores the advances in sports medicine through the lens of nutrition, prevention, treatment, and more. The Sports Museum exhibition will open on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Explore Heinz History Center Exhibits

Check out exhibits that cover over 250 years of Pittsburgh history at the History Center.

Know Before You Go

  • The History Center, Sports Museum, and Detre Library & Archives are all located at 1212 Smallman Street in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District.
  • The Heinz History Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You are welcome to arrive at any point during those hours, regardless of the time on your ticket.
  • You are welcome to stay in the museum for as long as you like after arrival. If you plan to explore all the exhibits, expect around a four-hour stay at the museum.
  • The café and shop are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • We suggest using one of these four parking lots within walking distance to the History Center: 11th and Smallman Street Lot, Convention Center Garage, Grant Street Transportation Center Garage, 13th and Smallman Street Lot. Limited on-street parking surrounding the museum is also available.
  • All galleries are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Accessible restrooms are located on floors 1, 2, 3, and 6. Visitors are welcome to nurse anywhere they feel comfortable. A private nursing room is located on the 6th floor.