Steelers Hall of Honor Museum opens to the public Friday

Beginning Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor Museum will be open year-round to fans.

On Thursday, Steelers president Art Rooney II, vice president of player personnel Dan Rooney Jr. and Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the new museum.

From the franchise’s early days in the 1930s under “The Chief,” Art Rooney Sr., to the Steel Curtain glory days of the 1970s, and here and now in the Mike Tomlin era, the museum leaves no stones unturned in bringing to life the Steelers’ 89-year-old history.

Fans who work their way through the multi-room museum will come face-to-face with countless historical artifacts and memorabilia from all chapters of Steelers history, from jerseys and Super Bowl rings to team photographs over the years and more.

Many items on display at the Hall of Honor Museum, located above the Steelers’ Pro Shop at Acrisure Stadium, have not been seen publicly before.

“It was a labor of love putting this together, that’s for sure” Rooney II said. “Being able to display a lot of stuff we had in drawers and trunks, it’s great to be able to put all this on display, have our fans come in and learn more about the history.”

Rooney II said he believes his late father, Dan Rooney, would have liked the final product, which was a few years in the making but only wrapped the last stages of construction Wednesday.

Art Rooney II speaks during the Steelers’ Hall of Honor Museum tour provided to members of the media a bit ago.

The museum opens its doors to the public tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/WnO4qqT8XJ

— Justin Guerriero (@GuerrieroTRIB) November 10, 2022

While fans of the Steelers doubtless will gravitate to the many walls and areas in the museum dedicated to the 1970s teams that captured four Super Bowls, Rooney II himself hopes guests can appreciate the earlier years of the franchise.

“I just want (fans) to understand the history of trying to build the franchise,” Rooney II said. “My grandfather started the team in the 1930s — rough times during the Depression. He actually started teams in the ’20s, which grew into a professional team. So, I think, having people understand the early history, it would be great if people understood that better.”

For Harris, walking through the museum was like a trip down memory lane, given that the 72-year-old was a starring character in so many of the franchise’s richest memories during his 12-year career with the team (1972-83).

Harris’ selection by the Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft, the Immaculate Reception, Steelers diehards forming “Franco’s Italian Army” and the four Super Bowl seasons of his playing days are all well-covered within the museum.

“You can’t help but get emotional,” Harris said. “Personally, being tied into this makes it personal and makes it emotional. But I also feel honored to be a part of this great history. I’ve been here 50 years now, and the Steelers are going on 90.

“When you look at it, with ‘The Chief,’ Old Man Rooney, it was all about Pittsburgh, really. All about Pittsburgh. What this team has ended up meaning to Pittsburgh is just incredible.”

After navigating through the museum’s rooms, fans will arrive in the Hall of Honor itself.

By the end of the 2021 season, the Steelers had inducted 45 former players, coaches and contributors.

This past summer, the group grew by four, with the Class of 2022 highlighted by legendary broadcaster Myron Cope, whose commentary and narration of the Steelers spanned from 1970-2004.

Joining Cope as new inductees were tight end Heath Miller (2005-15), guard Sam Davis (1967-79) and halfback/end Ray Mathews (1951-59).

Touchscreen video monitors provide visitors a chance to learn about the playing career and lives of all 49 inductees.

Additional need-to-know information:

• Entry fee is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (62 and older) and military and $12 for children age 6-17. Admission is free for children under 5.

• Hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. It will be closed Tuesdays.

• The museum will be closed on major holidays as well as days of Pitt home games.

• A portion of all proceeds benefits the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund.