Holiday Fun: History Center Extends Free Admission for Kids through December
This holiday season, Western Pa. families can relive cherished memories and make new ones at the Senator John Heinz History Center. The “Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh” has announced that it has extended FREE admission for kids (age 17 and under) through the end of 2020, thanks to the support of community partner Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
With 370,000 square feet and six floors of award-winning exhibitions, there’s no better place to enjoy a safe and spacious cultural experience.
A Very Merry Pittsburgh
Beginning Friday, Nov. 20, visitors to the History Center can explore holiday traditions in Western Pa. as part of the new A Very Merry Pittsburgh holiday experience in the museum’s first-floor Great Hall.
Visitors can discover how the region’s communities have celebrated Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more through the years, and see original artifacts from iconic department stores of Pittsburgh’s past, including Santa’s original chair from Kaufmann’s Santaland and the mailbox where thousands of children mailed their Christmas lists to the North Pole.
Children visiting the History Center can also write and mail their own letters to Santa and enjoy coloring activities.
Saturdays with Santa
As part of the History Center’s holiday offerings, visitors can take a socially distanced photo with Santa on Saturdays this season.
Old Saint Nick will safely greet museum visitors from his magical Christmas sleigh just outside the museum’s doors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning Nov. 21 through Dec. 19, as well as on Friday, Nov. 27.
Santa visits are included with regular museum admission, and visitors can take photos with their own camera or smartphone.
Holiday Shopping for Uniquely Pittsburgh Gifts
The Heinz History Center Museum Shop is a one-stop shop for uniquely Pittsburgh gifts. From “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” to Heinz ketchup, the Museum Shop offers hundreds of one-of-a-kind gifts for the Pittsburgh fans on visitors’ holiday shopping lists.
Shop online at shop.heinzhistorycenter.org or visit 1212 Smallman Street in the Strip District daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No museum admission is required to visit the Museum Shop.
Purchases at the History Center Museum Shop directly support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
Free Admission for Kids at the Fort Pitt Museum
In addition to “kids free” at the Heinz History Center, kids ages 17 and under will also receive free admission at the Fort Pitt Museum through Dec. 31, sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate Services with support from Highmark. Families can get to the “Point” of Pittsburgh history and discover the world-shaping events that happened right here in Western Pa.
The History Center and Fort Pitt Museum are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Kids ages 17 and under receive free admission to the Heinz History Center and Fort Pitt Museum through Dec. 31, sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Kids Free at the Fort Pitt Museum in December is also supported by Highmark.
Visitors to the Heinz History Center can take a socially distanced photo with Santa on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Nov. 21, as well as on Friday, Nov. 27.
