Most Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not answered here, call us at 412-365-2145 or send us an email. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Yes. Gift cards can be purchased online, in person, or by calling 412-365-2145 x201. Gift cards are delivered by email, but we can provide a printed copy by request. Gift cards can be used online for Glass-to-Go kits or in our lobby shop for art and merchandise. Call us to redeem gift cards for class/workshop registration.
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We have several opportunities from 2-hour weekend workshops to 12-week after school classes for children in middle school and high school to learn all about glass including:
- Glassblowing
- Casting
- Flameworking
- Fusing
- And more!
Learn More About Youth Classes
Unless otherwise stated, we welcome students at least 12 years of age or older to participate in our introductory 2-hour workshops and students 5 and older for our Make-It-Now events. An adult must accompany children under 14 years old.
Children age 14+ can also sign up for private lessons. Learn More about Private Lessons.
We also have many activities for educators looking for glass activities for their students.
Starting on September 13, every Friday, Saturday, or Sunday you can now walk-in and try glassmaking without a reservation from 1:00-5:00pm. In 20 minutes or less you can make a paperweight or a blown glass ornament with help from our artists for $55. No experience is required. Ages 5+ with an adult are welcome to participate. Just sign up at the front desk. Stop in a give it a try. Be sure to check the calendar for a few special dates that PGC will be closed to the public.  
Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the day they are created. They must cool first and can be picked up 5 days later. Shipping can be arranged for an additional fee.
All of our other classes and workshops are pre-registration only. You will receive guided instruction from a local teaching artist to help you create your own work of glass art. Â Register for a class or workshop.
We’re so excited that you saw us on Blown Away! Pittsburgh Glass Center is open to the public for free. See our hours.
Questions about Visiting, Classes & Workshops
We are free and open to the public; a $5 donation is suggested. See our hours.
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.
- Take a hands-on workshop
- Explore our contemporary glass gallery
- Watch artists making glass
- Shop for handmade glass gifts
- Pick up items made previously in classes
How old do I have to be to take a class?
Unless otherwise stated, we welcome students at least 14 years of age or older to participate in our introductory 2-hour workshops and students 5 and older for our Make-It-Now events. An adult must accompany children under 14 years old. You must be at least 14 to participate in all other classes. Our youth programs are specifically designed for young people in middle school and high school. Make-It-Now events are made for anyone 5 and older to try glass and great for families.Â
Register for Classes & Workshops
Will I be in a class with other people?
Yes. You will be joined by others in your class, unless it is a private workshop or a private lesson. Other students and artists will be present in the studio.
High-touch surfaces and equipment are cleaned after every class and multiple times a day. Due to the nature of the glass making process, every studio in the building has state-of-the-art ventilation.
What Should I Wear?
Please wear comfortable, natural fiber clothing. Jeans and t-shirts are great. Wear flat close-toed shoes. Something with a textured sole isn’t absolutely necessary, but certainly helpful. Anything that hangs away from the body (long necklaces, scarves, etc.) should be left at home or removed before the class. Tie back long hair. Long hair is defined as anything that hangs forward or covers eyes.
Masks are optional. If you prefer to wear a mask choose one that is made of natural fibers – all cotton, or linen, for example (no polyester) – and be sure that it is tightly fitted around your face with no loose, hanging parts. Natural fibers are necessary because synthetic fibers can be highly flammable, and prone to melting, when encountering the very high temperatures of hot glass furnaces, tabletop torches, and kilns.
If you would like to use an N-95, please be sure to wear an additional mask made of all-natural fibers as a protective covering. The material of an N-95 is synthetic, and can potentially be a flammable hazard.
Can I complete the Release of Liability form before my class?
Yes. Release of liability forms should be completed before your arrival to PGC to ensure all students may begin on time. Complete Your Release.
Make-It-Now events are more fun with friends.
When registering multiple participants be sure to sign up for sequential time slots (instead of multiple slots at the same time) so everyone in your group can participate, watch, and take pictures together during your activity. For example, register your family of 4 for one slot each at 6:00, 6:20, 6:40 and 7:00pm.
Still have questions? Call us at 412-365-2145. We can help.
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. Items can be picked up at the front desk 5 days after your activity or shipping can be arranged at the time of your activity. We will hold on to items for up to 30 days before discarding. Please contact us at 412-365-2145 or glassinfo@pittsburghglasscenter.org to arrange shipping if you are unable to pick up.
Anyone can pick up your items with the following information: Â
- Date Â
- Name of the activity (type of item made – for example, pendants, or paperweights)Â
- First AND last name of the participant Â
Shipping can be arranged at the front desk after your activity. Charges will vary according to the size of your projects and the destination of your package. Items can take up to 2 weeks to be shipped. Email us to arrange shipping.
2- OR 3-DAY INTENSIVE CLASSES
If a cancellation request is received:
Up to 30 days prior to class start date:
Student may drop the class and receive a refund minus a $50 cancellation fee.
OR
Student has the option to receive credit.
OR
Student may transfer into a new activity where space is available. Transferring credit into a new activity is limited to one time only.
Up to 1 week prior to the class start date:
No refund is available but student receives a credit on their account less a $125 cancellation/transfer fee.
OR
Student may transfer into a new activity if space is available, less a $125 cancellation/transfer fee. Transferring credit into a new activity is limited to one time only.
Less than 1 week prior to the class start date:
No refund, credit, or transfer is available.
ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE CLASSES
If a cancellation request is received:
Up to 30 days prior to class start date:
Student may drop the class and receive a refund minus a $75 cancellation fee.
OR
Student has the option to receive credit.
OR
Student may transfer into a new activity where space is available. Transferring credit into a new activity is limited to one time only.
Up to 1 week prior to the class start date:
No refund is available but student receives a credit on their account less a $250 cancellation/transfer fee.
OR
Student may transfer into a new activity if space is available, less a $250 cancellation/transfer fee. Transferring credit into a new activity is limited to one time only.
Less than 1 week prior to the class start date:
No refund, credit, or transfer is available.
There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy.
Please note that all classes are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. If PGC cancels a class, participants will be notified via email and offered a transfer into another class of the participant’s choosing, or a full refund.
PGC is not responsible for non-refundable airline tickets or other travel costs. If a participant does not show up for their first day of class, or scheduled workshop, and does not communicate with PGC prior to their absence, we are unable to offer a refund or a transfer to a new activity.
If a class, workshop, or other hands-on activity is sold out, click the link that says “Join Waitlist.” This will not charge payment or put your card on file. If a space becomes available, we will contact the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis by phone. After confirming your availability, we will process the payment for the registration at that time.
Our studios are open to everyone who wants to learn and create. We offer a variety of scholarships in an effort to make our classes accessible to as many people as possible. Full- and half-tuition scholarships are available for all classes and workshops. Every student is eligible to apply for merit-based, half-tuition scholarships, while students of color and veterans are qualified to apply for full scholarships.
Registrations are transferable between people so long as the new registrant is eligible for the class. Please refer to your class description to determine eligibility based on age, skill level, and other factors.
If you are transferring your spot in a class or workshop to another individual, please forward the confirmation email to them, including the Release of Liability Form.
Registrations may be transferred up to the start of the class – just let our admin team know when you are checking in.
If transfer information is known in advance, please send us an email or give us a call at 412-365-2145.
Memorializing loved ones and pets in glass is a popular option that some companies offer. At Pittsburgh Glass Center, we are limited in what we can offer. The technical challenges of adding outside material to our glass and the unique emotional significance mean that we don’t take on commissions with ashes as an organization, nor do we allow students to bring outside materials to add to their workshops.
As an art form, glassmaking is a setting where things can break or don’t go as planned. If you wish to pursue having ashes incorporated into a glass piece, please refer to our Commissions & Repairs page to reach out to artists directly about doing this work.
Pittsburgh Glass Center teaching artists are mostly independent contractors, and not full time time employees at PGC. While they are paid an hourly wage befitting their specialized skills, the amount of work for each artist varies greatly depending on available teaching opportunities.
Tipping instructors is not required or expected. However, if you would like to show your gratitude to your instructor by leaving them a tip, it is welcomed and always greatly appreciated.Â
Pittsburgh Glass Center is a smoke-free facility. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all indoor areas including studios, patios, sidewalk, and parking lot.
Questions about Gift Certificates
Yes. Gift cards can be purchased online, in person, or by calling 412-365-2145 x201. Gift cards care delivered by email, but we can provide a printed copy by request. Gift cards can be used online for Glass-to-Go kits or in our lobby shop for art and merchandise. Call us to redeem gift cards towards class/workshop registration.
All gift certificates (paper or digital) can be redeemed by calling us at 412-365-2145 or sending us an email. We will need the gift certificate’s code and amount in order to apply it to your account
Questions about Retail & Online Shopping
All of the glass gifts sold in our online and in person retail shop are handmade in Pittsburgh, PA. Most are made at Pittsburgh Glass Center.
All sales are final. Only incorrect or damaged merchandise may be returned or exchanged within five days of receipt of items. The items must be unused and in the original packaging. Due to the nature of handmade glass, the exact hues, shapes, and sizes will vary; we are unable to offer returns or exchanges due to differences in size, shape, or color.
Email us to request a return shipping label.
Call us at 412-365-2145 ext. 201 or Email us to change an order that you previously placed.
Pittsburgh Glass Center is located between the East End neighborhoods of Friendship and Garfield, about 3.5 miles east of the Strip District, near the corner of Penn and Negley Avenues at 5472 Penn Avenue.
Damaged merchandise may be returned or exchanged within five days of receipt of items. The items must be unused and in the original packaging.
To return a broken item and request a return shipping label, email us.
Questions about Commissions & Repairs
Pittsburgh Glass Center does not repair glass items on site. However, our community includes a number of independent, regional glass artists that may be able to fix your item or create something custom for you. Learn More
Our community includes a number of independent, regional glass artists that may be able to create something custom for you. Learn More
If you are looking for custom tableware or lighting, see our signature line of glassware called Penn/Fairmount.
