by Emma Polen | features editor
Feb. 10, 2022
Are you short on cash but looking for a great Valentine’s date idea? According to marketing company Harris Insights & Analytics, people are actually happier when their dates spend money on experiences rather than material purchases.
Date nights based on making memories can be a better option than buying flowers or chocolate, for multiple reasons. And Pittsburgh museums offer the perfect opportunity for your relationship goals.
Museums offer the unique experience of conversation starters every few feet. Whether it’s modern art, old-world sculptures or even undead mannequins, you and your date will have plenty to talk about.
In addition, museums allow you to show off your knowledge on history, art, music and more. Making conversation about a particular piece of work makes the experience more meaningful.
After all: Pittsburgh museums are locations of love.
According to Ashley Moss, president of Hello Productions, a Pittsburgh wedding company, museums are popular venues for romance.
“I would say about half of ours were held at Pittsburgh musuems or landmarks, such as Carnegie Museum, Phipps, Hartwood Acres, the Aviary [and the] Musuem Lab.” Moss said.
Phipps Conservatory, the Frick, Heinz History Center, the Andy Warhol and even Carnegie Science Center offer event spaces that host numerous engagement parties and weddings every year.
Whether you’re more interested in a classical museum experience or something a little more unique, Pittsburgh has endless possibilities for the perfect couples’ location.
Pittsburgh Museum Date Ideas A-Z
Andy Warhol Museum
Visit the famous Campbell soup can, and then warm up with a meal at the Warhol Cafe.
Bicycle Heaven
Kick off your relationship and hit the brakes with a trip to the world’s largest bicycle collection.
Black & Ghost Haunted Downtown Tour
Enjoy the spooky side of your city on a walking tour of Downtown Pittsburgh’s haunted history.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Art
Remember that fight you had with your significant other? Dig up some more ancient history with a visit to Pittsburgh’s finest museum.
The Frick Pittsburgh
Combine classy with classique.
Heinz History Center
Have a ball at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum inside the Heinz History Center. After roaming the museum, grab a bite at another historic location in Pittsburgh with a visit to Strip District’s Pamela’s, Wholly’s or Penn Mac.
The Living Dead Museum
Nothing says “I love you” like a bunch of undead mannequin zombies. After a tour through the dead bodies, finish your date with a shopping trip through the rest of the Monroeville Mall. No brain eating required.
Mattress Factory
Local art for a one-of-a-kind date experience; Art as unique as you two.
National Aviary
Let your relationship take flight while supporting the conservation of the lovebirds like yourself.
Phipps Conservatory
Love grows here among the beautiful blooms.
Pinball Perfection
You might “flip out” over the nation’s largest collection of pinball machines. Get competitive with hands-on gaming from pinball dating all the way back to the 1930s.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Did you know seahorses mate for life? Take inspiration from the small fish at the PPG Aquarium.
Randyland
Visit the creative works of local artist Randy Gilson for a weird, whimsical photo-op, and maybe catch a glimpse of the museum’s creator.
