The History of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Explore the transformative history of Pittsburgh's premier non-profit performing arts organization.

Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization.

Liberty Avenue Before (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Renovating Pittsburgh's Red Light District

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners.

Since 1984, the Trust has restored historic theaters, constructed new performance venues, commissioned public art projects and developed unique urban parks and riverfront recreation spaces. As one of the largest Downtown Pittsburgh property owners, the Trust manages one million square feet of property.

Stanley Theater Front (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

The facility opened as the Stanley Theater on February 27, 1928. James Bly Clark, an early theater tycoon who assisted in the founding of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, financed the $3 million dollar project. The Stanley was billed as "Pittsburgh's Palace of Amusement."

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts Exterior (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Operating as a Movie Theater

In attendance on opening night were Governor John S. Fisher, Mayor Charles H. Kline and Adolph Zukor, president of Paramount Studios. Regular admission cost 65 cents—25 cents if you came before noon.

In 1977, DiCesare Engler Productions bought the Stanley and presented rock and roll concerts through 1982.

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts Interior with Audience (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Restoring the Stanley Theater

H.J. Heinz II focused his attention on the historic restoration of the Stanley Theater. This became the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's first project after its founding in 1984. The $43 million dollar restoration faithfully restored this cultural treasure to its 1928 glory.  

Stanley Theater Interior Hallway (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Preserving History

There are over 90 crystal chandeliers, torchieres and sconces in the theater, all but one are original. The Grand Lobby mirrors, marble and woodwork are all original. At the landing on each staircase in the Grand Lobby are 18-foot high original mirrors reminiscent of Versailles.

The 2,800-seat theater is home to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presentations including PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh, Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents, and First Night Pittsburgh. The Trust also provides priority programming dates on the Benedum stage to Cultural District resident companies including Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and the Pittsburgh Opera. The venue is also available on a rental basis to promoters and community groups.

Stanley Theater Stage (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Byham Theater

Originally built as the Gayety Theater, the Byham Theater opened on Halloween night, 1904. It ran for many years as one of the country's foremost stage and vaudeville houses, with appearances from such stars as Ethel Barymore, Gertrude Lawrence and Helen Hayes. 

EQT Children's Theater Festival Stage (21st Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Theater Interior

The Gayety boasted pressed copper cherubs painted with a bronze patina, imitation gold leaf, stained glass windows, plaster columns and wainscot of scagolia, an Italian faux marble technique. The entry vestibule showcases the original mosaic tile floor.

The Fulton Theater (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Becoming the Byham Theater

In the 1930s, the theater was renamed The Fulton and became a full time movie theater. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust purchased the theater in 1990 and following the first of four planned phases of renovation, the Fulton was reopened in May 1991.

The Byham Theater (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Three Phases of Renovations

The second phase of renovations brought new restrooms, box office, marquee, an elevator, lobby improvements and facade changes. In 1997, the Cherub Lobby was restored to its original splendor. The third phase of renovation in 1999 updated the theater rigging and HVAC systems.

The theater was renamed the Byham Theater in 1995, in recognition of a gift from William C. and Carolyn M. Byham. Today, the Byham Theater is home to a wide variety of performing arts, including dance, music, theater, film, and family-friendly events held throughout the year.

O'Reilly Theater Construction (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

A Theater Reborn After Tragedy

Sitting on the former site of the Lyceum Theater, one of the city's many vaudeville houses demolished after the 1936 St. Patrick's Day flood, the O'Reilly is the fourth theater project completed by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

O'Reilly Theater Entrance (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

The O'Reilly Theater

 The O'Reilly was created with two purposes: to create a downtown home for Public Theater and to create additional venues for theater, music and other performances. 

O'Reilly Theater Exterior (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Construction of the Theater

The O'Reilly Theater was built at a cost of $25 million.

O'Reilly Theater Interior (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Unique Theater Interior

Designed by world-renowned architect Michael Graves, the O'Reilly Theater is also the only downtown performance venue that features a thrust stage, surrounded by the audience on three sides. The theater features 650 seats and state-of-the-art theater technology.

Pittsburgh Public Theater produces about 235 performances a year, making the O’Reilly Theater one of the city’s most utilized venues.

JazzLive Performance in Agnes R. Katz Plaza (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Theater Square and Katz Plaza

Theater Square, designed by Michael Graves in collaboration with WTW Architects of Pittsburgh, is widely considered the heart of the Cultural District.

Theater Square Parking Garage (21st Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Designed for Optimal Usage

Theater Square is home to a centralized box office, a 790-space parking garage, the Greer Cabaret Theater, the Backstage Bar and Meat and Potatoes restaurant.

Theater Square Construction (21st Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Building the Heart of the Cultural District

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Agnes R. Katz Plaza is arguably one of the city’s most recognizable and lovely sites.

Agnes R. Katz Plaza (20th Century) by Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh Cultural Trust

Art Around Every Corner

In addition to offering an urban oasis for the community, Agnes R. Katz Plaza is utilized by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for outdoor live performances including JazzLive, First Night, Festival of Lights and Gallery Crawl events.  

The iconic sculptures in the plaza is the largest commission by famed American artist and sculptor Louise Bourgeois. The 25-foot bronze fountain centerpiece draws inspiration from Pittsburgh's rising topography.

In addition to these historically renovated venues, countless other venues, galleries, and public art experiences call the Pittsburgh Cultural District home. Throughout the year hundreds of performances take place in the heart of the city.

Wood Street Galleries, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 21st Century, From the collection of: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
,
Liberty Magic Stage, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 21st Century, From the collection of: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
,
Harris Theater, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 20th Century, From the collection of: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Show lessRead more
Heinz Hall Interior, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 21st Century, From the collection of: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
,
Footwork, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 21st Century, From the collection of: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Show lessRead more
Credits: Story

Story Creator: Madigan Greiner, Show Marketer - Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Pittsburgh: Proud and Powerful
From manufacturing might to creative powerhouse
View theme
Google apps