Pittsburgh's Andy Warhol Museum plans to expand with a $45 million event venue
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) -- The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh has announced plans to expand with a $45 million events venue.
The entertainment project is part of the museum's 'Pop District' initiative and would be built on an existing museum parking lot, according to Dan Law, the museum's associate director. Museum officials presented plans for the project to the city's Planning Commission on Tuesday.
The proposed site would be around 58,000 square feet (17,500 square meters), including a first-floor concert venue with standing room for up to 1,000 people, a second-floor mezzanine, and an events space that could hold up to 360 people on the fourth floor. The third floor would be used for offices and support spaces.
Rick Armstrong, a museum spokesman, said work on the project could begin as soon as spring 2024, but the timelines are "still flexible" as the project moves through the planning and design processes.
The Pop District is "a transformation of Pittsburgh's eastern North Shore through the power of arts, creativity, and economic development," according to its website. It also features public art initiatives and youth-focused economy workforce programs.
When plans for the Pop District were announced last May, officials said it was expected to spur economic development with an impact of $100 million.
Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, and the museum said it holds the largest collection of his artworks and archival materials. It's the largest single-artist museum in North America.
