Our Guide to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District

Doesn’t everything always come back to the pandemic?

Maybe in the future there won’t be such a sharp divide between what life was like before COVID-19, masks and Zoom calls all became part of our everyday lives and the after, when we all tentatively resumed business as almost usual —  but I doubt it will be any time soon.

The days of virtual schooling and working had a profound effect on all of us, and it nearly put businesses and entities in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District out of business.

The effect of shutting down the 14-square-block arts-and-entainment district in the heart of Downtown took years to recover from; it’s only recently that visits to the Golden Triangle have returned to almost pre-pandemic levels.  But the future is bright.

Despite people’s entertainment habits having shifted, maybe permanently, during the pandemic to streaming services and ordering DoorDash at home rather than heading out to dinner and a play in Pittsburgh, business, nonprofit and civic leaders in the Cultural District are finding a way to make the new normal work.

In particular, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is investing in diversifying entertainment options and adding more public spaces in the hopes of attracting additional visitors looking to spend a day in the city. One of the highest profile examples of this commitment is the Arts Landing civic, recreation and relaxation space along the Allegheny River, which has drawn around 1,500 daily visitors since opening right before the NFL Draft took place in Pittsburgh near the end of April.

Of course, there’s a lot more to the story, and you’ll find it in our comprehensive guide to the Cultural District. Contributor Adam Smeltz details the Cultural District’s past and what city leaders are doing to ensure the neighborhood’s success in the future while associate editor Kristy Graver maps out 15 applause-worthy spots where visitors and city residents alike can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a pre-show cocktail. Digital editor Ollie Gratzinger also shares his tricks for navigating Pittsburgh’s parking situation, including finding the best rates.

The rest of this issue is all fun and games — and I mean that literally. We delve into mahjong, the classic Chinese game that is surging in popularity around Pittsburgh. Learn more about O’Hara’s The Bocce House, where guests play another traditional game — this time Italian — while munching on handcrafted smashburgers and pizza.

While that’s not the kind of bocce that I grew up with at family reunions, it sure sounds like the swearing in Italian remains the same.