The 4-acre, $31 million multiuse cultural park on 8th Street Block of Downtown Pittsburgh will serve as a new recreation and event space for the neighborhood. Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro secured $50 million in the 2025/2026 budget to ensure Pennsylvania is ready to welcome millions of visitors for major events.

In April, Governor Shapiro participated in the opening of the new 4-acre Arts Landing. Its opening comes as Pittsburgh hosted hundreds of thousands of sports fans at Point State Park and across Downtown Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft, also in April. The new outdoor space was developed by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and supported by investments from businesses, nonprofits, local government and the Commonwealth.

© Arts Landing, courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Arts Landing project was one of three major public space improvement projects included in Governor Shapiro’s 10-year plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, uniting the city’s private sector, local government, corporate leaders and nonprofits behind a plan to build more housing; revitalize public spaces; and improve safety, cleanliness and affordability downtown.

“Eighteen months ago, we brought together leaders from the public and private sector to pull together a plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh and turn this neighborhood into a thriving center for innovation, opportunity, and culture. Today, we’re delivering on that promise,” said Shapiro. “I am proud of the progress we’re already made together, from building new affordable housing to creating safe, fun public spaces like Arts Landing, and completing renovations at Point State Park, and we’re not done yet. The city will continue to get stuff done in Downtown Pittsburgh for years to come.”

The heart of Arts Landing is a one-acre great lawn. This gorgeous green space centers the Allegheny River and two of the Three Sisters Bridges, welcoming pedestrians from multiple entrances. Subtly graded topography optimizes the viewing experience for crowds gathered at Dollar Bank Stage, in the northwest corner near Fort Duquesne Boulevard and 7th Street. Its canopy design provides protection from the elements while preserving a view of the surroundings for guests.

© Arts Landing, courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Thoughtful plantings and gentle topography partially insulate Fisher Family Garden Walk and Culture Commons visually and acoustically from nearby residents and businesses bordering Eighth Street.

As a result of these efforts, the city was designated as a Thrive Outside community last year, a national recognition for regional efforts to expand outdoor access and strengthen community connections.

“Arts Landing is a truly transformative project for Downtown Pittsburgh, helping to turn the city’s golden triangle into a vibrant residential and entertainment hub that will encourage more people to live and work Downtown,” said Rick Siger, secretary, Department of Community and Economic Development.

© Arts Landing, courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

On the opposite side of Arts Landing from the Backyard, near the intersection of Fort Duquesne Boulevard and 7th Street, Highmark Courtyard provides a second inviting hardscaped area that will feature three pickleball courts and a small running track, providing nearly 30,000 square feet of flexible recreation area.

Pennsylvania is primed to be in the national spotlight in 2026 as the state celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, and has and will continue to host major events this year, including the NFL Draft, the PGA Championship, FIFA World Cup and MLB All-Star Game.