August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape: The first-ever exhibition dedicated to the life and works of August Wilson is now open! Learn More

Patron FAQ

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is located in the Cultural District of Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our address is 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15222. Being a part of the Cultural Districts means you are just steps away from entertainment, lodging, restaurants, and parking during your trip to the AWAACC.

With world-class performances, exhibitions and festivals, a visit to the AWAACC can be the focal point for an overnight or weekend stay for residents, tourists, and international guests.  The AWAACC gallery spaces are always FREE and open to the public.  Exhibitions at the AWAACC rotate and there are gallery closures while the shows are transitioning to the next exhibition. Please click here for current AWAACC gallery information.

We look forward to seeing you at the AWAACC.

Transportation and Location

What time does the Center open?

Gallery Hours of Operation:

Thursday: 3pm-6pm
Friday: 3pm-6pm
Saturday: 1pm-5pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm

How do I get to the Center?

Click the directions link in the map below for step-by-step directions to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center from any location.

SEE A MAP

 

Public Transportation

Multiple public transportation routes service the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, including Port Authority buses and “T” light-rail service. The closest bus stop is Liberty Ave at William Penn Place and the closest “T” station is Liberty Ave. at Wood St. For schedules, rates and general information about these services, visit Port Authority’s online Trip Planner or call 412.442.2000. Please note that the Port Authority buses are free for travel within the Downtown zone until 7 PM; the “T” is always free Downtown.

Bike Parking

There are multiple locations throughout the Cultural District where cyclists can secure their bikes safely. Penn Avenue is now one way to vehicular traffic westbound from 16th Street to 6th Street. A two-way bike lane now occupies the eastbound side of the street. Bike Pittsburgh offers a variety of maps to find the best bike route to the AWAACC.

Where can I park?

While we do not have on-site parking available, there are many parking options close to the AWAACC. The closest parking options include:

  • The Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
  • David Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
  • Grant Street Transportation Center, 55 11th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
  • Smithfield – Liberty Garage, 111 9th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
What is real-time parking?

Real-time parking information is available from ParkPGH, a project of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. ParkPGH shows accurate real-time garage parking information via their iPhone app, mobile website, text messaging, traditional website, and call-in service.

Safety and Accessibility

What are the Center's safety protocols?

Safety of our patrons is our top priority. Prior to entry all guests and permissible items may be subject to a physical screening and inspection, including, but limited to, bag screenings, metal detectors, temperature screenings, health questionnaires, vaccine record checks (in the case of COVID-19), and/or the inspection of identifying documentation. Prohibited items discovered during our screening process will not be allowed inside of the Center. By presenting your ticket and entering our venue, patrons’ consent to such screenings. Persons who refuse screening may be denied entry into the venue. These protection measures have been put in place to ensure that each performance or experience is occurring in a safe environment for our guests.

Can I bring...

The following is a list of outside items which are prohibited:

  • Weapons of any kind or facsimiles of weapons, including firearms, pellet guns, stun guns, martial arts weapons, pepper spray, pocket/utility knives or cutting instruments
  • Illegal drugs or substances
  • Flammable liquids
  • Fireworks, pyrotechnics, flares or incendiary devices
  • Glass or metal containers of any kind including cans, bottles and flasks
  • Outside food or beverages including alcohol
  • Oversized bags that exceed 16” x 16” x 8”
  • Interchangeable/detachable camera lenses (No professional photography-unless authorized)
  • Audio/visual recording devices
  • 2-way radios
  • Laser pointers
  • Laptops/tablets
  • Beach balls, projectiles, balloons, permanent markers, spray paint
  • Drones
  • Flashlights
  • Signs, flags, banners
  • Selfie sticks
  • Guests without shoes or shirts
  • Novelty and costume masks (not including N95 and other medical face coverings)
  • Face paints
  • Optical illusions
  • Jewelry that could be used as a weapon including wallet chains and studded accessories
  • Pets, other than trained service animals in the fulfillment of their duties
  • Segways, skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards, bicycles, helmets, any type of portable seat, other than those approved and required for accessibility
  • Noisemakers, bullhorns, or air horns
  • Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements
What accessibility accommodations does the Center offer?

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all audiences. We continually evaluate our environment and our staff to make enhancements so that all patrons have a fully engaged and enjoyable experience. To learn more about our Accessibility commitments, visit our Accessibility Information page. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask your ticketing representative or call the August Wilson African American Cultural Center at 412-339-1011.

Hotels and Dining

Where are the nearest hotels?

As the AWAACC is located in Downtown Pittsburgh, there are a lot of hotel options to choose from for your upcoming visit. The two closest hotels to the AWAACC are:

Drury Inn Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown

745 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-281-2900

The Westin Pittsburgh

1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-3700

Additional hotels and other local amenities can be found at Visit Pittsburgh.

Where can I dine?

Pittsburgh food scene continues to get recognized nationally and internationally for one of the top cities in the country for dining. There are many restaurant options for your night out or weekend visit to the city and the AWAACC. AWAACC Staff Favorites close to the AWAACC:

Bae Bae Kitchen

Korean-inspired eatery focusing on local, healthy, organic ingredients.
945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-258-6322

Cobbler World

Specialize in nostalgic and unique desserts.
1059 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-403-2158

Additional dining options can be found at Visit Pittsburgh.

See What Else Pittsburgh Has to Offer

In addition to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, the Cultural District includes Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, The Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and Pittsburgh Symphony among hundreds of other arts groups and artists.

Learn More