THE CHINATOWN INN MODEL IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER’S MINIATURE RAILROAD & VILLAGE DISPLAY. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER

The Carnegie Science Center has added The Chinatown Inn model to its popular Miniature Railroad & Village to honor the last surviving business from Pittsburgh’s Chinatown on Third Avenue, Downtown.

Three generations of the Yee family have operated the restaurant since it opened in 1943 on the first floor of the On Leong Chinese Merchants Association building. In spring 2021, Chinatown finally received Pennsylvania State Historical Landmark status. The new model honors the Chinese culture in Pittsburgh. 

THE CHINATOWN INN ORIGINALLY OPENED IN 1943. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER

“Diversity benefits Pittsburgh and our philosophy is that the more viewpoints we have, our outcomes will be better and if you exclude a particular group or culture, then you are creating a blindspot and miss the benefits of an entire culture,” says Jason Brown, Henry Buhl Jr., Director of Carnegie Science Center.

It will be unveiled to the public with a Celebrate Chinatown event From 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct, 5, where there will be Lion Dances, martial arts demonstrations, music and theatrical acts. 

The Chinatown Inn Model was crafted using new and traditional techniques. Measurements of the building were taken to 3-D print the windows and decorative awnings. Next, a brick paper was glued to the laser-cut shell, and the awnings were attached. Chinese lanterns and a Lion Dance were also included to enhance the model. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER

“We are proud to honor Pittsburgh’s Chinese heritage and we hope our model educates and inspires our visitors,” says Nikki Wilhelm, manager of the Miniature Railroad & Village. 

According to Carnegie Science Center History, since it was first displayed at the Buhl Planetarium in 1954, the Miniature Railroad & Village has been an important Pittsburgh tradition. It all started with Charles Bowdish, who began building miniature railroad villages after serving in the Army in World War I. 

The first holiday display began on Christmas Eve in 1919. After several decades, Bowdish began to think about moving his display from his home in Brookville, PA, a community in Jefferson County. He agreed to move it to Buhl Planetarium, which wanted to display his masterpiece. It was named the Christmastown Railroad, and Bowdish continued to take care of his miniatures and oversaw the construction.

It moved to the Science Center in 1992, and now includes 57 crafted models. 

Keeping with Bowdish’s tradition, each scale-model replica continued to be made with extraordinary attention to detail. With new additions like the Sharon Steel Mill and coke ovens, the exhibit began to take on a historical and educational significance. 

Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village illustrates the Pittsburgh region’s rich and diverse history up until 1940, including people, events and places that have had a major influence on the region. 

The exhibit is included in the center’s regular admission price.