Arts Landing, an outdoor civic space in the heart of Pittsburgh

With just five days remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust cut the ribbon this Friday to celebrate the grand opening of Arts Landing—a new four-acre outdoor civic space situated in the heart of the “Steel City’s” Cultural District—joined by elected officials and civic leaders from across the state, county, and city of Pittsburgh.

The $31 million multi-purpose cultural park, located on the 8th Street block of downtown Pittsburgh, will serve as a new recreational and event space for the neighborhood.

Its opening comes as Pittsburgh prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of sports fans to Point State Park and throughout downtown Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft, taking place from April 23 to 25. City officials anticipate an attendance of between 500,000 and 700,000 people.

Figures from various sectors attended the event to enjoy the newly opened park, which offers views of the Allegheny River and the skyscrapers surrounding the site in the downtown area of ​​the city also known as the “City of Bridges.”

Among those present at the Arts Landing inauguration were Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, and various local artists and cultural leaders. Families with children also attended, enjoying the venue’s recreational areas.

As one of the ceremony’s guests delivered a speech, dozens of students—positioned on the rooftop of the Pittsburgh CAPA building—cheered when the official gave them a special shout-out. The students were able to watch the ceremony from above.

The event featured entertainment provided by the University of Pittsburgh marching band and the Pitt cheerleaders.

A New Destination in Downtown Pittsburgh

“Arts Landing builds upon the Cultural Trust’s mission by creating a new destination in the city center—a place where people will want to gather, linger for a while, and wish to return to more frequently,” shared Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

For his part, Governor Shapiro stated: “Eighteen months ago, we brought together leaders from the public and private sectors to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh and transform this neighborhood into a thriving hub of innovation, opportunity, and culture.”

“With the NFL Draft just one week away, we have fulfilled our promise to open Arts Landing on time. I am proud of the progress we have already achieved together—building new affordable housing, creating safe and fun spaces like Arts Landing, and completing renovations at Point State Park—and we will continue to bring our projects in downtown Pittsburgh to life in the years to come,” affirmed the Governor of Pennsylvania.

At another point during the ceremony, Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor said: “Arts Landing is the perfect example of how to invest in the vitality and future of the city center.”

“What was once an old vacant lot has been transformed into a beautiful, modern civic space. I thank Kendra Whitlock Ingram and the Cultural Trust for their leadership in bringing together diverse collaborators to create a space that supports the arts, culture, families, and quality of life in the city center,” added O’Connor.

Arts Landing is a key project within the Downtown Revitalization Vision and Governor Shapiro’s $600 million plan for downtown Pittsburgh.

Arts Landing went from a conceptual project to its grand opening in just 22 months; it was completed in time for the NFL Draft and is now poised to serve residents and visitors for generations to come, notes a statement from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Conceived and managed by the Cultural Trust and designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, this civic space was created to welcome residents and visitors, host festivals and performances, showcase public art, and offer opportunities for everyday recreation and relaxation.

Key features of Arts Landing include:

•  The Dollar Bank Stage and Great Lawn will serve as the new permanent home for the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, as well as a program of recurring activities to be announced in May.

•  The Grable Playground is the city center’s first playground featuring artist-inspired play equipment.

•  The Giant Eagle Foundation Outdoor Space offers a relaxing environment with tables, seating, overhead lighting, and games (finishing touches will be completed in June).

•  The Highmark Court provides a flexible recreational space, including pickleball courts featuring artist-designed murals and a fitness track (finishing touches will be completed in July).

•  The BNY Visitor Center features public restrooms, a water bottle filling station, and 24/7 security to ensure that Arts Landing remains a safe and welcoming destination for all.

•  The Colcom Foundation Overlook offers spectacular views of the skyline and bridges—views found only in Pittsburgh.

•  The Buhl Foundation Lawn Terraces offer a respite and the best seats in the house.

•  PPG Lane and the Fisher Family Garden Walk are beautiful new spots for a stroll through the city center, surrounded by nearly 100 newly planted trees and native vegetation.