Freddy Potoy Rosales
With just five days to go before the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust officially cut the ribbon Friday to celebrate the opening of Arts Landing, a new four-acre outdoor civic space located in the heart of the Steel City’s Cultural District. The ceremony was attended by elected officials and civic leaders from across the state, Allegheny County, and the City of Pittsburgh.
The $31 million multi-use cultural park, situated along the 8th Street block in downtown Pittsburgh, will serve as a new recreational and event space for the neighborhood.
Its debut comes as Pittsburgh prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of sports fans to Point State Park and throughout downtown for the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23–25. City officials estimate attendance between 500,000 and 700,000 visitors.
Attendees from a wide range of sectors gathered to enjoy the newly opened park, which offers sweeping views of the Allegheny River and the surrounding skyline in the “City of Bridges.”
Among those present at the Arts Landing inauguration were Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor; local artists; and leaders from the cultural sector. Families with children and groups of kids from local child care centers were also in attendance, taking advantage of the site’s recreational amenities.
During the ceremony, as one speaker addressed the crowd, dozens of students gathered on the rooftop of Pittsburgh CAPA cheered after receiving a special acknowledgment. From their vantage point, the students were able to watch the event unfold from above.
The event also featured entertainment by the University of Pittsburgh marching band and cheerleaders.
A New Downtown Destination
“Arts Landing builds on the Cultural Trust’s mission by creating a new destination in the heart of downtown—a place where people will want to gather, linger, and return to again and again,” said Kendra Whitlock Ingram, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Governor Shapiro added, “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 just one week until the NFL Draft, we have delivered on our promise to open Arts Landing on time. I am proud of the progress we have already made together—building new affordable housing, creating safe and welcoming spaces like Arts Landing, and completing renovations at Point State Park—and we will continue advancing our vision for downtown Pittsburgh in the years ahead,” the governor said.
At another point in the ceremony, Mayor Corey O’Connor remarked, “Arts Landing is a perfect example of how investing in downtown vitality strengthens our city’s future.”
“What was once an underutilized 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 partners to create a space that supports the arts, culture, families, and quality of life in downtown Pittsburgh,” he added.
Arts Landing is a cornerstone project within the broader Downtown Revitalization Vision and part of Governor Shapiro’s $600 million investment plan for downtown Pittsburgh.
According to a statement from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the project moved from concept to completion in just 22 months, opening on schedule ahead of the NFL Draft and positioning itself to serve residents and visitors for generations to come.
Conceived and managed by the Cultural Trust and designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, the civic space is intended to welcome both residents and visitors, host festivals and performances, showcase public art, and provide opportunities for everyday recreation and relaxation.
Key Features of Arts Landing
- The Dollar Bank Stage and Great Lawn will serve as the new permanent home of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, along with a recurring program of events to be announced in May.
- The Grable Playground is the first downtown playground featuring artist-inspired play equipment.
- The Giant Eagle Foundation outdoor space offers a relaxing environment with tables, seating, overhead lighting, and games (final details to be completed in June).
- The Highmark Courtyard provides a flexible recreational area, including pickleball courts with artist-designed murals and a fitness track (final touches expected in July).
- The BNY Visitor Center includes public restrooms, a water bottle refill station, and 24/7 security to ensure Arts Landing remains a safe and welcoming destination for all.
- The Colcom Foundation overlook offers sweeping views of the skyline and bridges unique to Pittsburgh.
- The Buhl Foundation lawn terraces provide a place to unwind and some of the best seating in the park.
- PPG Lane and the Fisher Family Garden Walk offer new, scenic pathways through downtown, surrounded by nearly 100 newly planted trees and native landscaping.
