We’re back with more hidden gems in Pittsburgh to check out in the area. Whether you’re looking for collectibles, quirky museums or outdoor spaces, there’s something for all interests in this list!
1. Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff
45s to 78s, pennants and photos galore are at this shop located next to another Pittsburgh hidden gem, Bicycle Heaven. Johnny Angel has been in the music and entertainment industry for years and has been collecting items since the 1950s. More information on Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff can be found here.
2. The Center for PostNatural History
Not for the faint of heart, this eccentric museum has exhibits involving the origins, habitats and evolution of organisms that have been both heritably and intentionally been altered by humans. They also detail the record of influence of human culture on evolution. The museum’s specimen vault includes E. coli, Biosteel goats and a ribless mouse embryo. More information on The Center for PostNatural History can be found here.
3. Western PA Model Railroad Museum
This nonprofit organization is located in Gibsonia. The mission of the museum is to continue the development of a museum that captures a part of PA history and to expand its library. The museum’s main exhibit is a 40 foot by 100 foot scale representation of tracks between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Maryland. The Railroad Museum holds an annual Holiday Train Show every season from mid-November through mid-January. More information on the Western PA Model Railroad Museum can be found here.
4. La Hutte Royal
This Troy Hill art house (French for “The Royal Hut”) offers appointments Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thursdays 6-8 p.m. La Hutte Royal, an installation art work by Thorsten Brinkmann, was commissioned by Evan Mirapaul and is a public work. More information on La Hutte Royal can be found here.
5. ‘Burgh Bits Food Tasting & Walking Tours
Chances are, even if you’ve lived in Pittsburgh your entire life you probably have not hit up every food establishment in every neighborhood. ‘Burgh Bits and Bites Tours are a great way to explore neighbors in and around the city. There’s nothing like making Pittsburgh connections through food! More information on ‘Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tasting and Walking Tours can be found here.
6. Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden
This Biblical Botanical Garden has been open summers in Pittsburgh since 1987. The garden displays the agriculture, horticulture and archaeology of the ancient Near East. There are over 100 temperate and tropical plants and Biblical plants with names like “Joseph’s Coat” and “Moses in the Basket.” More information on the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden can be found here.
7. McDonald’s Big Mac Museum Restaurant
This tribute to the iconic sandwich is located in North Huntingdon, PA. The museum’s exhibits include the world’s tallest Big Mac statue and cases full of historic memorabilia. The museum is also a working McDonald’s, with a PlayPlace, drive-thru and more. More information on the McDonald’s Big Mac Museum Restaurant can be found here.
8. Homewood Cemetery
The historic Homewood Cemetery was established in 1878 from William Wilkin’s estate called Homewood. The cemetery is located in Point Breeze and is bordered by Frick Park. The cemetery is not just a final resting place—chances are if you visit you might find joggers or those on a lunch break enjoying a quiet peacefulness in the middle of the city. More information on Homewood Cemetery can be found here.
9. Mr. Small’s Funhouse
This live music venue in Millvale is a great space to see acts. The theatre space is a concert venue and there’s also the funhouse portion of the premises, which is a club, bar and restaurant. There’s also an area for special events, weddings and a recording studio. More information on Mr. Small’s Funhouse can be found here.