Draft History HQ

The story of professional football starts in Pittsburgh — and there’s no better place to experience it than the Heinz History Center, America’s #1 History Museum.

From the Franco Harris Sports Museum to special pop-up exhibits with the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Steelers, discover how Pittsburgh forged a football legacy defined by legendary players, unforgettable moments, and six Super Bowl championships.

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Two boys indoors aim yellow footballs at a museum display of NFL Draft players with cut-out holes as target areas on the wall. *AI generated alt text

History is Drafted Here. 

Franco Harris Sports Museum

The Franco Harris Sports Museum is your must-see Draft Week destination. Step inside the “home of the Immaculate Reception” and relive the moment with a lifelike figure of Franco making the catch, along with his cleats from the play, the Three Rivers Stadium turf where it happened, and rare artifacts from the 1970s Steelers.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Pop-Up Exhibit

Is it something in the water?

Western Pennsylvania has produced nearly 50 professional quarterbacks – more than any region in the country – including six Hall of Famers.

In partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, see game-worn jerseys and objects from George Blanda, Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino as part of this special pop-up exhibit in the museum’s first floor Great Hall.

On view from April 17-27, the exhibit will also feature 27 original NFL Draft cards from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round picks from 1997-2005, on loan from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Draft Week Fan Zone

Huddle up at the History Center’s Draft Week Fan Zone and join us for tailgate-style challenges, game day eats, sports-themed scavenger hunts, and special guided tours throughout the day from April 23-25.

Super Steelers

Discover the history behind the Steelers dynasty with championship rings from Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV and artifacts from our namesake Franco Harris, including his 1976 Man of the Year Award (now named for Walter Payton) and “Franco’s Italian Army” helmet.

2026 Draft Mobile Exhibit

Developed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2026 NFL Draft Mobile Exhibit pulls back the curtain on hosting one of the biggest productions in sports — the NFL Draft.

Make Your Pick at the Museum Shop

On the clock for the perfect Pittsburgh souvenir? Score official 2026 NFL Draft merchandise alongside items from hometown favorites like Mister Rogers and Heinz at the best gift shop in the ‘Burgh. 

VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center

Located in the History Center’s first floor Great Hall, get oriented and excited about everything the city has to offer — all inside the #1 History Museum in America. 

Western PA Football Project

Explore how the region became a hot bed for high school and college football, producing nearly 50 professional QB’s, along with four Heisman Trophy winners and dozens of All-Americans.  

Visitors of all ages view historic baseball memorabilia, display cases, and murals in a museum exhibit during civic season. *AI generated alt text

Bring the whole team. Kids are free.

Franco Harris Sports Museum

Sports fans 17 and under always score free admission, courtesy of the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative.