Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum

Art museum · Central North Side

Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum

Art museum · Central North Side

509 Jacksonia St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Highlights

This contemporary art museum, spread across three quirky buildings, invites you to explore thought-provoking installations that defy traditional expectations.

509 Jacksonia St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Get directions

mattress.org

@onthegrid

On the Grid : The Mattress Factory Museum

"All installation art, the Mattress Factory curates stories. It is best known for interactive art in room-sized or "site-specific" environments. Previously a mattress warehouse, the museum has worked with over 650 artists since its foundings in the late 70's. Light and space artist, James Turrell, along with Yayoi Kusama's mirrored room and Greer Lankton (all pictured below) are only a few of the internationally-acclaimed artists who have laid a golden egg here." - Wall-to-Wall Studios

https://onthegrid.city/pittsburgh/north-side/the-mattress-factory-museum

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@travelleisure

Three Days in Pittsburgh - What to Do and See on a Long Weekend

"The Mattress Factory is a museum featuring contemporary installation art, located in the North Side of Pittsburgh." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/weekend-getaways/weekend-in-pittsburgh

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@onthegrid

"The Mattress Factory Museum, North Side. All installation art, the Mattress Factory curates stories. It is best known for interactive art in room-sized or "site-specific" environments. Previously a mattress warehouse, the museum has worked with over 650 artists since its foundings in the late 70's. Light and space artist, James Turrell, along with Yayoi Kusama's mirrored room and Greer Lankton (all pictured below) are only a few of the internationally-acclaimed artists who have laid a golden egg here."

Pittsburgh

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@archdigest

"Housed in a former mattress warehouse built in 1900, Mattress Factory describes itself as a research and development lab for artists. Since 1983, the art space has shown 17 Turrell works, and it has three pieces on view: Danaë, Pleiades, and Big Red."

How to Find James Turrell's Art in the Most Unlikely Corners of the Earth

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@cntraveler

Where to See Yayoi Kusama's Art Around the World in 2020

"Pittsburgh's Mattress Factory contemporary art museum has two Kusama rooms in its permanent collection. One is enclosed by mirrors and has red polka dots covering the floor and two gray-haired mannequins. The other, Infinity Dots Mirrored Room, is mirrored as well, with a floor covered in multi-colored polka dots. Admission to the museum is $20 for adults; Tuesday's are half-off."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-to-see-yayoi-kusamas-art-across-the-us

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benjamin plazek

Google

I really don’t understand the amazing reviews. I have been to many different museums in many different countries and cities. I am from Pittsburgh and proud of my city and went here with a friend visiting and left completely embarrassed. This is the worst museum i have ever been to I honestly feel like I got scammed for $22 a person. Where do I start… Was told to start at the 4th floor and work my way down. Got to the 4th floor and thought it was a joke. Plywood walkway surrounded by cut up cardboard leading to three tvs of people wrestling. That was it. 2nd floor was completely dark except for one room with a blue screen and one with a red box. 3rd floor had a vr exhibit where the vr headset did not work. The mirror rooms were the coolest part but besides that where is the art?? I like modern art but I felt the whole place was just… empty The museum was so small and barely had anything in it The other building was just a dilapidated building with a few odd things in it although the third flood was the most interesting.

Austin Graff

Google

For a unique art experience, go to the Mattress Factory inside an old mattress warehouse. Admission can be steep so try going on a day where there's discounted admission. It took my family an hour to go through both buildings. The art is very unique and some of it is hands on. Our eight-year-old daughter enjoyed the third floor of the main building where there's VR and the Kasama room. Restrooms are on the bottom floor. Don't sleep on the gift shop for some treasures. Also, spend time walking down the alley finding murals and art on houses.

John Molnar

Google

Fun art museum with contemporary art exhibits. Some of it worked for me, some of it didn't, but it all made me think. The museum is spread across three historic buildings. Tips: Start at 500 Sampsonia to get tickets. There's a parking lot off Jacksonia Street.

Megs Bossilla

Google

The staff were kind and helpful. There were a few really neat exhibits like the Raggedy Anne and "Blood in the Water" stairwell. I feel as though it would be a better museum to visit during warmer months when outdoor exhibits are in bloom and going between buildings isn't a chore in freezing weather (It isn't one big building; it's a few buildings scattered around the block). Be aware that one building upper floor is in very low light (red light) and can be tricky to navigate for some.

Alicia

Google

If you were looking for a normal art museum.. this isn't the one. People should be aware that there are very dark rooms and there's no warnings for that. Nothing is in your face scary... But it definitely has a creepy vibe.. almost felt like I was in a haunted house in some parts. I was too nervous to navigate the second floor. It said you could either go right or left... Both ways was pitch black. I wasn't aware that I was going to be creeped out at a museum. I didn't really see how some of those things were art. I'm not bashing the artists, there was lack of explanation so you really didn't know what you were looking at... In the setup is just weird as you have to go down the street first and then come back and explore the four floors. It was interesting... But definitely weird and I don't recommend bringing your kids if they're easily creeped out by the dark and strange looking things

Paige Adams

Google

Very interesting museum, weren't many people when we went. The employees were very nice as well. I'd go back again in the future.

Bryan Parker

Google

Amazing group of buildings featuring Contemporary Art. Very intriguing and worth the visit. Parking lot is small so make sure you allow yourself time to be there early on the appointed time slot, due to the lot filling up quickly.

Jordan Lema

Google

Super fun, interactive, great way to spend a few hours. Randyland is around the corner too. ❤️ The installations are very all over the spectrum and it's a lot of fun. It wasn't too crowded when I went on a late morning on a Sat.