Established in 1994 and located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the place of Andy Warhol’s birth, The Andy Warhol Museum(aka The Warhol) is the only museum fully dedicated to the work, archive and spirit of one of the world’s most influential artists. It is also the most comprehensive single-artist museum in North America.

© visit press.warhol.org

The Warhol recently announced the museum will spearhead a major new cultural and economic project, transforming a six-block section of the museum’s neighborhood on Pittsburgh’s North Shore into a thriving hub for expansive cultural programming, creative workforce development and, ultimately, a new cultural tourism destination.

With The Warhol remaining the focal point, The Pop District will occupy six square blocks on the eastern North Shore of Pittsburgh, centered on the current location of The Warhol, and just across The Andy Warhol Bridge from Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The project aims to use the power of public art, digital media production, live music and performances to create a museum-led destination in the city where Andy Warhol was born.

© visit press.warhol.org

“Andy continues to be emblematic of the American entrepreneurial spirit, true agent of influence and change,” said Patrick Moore, director, The Warhol. “We now have the plan and resources to follow suit as an agent of change for Pittsburgh and an example of how creative communities throughout the country can be activated to boost and sustain a local economy through focusing on opportunities and experiences for young people.”

© visit press.warhol.org

The Pop District is estimated to be a $60 million, two-phased project that will roll out over 10 years. Phase One (through 2024) includes developing new education programs outside of the museum ; a public art component is already activated by Miami-based artists with a public mural titled “Over The Rainbow by Typoe,” and an exterior installation by artist Michael Loveland titled “Social Sculpture.” Additional public art installations by two Pittsburgh-based artists, scheduled for completion this summer, is also underway. Phase Two (beginning in 2024) will include additional fundraising as part of a capital campaign across the entire Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and will feature construction for a new live performance venue for concerts, performances and community rental spaces.

This month, 9,400 square feet of workforce development space next door to The Warhol will open its doors as the “HQ” for The Pop District’s programs. Further developments and new space will roll out in the second half of 2022.