Tours at Kentuck Knob discuss the house and Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian architecture and the integration of the house built into the brow of the hill with the landscape. Experienced interpreters guide all tours through Kentuck Knob.
The Regular tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. This guided tour includes information regarding Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian concept as well as a general history of the home. After the tour visitors are invited to walk through the sculpture garden.
Children must be 6 years of age on this tour
The In-Depth tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. An experienced guide provides an extended interpretation of all the rooms of the house including secondary spaces not available on the regular tour. Group size is limited to 10.
Children must be 9 years of age to accompany adults on this tour
The “Remains of the Day Event” is for those who wish to experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s House on Kentuck Knob in an intimate fashion. Restricted tour size permits a docent to personally address the guests’ inquires. Guests also have the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit served over “Hagan Pennsylvania Vanilla Ice Cream.” Children older than 10 years of age, if accompanied by an adult, are welcome.
It is recommended that all Guests be at least 12 years of age.
Interior photography is not permitted.
Limited Wheelchair Policy
About Kentuck Knob:
You sense serenity and harmony in the house and its surroundings. Visitors to Kentuck Knob will find the smaller, domestic scale of the house as habitable, there’s no museum feel about the house. The trees and landscaping invite you in for a visit to a friendly neighbor.
The Palumbos have filled the home with their collection of art and artifacts from all over the world including the garden, the woods and the meadow.The tour of Kentuck Knob is further enhanced by the Sculpture Meadow iwhere you’ll find works by contemporary artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Claes Oldenburg, Sir Anthony Caro and Ray Smith as well as many others are represented in the collection.
History of Kentuck Knob;
In 1953, Bernardine and I.N. Hagan (Hagan Ice Cream) purchased 80 acres in the mountains above Uniontown, in Western Pennsylvania.
At 86 Frank Lloyd Wright designed Kentuck Knob without ever setting foot on the site, except for a short visit during the construction phase. This would be one of the last homes to be completed by Wright.
The Hagans spent thirty years at Kentuck Knob, and then sold the house in 1986 to Lord Palumbo of England, the current owner. Lord Palumbo and family spend 5 weeks a year living at Kentuck Knob
Kentuck Knob opened for tours in 1996.
The Kentuck Knob residence and property are available for evening rentals April through September for special occasions of small gatherings numbering thirty or less. The back patio, with its pond and surrounding gardens, provides an intimate setting for up to fifty guests, while the knob, with its panoramic view of the Youghiogheny River gorge, an open, natural setting that can accommodate seventy-five visitors comfortably. For further information, or to arrange a complimentary consultation, please call 724-329-1901 or email, pcoyle@kentuckknob.com.
Looking for a memorable experience? Celebrate Sunday Brunch in style with a uniquely designed menu. Guests are served in a private space which was originally designed as the Hagans’ art room. An experienced senior docent hosts the event and, afterward, conducts a narrated tour of the residence. Children older than 10 years of age, if accompanied by an adult, are welcome. No more than six guests, nor less than two, may be accommodated per event.
Gift Shop open Sunday through Saturday 9-5 except for Wednesday 11-5. To make a purchase or if you have questions please call 724-329-1901 or email information@kentuckknob.com.
Tour Prices:
Adult-Reserved$16.00
Adult$18.00
Youth (ages 6-12) reserved$10.00
Youth (ages 6-12) $12.00
In-Depth$55.00
Remains of the Day Event$80.00Exclusive Brunch Event$100.00
Directions from downtown Pittsburgh:
For a scenic route: From the downtown Welcome Center Head towards Stanwix turn right onto Stanwix. Left on Boulevard of the Allies. Right onto Liberty Bridge. Middle lane for South on Route 51 to Uniontown. Turn right on bypass (119 South to US 40 East). Take US 40 East to Chalk Hill. Turn left on Chalk Hill/Ohiopyle Road and go six miles to Kentuck Knob entrance on right.
You’ve never seen the sights of Pittsburgh until you’ve seen them from Mount Washington. The city sparkles from this vantage point, but the neighborhood of Mount Washington itself is a destination. Shopping, restaurants—the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown await you in Mount Washington. So hop on an incline and head to the neighborhood that’s more than just a view.
Shiloh Street is a great place to stroll especially on a summer Saturday. Starting on Memorial Day to Labor Day, come to Mt. Washington and experience Mt. Washington Art Market Place where some of the Pittsburgh areas best artists will be on display. Each week different artists bring new and interesting pieces to the event which runs 11 am-6 pm Paintings, jewelry, sculpture, woodwork.
You'll also find some neat little places to shop as well. The Eiseltown Flower Shop is reminiscent of a craft shop of the past; having candles, live plants and lots of little gifts and souvenirs. You can also play the lottery, pick up a newspaper and buy refreshments and snacks. Visitors will enjoy this shop with its homey atmosphere and friendly employees.
Lucky Bucks a dollar store is clean and bright on its corner location. Visitors can go buy those last-minute items at the good ol’ price of one dollar. The store also carries souvenir T-shirts and Pittsburgh items.
When you get hungry stop for a lite bite at Grand Brew Cafe enjoy your coffees, lattes and cappuccinos in a tastefully decorated café or sit out at one of the sidewalk tables. The café has a menu of sweet delights and is located next to DiFiore’s Ice Cream Delight, so there are treats for everyone in the family.
If you’re really hungry drop in at J&J's Family Restaurant, this family friendly restaurant is inviting and has the atmosphere of dining at a private home. Here you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner at any time during their operating hours at a reasonable price. Homemade pies and hard-packed ice cream are there for dessert, and even get a hug from the owner’s daughter before you leave! I chose to stop for a bite at Redbeards, the food was very good and the service even better.
Packs and Dogs is only a few years old in this location, they feature beers from around the world so if beer tasting is your fancy, this is the place to buy a six pack from six different countries to go with the variety of mean dogs made with any combination of condiments served up in a fifties style diner atmosphere.
All of this and a beautiful day? Yes, life is good!
The Society for Contemporary Craft has presented contemporary art in craft media by international, national and regional artists since 1971. It offers exhibitions of multicultural diversity and of non-mainstream art. They also offer classes, community outreach programs, free to the public exhibitions and family friendly hands-on art activities..
Main Gallery exhibit is Fiberart International 2010 (April 16 - August 22, 2010)
Fiberart International was organized by the Fiberarts Guild if Pittsburgh, Inc. it is held every three years and features 85 works that push the boundaries of fiber art. Twenty-two pieces were produced by artists living outside of the US. This is an exceptional exhibit for example Lori Lope Pelish’s, “We Were All There” Appears to be a tapestry, but upon getting close to it you see that is a patch work of materials (think quilt.)
This is a great venue for groups and for families…the adults will enjoy the exhibits and gift shop, while the children can visit the “drop-in studio” to make a piece of art of their own creation.
The SCC is also a great place to rent for your next event not only does this provide a unique venue for your guests, but the rental fees support SCC’s free exhibitions and community programs.
Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday-10am to 5pm (Mondays by appointment)
Admission to exhibition is free to the public. Call or visit website for class fees.
A visit to Pittsburgh Glass Center is an unforgettable and educational experience for everyone. PGC offers tours and hands-on experiences in its state-of-the-art studios and contemporary glass gallery. The tour of PGC included See a glassblowing demonstration up close from start to finish. One of the artists gathered, shaped and blew with amazing skill a beautiful work of art. Paige explained that the next step would be putting the item in an oven to slowly cool the artwork over night and ready the next day. We also learned about Pittsburgh's rich history in glass and walked through a contemporary glass art exhibition.
The PGC has events scheduled throughout the year such as “Make-It-Now” This event features family focused hands-on glass activities for all ages. It is an opportunity to try glass making "on the spot" in 20 minutes or less. No experience required. Another is “Open Houses” This is a free open house or opening reception featuring heat defying acts of art including live glass blowing and flame working demonstrations.
This venue will be enjoyed by all ages and group tours.
The Bost Building was built in 1892 as a hotel and served as the temporary headquarters for the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers during the Homestead Lockout and Strike. The first floor is being used for a gift shop, but through the door to your left you will find a model and layout of the Homestead Works and the amount of land it was built on.
Two rooms in the building have been restored to the way they looked in 1892, with original floorboards and period reproduction wallpaper. One room tells the story of the Homestead Strike; the other contains photographs that chronicle the restoration of the building from dilapidation through its opening as the Rivers of Steel Visitors Center.
Recently added to the restored rooms is a computer kiosk displaying an exciting documentary on the Battle of Homestead. Using archival footage, photographs and documents, this film allows you to learn about history on the site where it occurred. There are self guided tours as well as docent tours to learn first hand of the trials steel workers and family faced and how they coped with life.
The Homestead Room has a permanent exhibit displaying artifacts and art work specifically related to the Homestead Works. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a 23.5' long model of the Homestead Works that originally stood in the General Office Building of the mill.
President Franklin Roosevelt launched a program to place murals and sculptures in post offices across the country.To coincide with the national 75th anniversary of the New Deal, The State Museum of Pennsylvania brings together these same artworks for the first time with a special exhibition. These murals show different walks of life during the period of the steel mill era.
Located in the Waterfront, site of the former Homestead Works, the Pump House was the site of the battle between workers and the Pinkerton Detective agents during the 1892 Homestead Lockout and Strike. The site has been renovated for use as an interpretive space. The Pump House is located at 880 E. Waterfront Drive, Munhall. It contains pictures of the past eras as well as mill relics of the time.
This is an exciting and interesting tour, anyone even the slightest bit curious about the steel mill industry will learn new information or jar an old memory of someone in your family.
Great for the entire family and groups.
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If you haven't been to the Mattress Factory Museum located in the Mexican War Streets on the north side of Pittsburgh or it's been awhile since your last visit, it's time to go!
This is one cool museum...on the lower level installation "Vampire Battle" by Tony Oursler using video, steel, digital prints and foam board animates non-living objects with the use of projectors and deals with communication and lack of communication in contemporary society. On the second level of the museum James Turrell's permanent installation, is experienced in complete darkness so that light appears as an almost solid form, eerie yet interesting. On the third level you'll find Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Dots Mirrored Room" a permanent installation where you'll be fascinated with your image being duplicated all around you with no end. In Greer Lankton's permanent installation "It's all about ME" you'll find a room inhabited by the dolls and figures Lankton made during the course of her life-an anorexic Raggedy Ann and a morphine addict on a cot surrounded by pill bottles.
Go and see for yourself there's is much more to experience, this is just a sneak peek to an enjoyable experience.
First a real quick explanation "Sweetwater" is the translated Native American term for Sewickley, a beautiful one square mile town with a vibrant downtown located west of downtown Pittsburgh. The Sweetwater Center for the Arts celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. And will host a number of events to celebrate though out the year. The Center located in the old Sewickley Post Office building offers a wide array of classes, outreach programs, scholarship opportunities, exhibitions and cultural experiences. As well as art exhibits.
This February 2010 on Fridays there will be an evening of jazz featuring several well known artists, the evening will include complimently wine and hors d'oevres. The guest artists will be Jessica Lee, Robbie Klein, Betty Douglas and The Howie Alexander Trio.
In April 2010 join in for the birthday gala. There will be dancing, dinner, cocktails and live music, even an art auction. Sounds like fun please come.
Whether you have never been to the Frick Art & Historical Center, or have been there many times, now is the time to take participate in the Holiday Tours of Clayton at the Frick! Running daily from 10:00am-5:00pm through 1/3/10 visit this beautifully restored home of the Henry Clay Frick family, dressed for the holidays.
Visitors can also enjoy holiday shopping and dining. The Cafe at the Frick is delicious, and well-known for its gourmet desserts!
More New Year's Eve events! From 6:30pm-10:30pm on December 31, come to the Catholic Charities Building (821 Liberty Ave) to see the Silk Screen Asian & International Performance Program! The show includes Asian music, dance and art including Tai Chi, Calligraphy and Sword dancing. Fun for the entire family!
Through 5/30/10 visit the Carnegie Museum of Art and see Forum 64: Cecil Balmond.
Cecil Balmond has transformed the role of the engineer in contemporary architecture with his unorthodox and visionary approach that merges architecture and engineering. Forum 64 features his work H_edge, which consists of approximately 6,000 aluminum plates suspended between rigid stainless steel chains. What appears to hang like metallic ivy is revealed on closer inspection to stand from the floor. This “trick” allows for H_edge segments to turn at will and create a mazelike structure that is surprisingly sturdy.
Admission: Adult $15, Child $12, Senior $11
FREE exhibit at the 707 Penn Gallery "Particulate Behaviors" from 1/8/10-2/20/10!
New works by Anjali Srinivasan
Particle of matter, pixel, point in space, gesture. The exhibit explores the threshold of olfactory sensation, optical phenomena and participatory environments, through installations and ojects of spice, glass and emergent technologies.
Through 5/2/10, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has the privilege of hosting the "Whales | Tohorā" exhibit. Come check it out!
For centuries, whales have captured the imagination. People have marvelled at them, hunted them, and passionately protected them. Now you have an opportunity to explore the world of these amazing sea creatures, through a unique blend of science and storytelling.
"Tohorā" is the Māori word for "whale;" the Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Whales | Tohorā presents stories from conservationists, scientists, whalers, and even whale riders. There is an animated film of the legendary Pacific islander Tinirau and his pet whale – a story of treachery and revenge. There are tales of extraordinary encounters with whales, and of whale strandings.
The exhibition presents a rich assortment of objects from Te Papa's whale collection – one of the largest in the world. Skeletons over 54 feet (18 meters) long are displayed, along with fossils, models, and specimens from many whale species. Beautiful taonga (cultural treasures) made from highly prized whale bone and whale teeth give evidence of the revered status of these animals.
Another great and unique exhibit at the Andy Warhol Museum. Unnatural Rubber runs through 1/31/10 this exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of the invention of synthetic rubber. The LANXESS Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of this all-important product, has commissioned The Warhol to organize the Unnatural Rubber competition.
The Warhol invited 15 contemporary international artists to submit project proposals for a new work of art to be fabricated from synthetic rubber. A jury of experts in the fields of science and contemporary art selected the winner of the $75,000 prize. View this new winning work of synthetic rubber as well as the 15 participants’ competition submissions. Hank Willis Thomas and Ryan Alexiev – winning artists.
Through 1/31/10 visit the Andy Warhol Museum to view Shepard Fairey's "Supply and Demand."
Shepard Fairey, the Los Angeles-based street artist behind the red, white, and blue Obama campaign image that swept the globe, is the subject of an exciting new exhibition organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. The 20-year retrospective, the first solo show of the artist's work, explores the breadth of Fairey's career. In 1989 the first “Andre the Giant has a posse” sticker was created and the OBEY GIANT project was born. Twenty years later, Shepard Fairey has a solo retrospective exhibition at The Warhol. Within that time, Fairey has gone from artsy prankster and skateboarders’ underground hero to worldwide cultural phenomenon for his murals, fine art prints, and street art poster campaigns.
Adult admission: $15
Another FREE exhibit at the Society for Contemporary Craft: Transformation 7: Contemporary Works in Wood, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder's Prize. This exhibition includes the works of 26 contemporary artists.
Established in 1997, in honor of founder Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael, the $5,000 cash award recognizes excellence in the field of contemporary craft and is presented biennially, in conjunction with a juried exhibition, purchase award, video and catalog.
As with the past six exhibitions, this show continues the theme of transformation. In addition to the prize winner, Christian Burchard, Transformation 7 also features the work of 25 finalists who are using an amazing range of techniques and materials, forms rooted in traditional craft materials and processes, as well as art the explores relationships between craft and painting, or sculpture and installation.
Through 1/10/10, The Children's Museum is displaying "Tough Art"
This annual exhibit showcases interactive pieces created by four artists-in-residence that are tough enough to withstand kid handling. With this year's featured projects you can communicate with squirrels, make music out of magnets, journey through a tunnel of braided fabric and climb a podium to voice your views.
Bring the kids and test it out!
Free with general admission.
Through 1/10/10 THe Pittsburgh Glass Center is exhibiting "The Return."
Sheila Klein, a Washington state-based artist (who hails from Pittsburgh) has selected Pittsburgh Glass Center and its artists as her partners to adorn the new bridge that will link Shadyside and East Liberty. Klein plans to employ local glass artists to create thousands of glass “sequins” to dress the cyclone fencing on the pedestrian bridge. Klein’s exhibition at PGC “The Return” will feature installation work comprised of iconic household items from her mother’s Pittsburgh estate such as assorted tableware and her family’s glass chandelier. Klein examines this dichotomy and explores the relationship between the baubles on the chandelier and the sequins. Klein says, “The sequins are definitely inspired by my mom. She understood bling.”
Admission is FREE so don't miss this one!
Through 1/2/10, the Silver Eye Center for Photography is featuring Melissa Farlow and Randy Olson's "The World at Our Doorstep."
Pittsburgh’s Melissa Farlow and Randy Olson have chronicled the world as long-time contributors to National Geographic magazine. This is the award-winning couple’s first major exhibition and features 50 large-scale color images from assignments published between 2003 and 2009.
Come check it out!
The Carnegie Museum of Art is proud to display: Palm Springs Modern: Photographs by Julius Shulman, running through 1/31/2010.
The exhibit offers a tour of the mid-century architecture and stylish lifestyles of Palm Springs. It features 100 original photographs by renowned Los Angeles–based photographer Julius Shulman of houses designed by iconic Modernist architects, such as Richard Neutra – who designed the Kaufmann House, designed as a winter residence for Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr. – Albert Frey, and John Lautner.
The Frick Art & Historical Center in Pittsburgh’s historic East End has a special charm during the holidays. Visitors to the Frick this holiday season will experience Clayton transformed with lavish greenery, family gifts and an elegant table setting. Those who take the holiday tour of Clayton will learn about customs of calling and receiving visitors during the Gilded Age. Tours run through January 3, 2010.
Visitors to the Frick during the holidays may also enjoy distinctive holiday dining and shopping experiences—the Museum Shop offers unusual gift options, and The Café at the Frick serves delectable holiday fare, with extended hours and a special menu. So head to the Frick and experience a Victorian Christmas. Listen to the orchestrion, Pick up the “Stanley Steamer,” the 2009 annual ornament at the Museum Gift Shop.
The Frick Art & Historical Center is open to the public thanks to the generosity of Helen Clay Frick, daughter of Henry Clay Frick. When the Frick family moved to New York in 1905, Helen remained attached to Clayton, her Pittsburgh home. Her long-time wish was for Clayton and the surrounding estate to be preserved and opened to the public after her death.
So head to the Frick and experience a Victorian Christmas. It will take you back in time.