Heinz History Center plans free admission days for kids, all visitors

The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District will offer free admission to kids ages 17 and under throughout the month of October.

“The museum is a spacious, safe place for both children and adults to enjoy,” said Brady Smith, the center’s director of marketing and communications. “Kids can design their own Pop Art or build a bridge in our Discovery Place exhibit, explore ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ throw a touchdown pass to legendary Steelers in the Sports Museum, and so much more.”

Free admission is presented by Highmark and Allegheny Health Network.

“The History Center is fortunate to have community-minded partners like Highmark to support free admission for kids and help make our region’s rich history more accessible for families,” Smith said.

But it’s not just the younger set who can benefit from free admission to explore the facility’s 370,000 square feet spread over six floors.

As part of RADical Days 2021, all visitors will enter free on Sunday and Monday, thanks to ongoing support from the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

The history center also will host the Allegheny Brass Band for a special performance at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Smith also notes that visitors have about two weeks left to experience “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith,” an exhibition developed in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The exhibition is open through Oct. 10.

“This timely exhibit showcases the history of how we’ve voted, protested, and engaged with our politics, from the nation’s formation to today,” according to a release. ”’American Democracy’ features rare artifacts from Founding Fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, and reveals how Pittsburghers have helped shape our democracy.”

History Center hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door.

Masks are required for all visitors age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status.

Details: heinzhistorycenter.org