Everyone is Welcome
Pittsburgh Glass Center is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.
To request accommodations, please contact us or call 412-365-2145 x 214.
Accessibility at Pittsburgh Glass Center is supported in part by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). RAD works here.
Take this opportunity to virtually explore our space before you arrive.
Visitors with sensory needs are encouraged to use our self-guided tour to explore our building and facilities in their own time, without interruption from staff.
Our free virtual guide is available on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app. Download the free app from Google Play or the App Store and explore Pittsburgh Glass Center from home or scan the QR Code upon arrival at Pittsburgh Glass Center to follow along as you tour our studios and gallery.
The app is designed with core accessibility features and is able to work with most built-in assistive technology on both Android and iOS phones. It is screen reader compatible, works with built-in device features such as zoom and increased contrast, and offers larger accessibility text sizes. It is also compatible with keyboard and switch control navigation.
Visitors are encouraged to bring noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or any other item that could make their visit more accessible for them. Please note, Pittsburgh Glass Center has loud areas, hot areas, and bright areas due to the nature of glassmaking.
Braille versions of our self-guided tour are also available.
Sensory kits are available for visitors to use while they are in the space. These kits include several items to help those with sensory sensitivities navigate our studios including (but not limited to) paper fans, shaded safety glasses, and noise-canceling headphones. We have both adult and adolescent sizes available.
To acquire a kit, simply request one at the front desk and be sure to return your kit at the end of your visit.
Sign Language Interpretation will be provided at all public events hosted by the Pittsburgh Glass Center. ASL Interpretation is also available for all students participating in classes or workshops. Requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
An accessible parking space is available directly in front of our facility on Penn Avenue.
One van accessible parking space is available in our lot with a clear access aisle.
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.
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 accessible to strollers 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. Pittsburgh Glass Center welcomes children of all ages to come and see the magic of glass art.
The Garaventa lift meets the requirements of ADA and ANSI for a fully accessible lift. The platform is 37 1/4” wide and 53 7/8” deep.
Many of Pittsburgh Glass Center’s videos are available with closed captions, including videos in the gallery and videos available online on our YouTube Channel.
Service Animals are welcome in Pittsburgh Glass Center. Unfortunately, due to the nature of glass and the dangers involved, we are unable to accommodate pets or emotional support animals in the building. Service animals are welcome in all classes and workshops.
All multi-stall restrooms at Pittsburgh Glass Center contain at least one wheelchair accessible stall with 2-3 grab rails.
Accessible gender-neutral single-occupancy restrooms are located on the second and third floors.
There are two diaper-changing stations located in two of our single stall restrooms. One is located on the second floor, indicated with a Koala Kare sign on the door and the second is located on the third floor, indicated with a “baby changing station” on the door.
Bench seating is available in both our lobby and our gallery for visitors to take a break as they explore our building and studios. Bleacher-style seating is available for glassblowing demonstrations during our public events and Hot Jams. Backless seating with tables is available on our second floor.
