Travel & Leisure

Obama’s choice for the G20

Pittsburgh completely redressed its economic situation, painstakingly working its way up the ladder of success and its efforts were rewarded by its nomination in 2007 as the number one, middle-sized artistic city by the American Style magazine. Considered to be a green city, it is surrounded by hills and lush parks. Now chosen by Barak Obama who considers it to be an American model of a successful restructuring, Pittsburgh has recently lived a moment of glory, thanks to the G20, the economic forum held here in September, 2009.

 A rich and diversified cultural scene

On the first day, take the pulse of the city and wander through the streets by foot or by bike. With its human dimension, these districts are not confining and the architecture varied. Have a walk through the district whose the cultural centre was established by the famous Jack Heinz (the creator of the famous and indispensable Ketchup). Its cultural and artistic scene is much richer and diversified than the average city. There you will discover restaurants, bars and art at every corner and nook and cranny of the street. Meeting at DuquesneIncline, an old cable car of over a century, created by SamuelDiescher in 1877, located on the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which offer a unique viewpoint of the city. A real walk that takes you back in time. From there, it just takes a few steps to dine at « Le Mont », considered to be the finest restaurants in all of Pittsburgh. An amazing and kitsch atmosphere, gigantic crystal chandeliers, an abundance of gildings, mirrors everywhere, silver-glass windows and bay windows that run down the walls of this period room. Keep in mind that you are in the USA, and the term gourmet dining does not mean the same thing as in France and choose simple and grilled dishes. This place is worth the detour for its spectacular view of the city, especially at night. 

Carnegie and Warhol Museums

The next day, I recommend you have breakfast at Pamela ‘s Diner, which has become an institution ever since its owner, discovered by Obama himself thanks to the quality of her pancakes, was received at the White House !
Without wasting any time, head for the Carnegie Museum of Art & Carnegie Museum of Natural History, two museums which are part of the same complex. Created in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie, an industrialist who made his fortune in steel, his modern facade, which is all in glass, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, was added in1974.
Collections of European Art and American Impressionists, Post-impressionists and modern works of art are awaiting you. Masterpieces of great artists that should not be missed include : Picasso, Renoir, Fernand Léger, Gustave Klimt, Manet and Munsch…
Of course, Andy Warhol, who was born in Pittsburgh is also represented there by several paintings. But you really have to go and see the museum named after him, one of the most popular sites of Pittsburgh. Unlike the Warhol exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, this museum is educational and lively. Photos, films and music are housed in the seven floors of this museum that are definitely worth the visit. 

Mattress Factory, a laboratory of Contemporary Art

In a completely different area, don’t miss the Mattress Factory. Located on the North side, the historical district of Pittsburgh, this museum which has the special attraction of hosting artists and definitely is worth the detour. The people of Pittsburgh are reinventing and transforming this Bohemian district, full of trees that align the brick houses, lofts, former closed down factories that remind you of the Soho districts or Brooklyn in New York. And the Mattress Factory is a real contemporary art laboratory. Established in 1977 to attract artists from all over the world, this museum accommodates them for six months and makes free spaces available to them to give them the chance to create and get their works known. This former mattress factory, cleverly revamped, enhances the creations of artists.

Some permanent exhibitions of contemporary artists such as James Turrel, a sculptor of light, Bill Woodrow, Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist inspired by peas, can be visited throughout the year.

The Laurel Highlands

On the third day, head for the Laurel Highlands, to visit the famous mansions of Fallingwater and KentuckKnob, two masterpieces of Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous American architect, who plays a role in the architectural history of the United States.

Once you leave Pittsburgh, the countryside overtakes urbanism. Waving meadows, beautiful wooden houses without barriers and rivers that recall the New England or Normandy. First stop is at Kentuck Knob, tucked away in the middle of nature. This hexagon-shaped house, built on the top of a hill in 1956 is a beautiful example of organic architecture. Many glass walls, cypress wood, stones, natural ventilation, a copper roof, floor heating, make up the essentials of this cleverly designed house, which is rather dark though.

Fallingwater

As far as Fallingwater designed in 36/37, it was built on the side of a mountain, below a waterfall. There are many terraces which link nature with this waterfall.

These two mansions, with one still belonging to owner Peter Palumbo (Kentuck Knob), can be visited throughout the year.

The prospects of a pleasant nature walk, makes the detour worth. Before going on a morning shopping spree, the day of your departure in one of the well known outlets of Pittsburgh, have lunch on a farm, The Spring House. A real farm where you can try smoked ham, garnished with vegetables, straight from the garden and fresh cow’s milk !