By Brian Sergi-Curfman
Pittsburgh's 90 neighborhoods hold plenty beyond the well-known museums and skyline views, and some of the city's best experiences sit just off the typical tourist path. From a folk art wonderland to a chapel holding one of the world's largest relic collections, these spots reveal a different side of the city. I'm rounding up a few hidden gems in Pittsburgh worth seeking out.
Key Takeaways
- Randyland in the North Side is a colorful, hand-built folk art installation open to visitors year-round
- St. Anthony's Chapel in Troy Hill holds the second-largest collection of Catholic relics outside the Vatican
- City of Asylum in the North Side supports exiled writers while doubling as an outdoor public art destination
- Bicycle Heaven Museum showcases an enormous, eclectic collection of bicycles spanning generations
Randyland in the North Side
Randyland is exactly what it sounds like: a vibrant, hand-painted folk art property created and maintained by a local artist known simply as Randy. The building, steps, and surrounding space are covered in color, murals, and found-object art.
Why Randyland Stands Out
- Painted steps and murals covering nearly every surface of the property, all created by Randy himself over the years
- An eclectic collection of found objects and art pieces displayed throughout the space, each with its own story
- A welcoming, free-to-visit destination that reflects Randy's own personality and creative energy in every corner
- A neighborhood landmark that brightens the surrounding North Side streets with color and character year-round
Randyland has become a true local treasure, appearing on nearly every list of the city's must-see hidden gems.
St. Anthony's Chapel in Troy Hill
Tucked into the quiet Troy Hill neighborhood, St. Anthony's Chapel holds one of the most extraordinary collections in the country, entirely unassuming from the outside. Built in 1880 by Father Suitbert Mollinger, the chapel houses more than 5,000 Catholic relics.
What Makes This Chapel Remarkable
- More than 5,000 relics, the largest collection of its kind outside the Vatican itself, many with certificates of authenticity
- Life-sized Stations of the Cross, carved by artists in Munich and imported by Father Mollinger in the 19th century
- A large central cross holding a splinter of the True Cross and a thorn from the Crown of Thorns
- Detailed woodwork, stonework, and stained glass throughout the more than century-old chapel, all preserved through restoration
St. Anthony's Chapel offers a level of historical and religious significance most visitors never expect to find in Pittsburgh.
City of Asylum in the North Side
City of Asylum offers sanctuary to exiled and endangered writers from around the world, while also functioning as a genuine outdoor public art destination. The organization blends literary programming with striking visual installations throughout the neighborhood.
What You'll Find at City of Asylum
- Literary programs supporting writers who face persecution or exile in their home countries around the world
- Public art installations, including the House Poem, Jazz House, and Winged House, each with a distinct story
- A deeper look into how art and advocacy intersect within a single Pittsburgh neighborhood
- A destination that rewards a slower visit, taking time to read and observe each installation up close
City of Asylum shows a side of Pittsburgh that blends community, art, and global perspective in one unexpected stop.
Bicycle Heaven Museum
Bicycle Heaven houses an enormous collection of bicycles spanning decades of design, history, and pop culture. It's the kind of place that surprises even visitors who have no particular interest in cycling.
Why Bicycle Heaven Is Worth a Visit
- A vast collection featuring bicycles from movies, television, and general cycling history spanning generations
- Displays that appeal to collectors, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike, regardless of prior interest in cycling
- A genuinely unique stop that stands apart from Pittsburgh's more typical museum and gallery attractions
- An easy addition to a day spent exploring the city's lesser-known corners and quirky landmarks
Bicycle Heaven proves that some of the city's best surprises come from the most unexpected subject matter.
FAQs
What is Randyland in Pittsburgh?
Randyland is a colorful, hand-painted folk art property in the North Side, created and maintained by a local artist known as Randy, and it's free to visit.
How many relics does St. Anthony's Chapel hold?
St. Anthony's Chapel in Troy Hill houses more than 5,000 Catholic relics, making it the largest collection outside the Vatican.
What is City of Asylum in Pittsburgh?
City of Asylum is a North Side organization that provides sanctuary to exiled writers while also hosting public art installations throughout the neighborhood.
Ready to Discover Your Own Pittsburgh Neighborhood?
With over 20 years of experience in real estate and more than 30 awards and distinctions, I've dedicated myself to helping clients find not just a house, but a genuine fit within one of Pittsburgh's many neighborhoods. My twenty-plus designations and certifications give me tools and strategies many other agents simply don't have, all backed by a reputation for integrity, compassion, and experience in everything I do.
When you work with me, you're gaining a trusted partner who understands the intricate details of your most important financial transaction. If exploring Pittsburgh's hidden gems has you thinking about calling one of these neighborhoods home, I'd love to help you find your place.
Connect with Brian Sergi-Curfman today.
When you work with me, you're gaining a trusted partner who understands the intricate details of your most important financial transaction. If exploring Pittsburgh's hidden gems has you thinking about calling one of these neighborhoods home, I'd love to help you find your place.
Connect with Brian Sergi-Curfman today.
