Requests for scheduling private activities must be made 60 days prior to the date of the activity. This gives us ample time to secure the space and the staff for the event.

All details must be finalized 30 days prior to the date of the activity.

To schedule an activity, we first need to select a date and time that works for both parties. After selecting a date and time, we have a few logistical questions that need to be answered. After these questions are answered, we will send you an invoice that is typically due about 1 week after receipt as well as a confirmation email.

The nature of our unique programming requires specialized staffing requirements that may sometimes involve 10+ staff members. We have a robust schedule of incredible experiences to offer, and to ensure efficient timing it is crucial that we follow our guidelines. Things like showing up 15 minutes early for parking, and submitting names on time are key elements to making sure your program runs smoothly.

We never want price to be a hindrance or barrier, so if you have a budget in mind, please share it with us. We want to be able to bring glass to as much of the community as possible.

Parking

We do have a parking lot, however, our parking lot is small and recommended for compact cars. There is only one entrance and exit on Penn Avenue which can make turning around a bit tricky especially for large vehicles. If the lot is full, parking on Penn Avenue in front of and near our building is free (be careful not to block the bus stop). There is also free additional parking on the streets in our neighborhood. One van accessible parking space is available in our lot with a clear access aisle. 

If you are bringing a school group to us, we do not have school bus parking available, however you are welcome to unload and load your students by parking in front of our lot entrance. Pittsburgh Montessori is about two blocks away from Pittsburgh Glass Center. They may have space for a bus to park temporarily.

Bus Transportation

PGC does not schedule or cover the cost of bus transportation up front, but we are happy to reimburse for the cost.

Please note that if you are traveling by bus, you are responsible for communicating drop-off, parking, and pick-up information to your bus driver.

Public Transportation

If you are taking public transportation, PGC has a few bus stops in the nearby neighborhood. 

• • • Penn Ave: 88
    • Friendship: 87
    • Negley: 71A or C

Pittsburgh Glass Center is accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who need to avoid stairs. The entrance is accessible by wheelchair and every public space in Pittsburgh Glass Center can be reached by elevator or lift. The Garaventa lift meets the requirements of ADA and ANSI for a fully accessible wheelchair lift. The platform is 37 1/4” wide and 53 7/8” deep. Pittsburgh Glass Center welcomes walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and every other mobility aid. For students, each of our studios is accessible via wheelchair.

Pittsburgh Glass Center is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. If an accommodation can help you or anyone in your group fully participate in our programs, please email us or call 412-365-2145. Learn more about accessibility at Pittsburgh Glass Center.

If you would like to eat lunch at PGC, our classroom space may be available for up to 1 hour following your experience. When filling out our School and Youth Group Form, please select “yes” where it asks if you require the use of our classroom for lunch. Space is not guaranteed, however, we will make every effort to accommodate requests.

While you do have to pick one item and everyone has to make the same item, every participant can choose their own colors or some variations to the shape. For example, for our blown glass pumpkin, participants can choose to make their stems curly or short, and for sculpted glass flowers, participants can have a straight stem or curly stem. We are unable to accommodate different items for everyone in your party due to limited space, differing equipment needed for different items, and instructor limitations.

Due to the nature of hot glass, you will not be able to take any items with you. Hot glass must cool slowly over time to prevent stresses that will cause it to break. Your items will be ready for pickup or shipping 5 days after the event. You are welcome to pick up all items and disperse from there (most common for groups in the local area), guests may pick up individually, or shipping can be arranged starting at $15 per address.

We will hold on to items for up to 60 days before discarding. Anyone can pick up your items with the following information:  Date; Name of the activity (type of item made–for example, pendants, or paperweights); and first AND last name of the participant.

For private group activity shipping, please reach out to scheduling@pittsburghglasscenter.org. Items can take up to 2 weeks to be shipped.