VISIT PGC, TAKE A TOUR, Make Something
Pittsburgh Glass Center offers unforgettable educational experiences for everyone, regardless of age, background, or group size. One of the world’s foremost glass art facilities, PGC offers tours, field trips and hands-on experiences in its state-of-the-art studios and contemporary glass gallery. It's the perfect activity for school groups, Scout troops, team-building activities, corporate events, senior clubs, and more. Because PGC is such a busy place, filled with resident artists and active students, tours must be arranged in advance and are scheduled based on studio availability. We’re excited to introduce you to our world! Choose from the following options:
Self-Guided Tours
As a public access studio, everyone is welcome to visit during our open hours. Visitors can use our self-guided tour brochure, supplemented by our exciting new mobile guide in the free Bloomberg Connects app, to explore the building, peek into our four studios, and see contemporary glass art in the Hodge Gallery.
However, if you are seeking something more, check out our classes and events.
Email or call us at 412-365-2145 to schedule a group experience.
Program Cost: Suggested $5 donation
VIRTUAL DEMONSTRATION
Bring the action of the studio right to your own screen! With our new technology, you can enjoy a private glassblowing demonstration and get even closer to the glassmaking action. Experience includes a live narrated 30-minute glassmaking demonstration and 15–20 minutes of exclusive conversation and Q & A with one of our expert glass artists.
Virtual demonstrations can be held on your preferred virtual platform, adapted for ages 5+, and should be scheduled at least 30 days in advance.
Program Cost: $150
In-Person Guided Demonstration + Tours
Receive a narrated glassblowing and/or flameworking demonstration with an experienced artist, a guided tour of PGC’s contemporary glass art gallery, and a brief education on Pittsburgh’s lesser-known but incredibly rich glassmaking history.
This experience lasts about one hour and requires a minimum of 10 participants, or a minimum fee of $200. This option includes a tour and one glassmaking demonstration (either flameworking or glassblowing). It does not include a hands-on experience.
In-person tours and demonstrations may be adapted for ages 5+, and must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance.
Program Cost: $15–$30/participant dependent on the type of demonstration
Private hands-on activity
We currently book small-group private activities for groups of 3–25 participants. No matter if you are celebrating a birthday with friends, or bringing a school group for a field trip, we will help you create something beautiful.
Participants will receive guided instruction from a local teaching artist to help you create your own glass work of art. Choose from hot glass sculpting, flameworking, fusing and more.
Private activities range in length from 1 - 3 hours.
Please note that due to a high number of requests, PGC requires 30 days notice to schedule a private hands-on activity.
Program Cost: $40-$120/participant dependent on the type of activity
Private Lesson
One-on-one lessons include private, customized instruction in any aspect of studio glass art within our four studios. You receive focused attention from experienced instructors and learn at your own pace.
Program Cost: Starting at $160 for a 2-hour session for one participant
Offsite Community Programs
Pittsburgh Glass Center can bring hot glass demonstrations and hands-on activities to you! We provide all the supplies, tools, and expert teaching artists to engage students of all ages in hands-on glass art making.
- Multi-day or one-day glass classes
- Fusing workshops
- Virtual or in-person instruction from PGC staff
- Virtual glassmaking demonstrations
Programs for Students + Educators
Pittsburgh Glass Center supports glass arts learning in and out of the classroom. Our resources and experiences for educators and students include new virtual field trips and classes, school group tours, hands-on glassmaking activities in the studio, in-school glassmaking classes, and residencies, partnerships, professional development, and educator resources.