The Frick Pittsburgh - A man and his dog resting in the shade.
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The Frick Pittsburgh

4.6
·2k reviews·Pittsburgh, United States

Historic Gilded Age estate featuring art galleries, a vintage car museum, and serene gardens, with free general admission.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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The Frick Pittsburgh - A man and his dog resting in the shade.

The Frick Pittsburgh

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Gilded Age estate featuring art galleries, a vintage car museum, and serene gardens, with free general admission.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A true Pittsburgh treasure blending art, history, and nature in one beautiful setting."

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TIP

🎯 Free Admission Perks

Enjoy free entry to gardens, museums, and galleries! Only the mansion tour requires a ticket. :ticket:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the beautiful gardens and the new sensory trail in Frick Park. :athletic_shoe:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Clayton Mansion Tour

Clayton Mansion Tour

The Frick Pittsburgh

Step back in time to experience the opulent Gilded Age lifestyle of the Henry Clay Frick family.

Car & Carriage Museum

Car & Carriage Museum

The Frick Pittsburgh

Marvel at a stunning collection of vintage automobiles and horse-drawn carriages.

Art Galleries & Exhibitions

Art Galleries & Exhibitions

The Frick Pittsburgh

Discover impressive collections of European art and engaging temporary exhibitions.

Frick Park Sensory Trail

Frick Park Sensory Trail

Frick Park (adjacent to The Frick Pittsburgh)

Explore an accessible, engaging trail with unique sensory features like a pebble harp.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Mansion Tours

Enjoy free access to the gardens, Car & Carriage Museum, and art galleries. The historic Clayton mansion requires a separate ticket for guided tours, which are highly recommended for a glimpse into Gilded Age life. Book these in advance, especially for popular times.

Best Time for a Peaceful Visit

Weekdays offer a more serene experience, especially in the morning before crowds gather. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for a truly tranquil exploration of the art, gardens, and historic estate.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Enjoy the gardens in full bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
During special exhibitions
Why
Experience unique art installations
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Had such a beautiful rainy day with @G-Eazy seeing where Mac Miller came from. That city is beautiful and absolutely loves him. 🖤 #macmiller #pittsburgh #blueslidepark #frickparkmarket
@ericanl15
21.7K likes • 142K views

🎯 Free Admission Perks

Enjoy free entry to gardens, museums, and galleries! Only the mansion tour requires a ticket. :ticket:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the beautiful gardens and the new sensory trail in Frick Park. :athletic_shoe:

48 hours in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania📍🇺🇸 This itinerary is the perfect guide to a great adventure in the Steel City, exploring its iconic museums and hidden gems 🌆🌃 Let me know if you’re ever heading to Pittsburg, I’d love to offer more pointers on where to head if you have more than a couple of days in the city 💬🙌 #pittsburgh #pennsylvania #travelitinerary #hiddengems #travelbucketlist #travelblog...
@theworsttraveller
8.2K likes • 326.4K views
Experience Pittsburgh history within the setting of the last fully preserved Gilded Age mansion in the city with @frickpittsburgh ‘s signature tour of Clayton, “Gilded, Not Golden.” 🏠🔎   The home of the Henry Clay Frick family from 1882–1905, this meticulously preserved 23-room mansion reveals the lifestyle of a prominent, wealthy family who lived in Pittsburgh at the height of the city’s cultural...
visitpittsburgh
1.1K likes • 34.8K views

☕ Cafe with Garden Views

Relax at the cafe for a lovely tea or coffee amidst serene garden surroundings. :coffee:

📸 Capture the Beauty

The estate and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

NEW ART EXHIBIT💐: The Frick Pittsburgh (@frickpittsburgh) debuted a new art exhibition that brings hanging metal artwork to its vibrant greenhouse! ZOOM IN: Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle, created by Pittsburgh-based artist Atticus Adams (@atticussadams), uses materials like crystals, beads, and wiring in a collection of pieces inspired by Adams’ childhood memories. IF...
axiospgh
274 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Perks

Enjoy free entry to gardens, museums, and galleries! Only the mansion tour requires a ticket. :ticket:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the beautiful gardens and the new sensory trail in Frick Park. :athletic_shoe:

☕ Cafe with Garden Views

Relax at the cafe for a lovely tea or coffee amidst serene garden surroundings. :coffee:

📸 Capture the Beauty

The estate and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

📅 Check Exhibition Schedule

See what temporary art exhibits are on display; they're often highly praised. :art:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Frick Pittsburgh for its beautiful grounds, impressive Car & Carriage Museum, and quality art exhibitions, all offered with free general admission. The historic Clayton mansion tours are a highlight, providing a fascinating glimpse into Gilded Age life. Some find the mansion tour tickets a bit pricey, and occasional temporary closures can be a minor disappointment.

"While in Pittsburgh PA on Sunday June 8th, Tony Vanoy and I went to the Frick Botanical Gardens. The Art Museum is temporarily closed!
It is Free to walk around the grounds and to enjoy the Botanical Gardens. It is rather small but extremely lovely!
I took a lot of photos!
Tony even enjoyed the beauty of the place!
We also enjoyed the Car & Carriage Museum too"

Lisa Boyce

"What's not to love? You get an old-timey car and carriage musuem, an art gallery with some great Italian Renaissance and 18th century French pieces, plus a greenhouse, all for the cost of nothing. You only pay to visit the mansion on campus."

Peter Delucchi

"It is a beautiful place. Love the auto museum. Tea was lovely. Enjoyed the grounds. Lovely place to walk, relax and be at peace ."

Avis Moorehead

What People Like

Free admission to gardens & museums
Stunning Car & Carriage Museum
Beautifully preserved Clayton mansion

What People Dislike

Mansion tour ticket cost
Temporary exhibit closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Frick Pittsburgh is located in the east end of the city. Visitors can drive and find parking on-site. Public transportation options are also available via Pittsburgh's bus routes. Some visitors suggest it's a great stop on a broader Pittsburgh itinerary. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at The Frick Pittsburgh for visitors. It's generally ample, especially on weekdays.

Depending on your starting point in Pittsburgh, walking might be feasible, but it's a significant distance from the city center. It's more commonly accessed by car or public transport. TikTok

Yes, The Frick Pittsburgh is accessible by public transport. Check local Pittsburgh transit schedules for the most convenient bus routes to reach the museum and gardens.

The Frick Pittsburgh is adjacent to Frick Park, offering additional outdoor exploration. It's also located in a residential area with other attractions within driving distance in Pittsburgh's east end.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to The Frick Pittsburgh, including the gardens, Car & Carriage Museum, and art galleries, is free. However, tours of the historic Clayton mansion require a separate ticket. InstagramReddit

Ticket prices for the Clayton Mansion tour can vary. It's best to check the official website for current pricing and to book your tour in advance, as they are popular. Instagram

The Frick Pittsburgh typically has set operating hours for its museums and gardens. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on hours and any temporary closures. Instagram

Yes, booking your Clayton Mansion tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your spot. Instagram

While general admission is free, discounts might apply to specific events or group tours. Check the Frick's website for any available promotions or membership benefits.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic Clayton mansion, the Car & Carriage Museum, art galleries featuring European art, and beautiful botanical gardens. There's also an adjacent sensory trail in Frick Park. InstagramReddit

Yes, kids often enjoy the Car & Carriage Museum and the outdoor gardens. The sensory trail in Frick Park is also a great interactive experience for younger visitors. Instagram

A visit can range from 2-3 hours to a full half-day, depending on whether you tour the mansion, explore the museums thoroughly, and wander the gardens. Instagram

The grounds and gardens are generally accessible for walking. The sensory trail in Frick Park is also designed with accessibility in mind. Instagram

Photography is usually permitted in the gardens and museums for personal use, but check for any specific restrictions, especially within exhibition spaces or during tours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Frick Pittsburgh has a cafe that offers light fare, tea, and coffee, often with lovely views of the gardens. Reddit

The cafe typically serves sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages. It's a pleasant spot for a break during your visit. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum buildings. Picnicking might be allowed in designated areas of Frick Park, but check park regulations.

Yes, the surrounding neighborhoods in Pittsburgh's east end offer various dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, a short drive away.

The cafe's operating hours usually align with the museum's hours, but it's best to confirm on their website, especially during off-season months.

📸 📸 Photography

The gardens, the exterior of the Clayton mansion, and the vintage cars in the museum are all highly photogenic. The art installations can also be visually striking. Reddit

Photography rules inside the Clayton mansion can be strict to protect the historic interiors. Typically, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed, but always check signage or ask staff. Reddit

Flash photography is generally prohibited to protect artworks and interiors. Professional photography or commercial shoots may require special permits. Reddit

A versatile camera that handles both indoor and outdoor lighting well is ideal. A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of the estate and gardens. :iphone:

Drone usage is typically prohibited at historical sites and museums to ensure safety and preserve the environment. Always check local regulations and site-specific rules.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Frick Pittsburgh offers a family-friendly experience with free admission to its gardens and museums. Kids often love the Car & Carriage Museum with its impressive collection of vintage vehicles and the chance to explore the beautiful botanical gardens. Reddit The adjacent Frick Park Sensory Trail is a fantastic addition, providing interactive elements that engage young minds and senses. Instagram

While the Clayton mansion tour is geared more towards adults interested in history, the overall grounds provide ample space for children to wander and explore. Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy a picnic in the park (check park regulations) or take a break at the on-site cafe. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to art, history, and nature in a relaxed, accessible environment.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Frick Pittsburgh is a dream for budget-conscious travelers, as general admission to the gardens, Car & Carriage Museum, and art galleries is completely free. Instagram This means you can soak in a significant amount of culture and beauty without spending a dime on entry fees. Reddit

The only cost would be for the guided tour of the historic Clayton mansion, which is reasonably priced for the in-depth experience it offers. Consider packing your own lunch or snacks to enjoy in the park, further saving on expenses. The free admission makes it an exceptional value for experiencing Pittsburgh's rich heritage and artistic offerings.

❤️ Couples & Art Lovers

For couples seeking a romantic or culturally enriching outing, The Frick Pittsburgh is an ideal destination. Strolling hand-in-hand through the beautifully manicured gardens offers a serene and picturesque setting. Reddit The Clayton mansion tour provides a fascinating shared experience, delving into the history and lifestyle of a prominent family, sparking conversation and shared discovery. Instagram

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the quality of the art collections, which are thoughtfully curated and often feature engaging temporary exhibitions. Reddit Enjoying a leisurely tea or coffee at the cafe with garden views adds a touch of elegance to the visit. It’s a perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty for a memorable day out.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Clayton: A Gilded Age Gem

The centerpiece of The Frick Pittsburgh is Clayton, the 19th-century mansion that was home to industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his family. A guided tour of Clayton offers an unparalleled glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a prominent Gilded Age family. You'll walk through meticulously preserved rooms, each telling a story of wealth, art, and domestic life from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The "Gilded, Not Golden" tour, as highlighted by Visit Pittsburgh, focuses on the family's history and the era's societal nuances. Instagram

Visitors consistently praise the mansion tours for their detail and engaging guides. It's not just about seeing old furniture; it's about understanding the context of the time, the family's influence, and the architectural grandeur. The preservation efforts are remarkable, making it feel like stepping directly into the past. Remember to book your tour tickets in advance, as they are a separate admission from the general grounds and museums. Reddit

Beyond the main house, the estate grounds themselves are a testament to the era's landscaping. While the mansion tour is the primary draw for history buffs, the entire estate provides a cohesive experience of Gilded Age living. It’s a chance to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era, making it a must-do for anyone visiting The Frick Pittsburgh.

Art and Automotive Treasures

The Frick Pittsburgh isn't just about history; it's also a hub for art and a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles. The art galleries house an impressive array of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with a particular strength in Italian Renaissance and 18th-century French pieces. The museum is known for curating quality small shows that rival larger institutions, often featuring contemporary artists alongside its permanent collection. Reddit

Complementing the fine art is the Car & Carriage Museum, a crowd-pleaser for its display of antique automobiles and horse-drawn carriages. This collection offers a visual journey through the evolution of personal transportation, showcasing elegant designs and engineering marvels from different eras. Visitors often express delight at the sheer variety and condition of the vehicles on display, making it a unique highlight of the Frick experience. Reddit

Recent exhibitions, like Atticus Adams' "Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle" in the greenhouse, demonstrate The Frick's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic talent, including local Pittsburgh artists. Instagram+1 These temporary exhibits add another layer of discovery to each visit, ensuring there's always something new to experience, whether you're an art aficionado or simply curious about historical modes of transport.

Embracing Nature in Frick Park

Adjacent to the museum complex lies Frick Park, a sprawling urban oasis that offers a natural counterpoint to the estate's historical grandeur. The park is a beloved local spot, and The Frick Pittsburgh has integrated with it through initiatives like the Frick Park Sensory Trail. This accessible trail, featuring elements like a pebble harp, provides an engaging outdoor experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. Instagram

The park itself is perfect for leisurely walks, offering shaded paths and scenic views. Redditors often recommend exploring different sections of Frick Park, like the route from the Irish Center to Duck Hollow, for a more immersive nature experience. Reddit It’s a place where you can truly connect with the outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the tranquility that complements the cultural offerings of the museum.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll after touring the mansion or a dedicated outdoor adventure, Frick Park provides a beautiful natural setting. It enhances the overall visit to The Frick Pittsburgh, offering a holistic experience that blends art, history, and the restorative power of nature. Instagram

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