The Andy Warhol Museum, a renowned institution in Pittsburgh, is embarking on an exhilarating  expansion project with its proposed Pop District Entertainment Venue. This initiative is a central part of the museum’s larger Pop District vision, which encompasses both programmatic and physical expansion, as well as the launch of a flagship live event space. In addition, this ambitious plan includes the creation of an economic workforce program, which aims to provide opportunities for local communities.

The forthcoming Pop District Entertainment Venue is poised to emerge as a focal point of culture, providing an exceptional and lively destination for both North Shore inhabitants and visitors. Recent presentations to the Pittsburgh Planning Commission have revealed the alluring characteristics of this new establishment, conveniently positioned along Sandusky Street.

The entertainment venue boasts a total area of 57,776 square feet. Its design reflects the innovative spirit of Andy Warhol, with a nod to the pop art movement. The first floor of the venue is earmarked as a versatile concert space, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people with a standing room arrangement. This renders it a perfect location for live musical shows, cultural gatherings, and beyond. The second level will feature a mezzanine space, offering concert attendees an exceptional viewpoint while adding to the lively ambiance.

One of the standout features of the venue is the events space on the fourth floor, which can host gatherings of up to 360 people. This space is designed to be flexible, adaptable for a diverse array of occasions, such as exhibitions, corporate gatherings, festive events, and community get-togethers. Alongside these impressive public areas, the third floor of the venue will accommodate offices and necessary support spaces, ensuring efficient functionality.

The transformation of the current asphalt parking lot into this exciting entertainment venue is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the eastern North Shore. This visionary project has been years in the making, and the Andy Warhol Museum is eagerly looking forward to the opportunities it will bring to Pittsburgh’s cultural scene. This facility will not only function as a cultural center but will also play a pivotal role in securing the museum’s enduring viability.

While the museum is enthusiastic about moving forward with this project, the exact timeline is flexible, as the project is still advancing through the design and planning stages. However, it’s estimated that construction could commence as early as spring 2024.

The Andy Warhol Museum has allocated an estimated budget of $45 million for this ambitious undertaking, emphasizing its commitment to providing a valuable and innovative cultural asset to the North Shore community and the city as a whole. The Pittsburgh Planning Commission is anticipated to make a decision on the project at its forthcoming meeting in two weeks, marking another substantial stride towards realizing this thrilling vision.