Pittsburgh Glass Center

Fun one hour class. A group of friends and I participated in sun-catcher class. I love my finished product! Need to return to pickup the finished product. It is a neat place to explore. I'll do another class in the future.

We did a Dad Daughter Glass Sculpting event here today. The staff was very helpful. Out Artist instructor Mike G was amazing and stepped my daughter through the process. Would highly recommend for group or individual event.

This was the thing I have never done birthday gift to me. I really enjoyed my morning playing with glass. I will do this again however I enjoyed doing the hands on class most. The check in was easy and the employees were friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was beautiful.

The new Glass Center is absolutely incredible. Their Gallery space always has unique shows. I tell people all the time if they're looking for a great gift for a birthday or a wedding or even for a child, they have something for everyone. I've done their date nights and also love some of their beginner classes where I made a Christmas ornament. Pittsburgh is fortunate to have such a wonderful resource!

Such a cool experience at the Pittsburgh Glass Center taking the ornament making workshop. The storefront itself is full of beautiful, handmade glass pieces crafted by local artists. The workshop was one of the coolest things I’ve gotten to do around Pittsburgh. Percy, Claudia, Jennifer and team did such a great job explaining the process to us, and allowing us to be a part of making our own blown glass ornaments. They explained everything very well, especially the science and technique behind what we were doing. It was clear they had so much passion for their craft, and it made me want to do even more with it. I will definitely be back!

I was in for a 2 hour workshop on a weekday evening. The class was entertaining and informative. The instructors, Jennifer and Jordan, were wonderful and excellent teachers and answered my many questions. There are many different workshops on offer alongside full classes and full day sessions. I will definitely be going again.

WORST experience ever. DO NOT GO here. We received a gift card and had the absolute worst time trying to redeem it. Terrible customer service. After multiple phone calls (because you can't redeem the GC on line - which they don't tell you when the GC is purchased) I finally spoke to someone who confirmed our reservation for a class and sent a receipt. The receipt said the GC had been redeemed and in a note portion said we owed $10. It also said that they were discounting one of the classes giving us a member rate so we had a zero balance. We thought how lovely of them. We get a phone call 3 weeks later telling us that we owed $10 and if we didn't pay it on line they would cancel our reservation. We tried speaking to someone and sent them proof that they discounted the 2nd reservation and she basically said, yes that;s what it says and we still needed to pay. When I asked for her supervisor (she originally said she was the supervisor) she told me to look it up on line and hung up on me. So disrespectfull. We did receive help from Chris who is one of the directors. He listened to my issues and resolved the problem. I felt respected and may review the center again once we go to the class.

The magical transformation of sand into glass, and then the glass becomes a work of art in human hands. All this happens in an industrial setting with ovens with tongs and gas burners. but there is also a laboratory for creating glass flowers and a gallery with glass samples. And a separate art mosaic. I love pittsburgh!

Thanks for an amazing experience. We gave it 5 1/2 stars. Quade was nothing short of spectacular. She was a wonderful, patient teacher whose love of glass is exemplified through her teaching. Also a shout out to Silver. Thank you again

We got to tour the Pittsburgh Glass Center as part of our Friendship house tour in October. Such a cool place. We got to visit the entire facility. Would love to go back and take a class. Beautiful pieces of glass to purchase by local artists - made in the Glass center.

WORST experience ever. DO NOT GO here. We received a gift card and had the absolute worst time trying to redeem it. Terrible customer service. After multiple phone calls (because you can't redeem the GC on line - which they don't tell you when the GC is purchased) I finally spoke to someone who confirmed our reservation for a class and sent a receipt. The receipt said the GC had been redeemed and in a note portion said we owed $10. It also said that they were discounting one of the classes giving us a member rate so we had a zero balance. We thought how lovely of them. We get a phone call 3 weeks later telling us that we owed $10 and if we didn't pay it on line they would cancel our reservation. We tried speaking to someone and sent them proof that they discounted the 2nd reservation and she basically said, yes that;s what it says and we still needed to pay. When I asked for her supervisor (she originally said she was the supervisor) she told me to look it up on line and hung up on me. So disrespectfull.

My daughter and I had a fun time exploring and making paper weights. Created a memory in time!

I had a blast at the menorah making class at the Pittsburgh Glass center. What a fun day! This class you get sheet glass and little rods and nibs of glass to create a design. Then you mark when you want your candles to go. In a week we'll be able to pick them up after being kilned and I cannot wait to see how the glass melts together! What a wonderful time and super affordable as well. #GOUDapproved

We attended the 'Gather and Brew: Blown Beer Glass' where we were able to assist in making the actual glasses. There was complementary beer and snacks plus other demonstrations all night. Jordan was our guide making the glasses and was super cool to hang out and talk with, knowledgeable about the process and very patient. Everyone was super friendly and it was overall an amazing experience! We're looking to go to another one soon!

So I have been here for 4 classes and am currently doing an 8 week course. Honestly, it is awesome. So I have done a date night charcuterie tray which was a fused glass and it was fun. With the date nights you are working together on 1 project which was a good sample, but we wanted to do more. Our second trip was for a veteran day suncatcher. It was also fused glass. We then did a 1 day workshop with flamework. I absolutely loved it. The instructors are really great because they allow for so much creativity and for you to go rogue. I am one that really likes to play with art and try new things. I like that I get that choice. There are times the instructors had to get out something different or offer 1 on 1 instruction to help me accomplish my goals. Value is spot on. It is more expensive but that is because of materials. It is worth the money and honestly a good time.

I have been to the Pittsburgh Glass Center twice now. Once for a class on fused glass and then this past weekend with a small group on glass blowing. The center is awesome. So many different things you can do with glass. I recommend getting a tour. We had Mishawn and Roswell for our tour. Both super knowledgeable. They also did a demo on glass blowing where they made a bowl. It's really cool to watch all the steps of the process and to really appreciate the work that goes into making a piece. After the demo, our group got to make ornaments. We picked our colors and participated in the glass blowing. At the end it goes into a 900 degree oven for a day. I cannot wait to see the finished product!

Such a unique and wonderful place to visit. I love going for events and watching how glass blowing happens. There are tours of the facility (for donation). They offer classes abs as I mentioned before lots of fun events. Fantastic place to enjoy beautifully created glass art.

My friend and I signed up for the stained glass workshop for a sun catcher. There were only 4 of us in this workshop which allowed some hands on experience from the instructor and her assistant if we needed it. I ended up making the two piece flower and the hardest part was picking out colors! I definitely enjoyed the class and would love to sign up for another

Glasses made during a gather and brew event Really depends on which artist you get during these events to how nice your items turn out. My sisters glasses turned out nice... mine had a big black mark on it from where the artist hit it with a flame to try to get a white spot out. Think I would have rather had the white spec... Events are fun - we have made pumpkins - flowers and how the glasses attached. The do hot jams where you can come watch the artists work as well. Would def come back for another event - against will be picky to which artist though

I absolutely loved the flameworked hearts class. The space is clean, bright, and industrial with a little showroom and some stuff for sale. The flame shop is laid out nicely and has everything you need to make some fun creations. This two hour workshop started with a demo. She went over the tools and materials and then walked us through making a heart (either a magnet or a pendant). The steps were actually pretty simple and she explained each one well without sucking up a ton of time. Then it was off to create. I did one heart and then thinking about what I might actually do with more hearts, switched to Christmas ornaments. LOL. The time flew and the process was surprisingly relaxing. I easily could have spent a few more hours there. We will see for sure in 5 days, but I am fairly confident that I might actually like and use what I created. That's no small feat, as I don't consider myself very artistic and generally toss my creations right into the trash.

Went to a Make-it-Now event, Gather and Brew with Necromancer Brewing, to make a beer glass. Our instructor, Blaine, was so fun and knowledgeable. We had such a great time learning about glass blowing. Enjoyed sampling the beer and visiting the gallery. This is such a great asset to Pittsburgh. I highly recommend visiting and taking a class.

As other reviewers mention this is a special place. Please make sure to bring vaccination card.. I am uncertain of options for those not vaccinated. On the site select level of skill or difficulty and /or type of project interested. Also, be sure to check the number of slots are open to accommodate your group. We have participated in both the long term classes (once a week for a few weeks) and the 2 hour "seasonal fun" item. This was the first time we encountered such a helpful and informative artist/instructor, Zach. Cannot say enough about his patience with our family. Thank you Zach. The facility is clean and well managed with much respect given to covid precautions. All materials are neatly presented and there seem to be ample and skilled artists/instructor for each group. It is absolutely a pleasant place. Once finished, the instructor will let you know when items can be picked up. Typically in a week. Note: There are several kilns (?) being used and opened throughout a relatively small space; in addition to stands with flames. So maybe dress lightly and stay in your space.

Often times I've driven down Penn Ave en route to East Liberty and literally have passed this place. It truly is a gold mine for glass lovers and those who are aspiring artists. During my recent visit here I got to learn from the owner that there is an artist in residence and that this artist is planning to open a glass shop over in Lawrenceville. Classes and workshops are held here plus they host special events. This Friday I learned there will be an event where you and a friend can learn how to create and fire a pumpkin. I had the opportunity to watch a craftsman design a drinking glass and shape in the fire. They have both an upstairs working area as well as downstairs. The shop is located as you enter but there are pieces all around. There is also a very small parking lot next to the building. Free parking however, is available on the side streets. The glass furnaces are located upstairs while downstairs they have the flame studio which is another teaching area they use. Here I got to see stained glass redone from salvaged glass. One was made to resemble East Liberty. They had a second one designed to resemble Friendship where this studio is located. They have some beautiful works for sale and I was impressed that some of the glass is made out of Pyrex. Special orders can be made and engraving and glass coloring is available as well. I truly was impressed with the glass creations made of the city and Lost Kennywood-part of Pittsburgh's hometown amusement park. I did not get the opportunity to inquire about pricing for pieces or for classes themselves but it is always worth a treat to watch someone create, burn, and even blow glass. Conveniently located near East Liberty it is a short walk to that neighborhood or back towards Friendship to see what else is in the area.

Truly a place for a unique experience! Visited here for the first time for an open house yelp event. They had professionals demonstrating throughout the night, actually explaining what they were doing so you learned as you watched them create different types of glasses. The glass blowers allowed us to see up close the detail of what they were creating by bringing it into the viewing area. They also answered our questions on how the process worked and what inspires them. Everyone here was welcoming and extremely friendly. There was a fire pit and smores supplies on the balcony to relax and spend time with friends, which made this a great experience. I cannot wait to take a class here and create my own glass.

When I get someone a gift, it's been a recent thing that I've enjoyed giving him or her a fun experience rather than a material gift. That's how I came about spending my Saturday morning at Pittsburgh Glass Center. It is an amazing place to spend your day if you want to do something unique and memorable. My mom is the hardest person to shop for, but she deserves a great present for dealing with me for 22 years. This year I got her registered for a class in PGC's kiln shop to make suncatchers, thinking it would be something new and fun for us to do. We arrived for the 2-hour class and went upstairs, passing by the furnaces and other rooms that workshops and demonstrations are held in. Almost everything at this place is intriguing to me, but to each is own, of course! Once we got seated in the kiln shop workspace, we had two hours to make as many suncatchers as we could. There were only three other people in the class besides my mom and I, which was nice because it wasn't too crowded. We cranked out 10 suncatchers together and will be picking them up at the end of the week. The cost of the class was pretty reasonable for what we got out of it, and I'd love taking another here. They offer date nights, 2-hour classes, classes that go on for weeks, and lots of fun stuff. It was an experience to visit PGC and was well worth the price. Now we wait with excitement to see how our pieces have turned out!

The Glass Center is a marvelous addition the Pittsburgh cultural scene. They are a gallery, a place to take classes, a center for glass artists in residence, and much more. Whether you are taking a tour, a class, or visiting the gift shop or gallery, there's a lot to see and learn here. I've taken tours several times with different groups, but I always learn something new and I am always impressed by the great work takes place at the Center. They will take students at every level. Their facility is well run and professionally staffed. I was delighted to meet their enthusiastic staff. There's a hot shop, a cold shop, a flame shop, and a gallery, so there's lots to see and learn.

I have been aware of the Pittsburgh Glass Center for quite some time since I moved to the area. I have been in their space for various reasons such as on First Fridays in Garfield before, but finally was able to make something myself thanks to a Valentine's Day gift to make a valentine with my boyfriend. It was a really cool experience, I highly recommend!

Just realized I never got around to posting a review since our Make-It-A-Date event in January. After speaking with a buddy at work about the great time him and his wife had at their glass blowing date night I decided to look into it. After locking in the date, we arrived at the center, which had a parking lot and street parking near it, we wandered in to the gallery portion at the front. We were greeted with a couple beer selections and one wine selection, in addition, there were hors d'oeuvres to munch on while you peruse the glass gallery. We had a quick tutorial on safety and a demonstration on the start to finish process of creating your glass piece. We then were paired up with a master glass maker who helped us create our piece. They were extremely attentive, jovial, and helpful with process, even with my clunky hands trying to roll the bar. After we made our piece we grabbed another drink and sat down to watch the masters at work creating a glass horse. This is something everyone should experience. We will keep going back for more.

Tonight we attended the holiday open house. It was 2 floors of WOW. The first floor had lots of glass jewelry, bowls, ornaments, and items for your home. The craftsmanship was all high caliber. On the second floor, a glass blower was demonstrating how to make a pitcher. Along side the sign language intrpreter, a narrator translated what we were watching into layman's terms. We brought 2 elementary school children who sat in awe watching 2 separate items develop before their eyes. The narrator was very patient with the children's and audience's questions. We took home a brochure and look forward to participating in adult and family classes. They also have a good size parking lot.

So glad to have this in our city. It is a tremendous resource for the current and future glass artists to have access to. Beautiful work made and sold there. Open to the curious public so check it out :)

I had a fantastic time at the glass center! It was both a first Friday (when they have free open glass blowing demonstrations) and the opening of a new exhibition. They had a great spread of refreshments, places to put your coats, and all of the staff was super friendly and helpful. The show was really good, it was all local artists, but the demonstrations made the night. They were blowing glass upstairs and had a sign language interpreter for the guy explaining all of the techniques and answering questions. There was also another demo downstairs where you could get really close. It was a fantastic free event! I can't wait to go next first Friday!

I'm always looking for unique ways to spend Valentine's Day. This year, I celebrated by doing a make-it-now at the Glass Center with CM. This event was held the evening of the day before Valentine's Day (2/13, a Fri.). I'd been to the Glass Center in fall 2013 to observe an exhibition during RADical days, and had been meaning to try out a make-it-now, so this event provided the perfect opportunity to try my hand at glass craftsmanship as a novice. For the V-Day event, you could choose between three items to make: a glass flower, a heart pendant, and a glass tile. CM and I chose to make a glass flower, so upon checking into the glass center, we were told to go upstairs and check in at the hot shop. Upon doing so, there was a 15-20 min. wait, given that many other couples were scheduled to do the activity at around the same time. We passed the time by helping ourselves to some of the snacks that the Glass Center thoughtfully provided for participants. When we were called, we worked with an instructor from the Glass Center (I forget his name) to make our flower. He first demonstrated the steps involved in the process, explaining each of them in turn. We then chose the colors and design of our flower, and proceeded to work with our instructor to carry out each of the steps. He was very patient and helpful throughout the whole process, despite our characteristic clumsiness! Despite the amount of people and molten glass in the studio, crafting our flower was a breeze and a lot of fun, thanks to his guidance! After making our flower, we had to rush across the street because we had reservations for dinner at Verde. After finishing dinner, we returned and observed the other make-it-now activities--the pendant in particular was fun to watch. After they wrapped up, we went to the gallery to check out the glass art exhibit, which featured an arts program in Wilkinsburg. We were even able to participate in it by adding to a mosaic that would be displayed at the program. Finally, we checked out some of the glass art on exhibit by artists using the Glass Center in the foyer. Overall, we had an amazing time making our flower at the Glass Center during the V-Day make-it-now, and strongly recommend it as a unique V-Day activity. The price was reasonable ($35), the activity was fun, and the staff was friendly. The only drawbacks were: (1) it was crowded, due to the popularity of the event, and (2) you have to wait three days to pick up your item so that it can cool properly. Obviously, however, there's not much the Glass Center can do about them, so I'm awarding 5 stars for one of the most unique and fun venues and activities in PGH!

I had drove past the building for years but, never went inside. My first time here was for a Yelp event and all I can say is wow! This is such as cool space and concept. The building is two floors and divided to about five different areas. The gallery is a cool space and each time I've been there was a different cool display. There are also different sized class rooms for working on different types of projects. Such as the hot shop, cold shop and framing shop. I highly recommend seeing the glass blowing demonstration in the hot shop. It's pretty cool to see being done. My daughter was been several times and loves it as much as I do. One event she went to was a totally FREE event for teens called Play by the Fire. It gave them the chance to make art with local organizations including: Assemble, were the teens got to build and test games using the scratch programming language and conductive materials. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, were the teens got to Learn the basics of Photoshop and become an all powerful fire Wizard with green screen. Carnegie Museum of Art, were the teens got to document the fun of Play by the Fire while experimenting with retro Polaroid cameras and learn how Pittsburgh Biennial artist, Corey Escoto, manipulates Polaroid film and combines photography with other materials to make imaginative works of art that are currently on view at Carnegie Museum of Art. MAKESHOP at Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, were the teens got to create a short stop-motion animation. Create and use handmade props to build a simple set. And work with an overhead camera to tell a story frame-by-frame. Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, were the teens got to watch current students demonstrate on the potter's wheel, as well as use an interactive Photo booth. Attendees will be able to print their own photos to take home. Current students demonstrating on the potter's wheel, as well as an interactive Photo booth. They were also able to print their own photos to take home. The Mattress Factory, were the teens got to combine a small motor, battery, cool trash and a marker to create a beautiful and unexpected drawing. Pittsburgh Filmmakers, were the teens got to explore creating their own surface pattern design repeats with hands-on collage techniques using 2D and 3D collage materials. For those who wanted to take it further got to use a scanner, Adobe Photoshop and color copies to visualize what they're pattern would look like as wallpaper, or fabric. Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, were the teens got to create a unique jewelry pendant, earrings or key chain using the enameling process - the art of fusing glass to metal. The resulting objects combine the best properties of both elements: the strength and durability of metal with the shine and color of glass. Pittsburgh Glass Center, were the teens got to make their own glass paperweight, flower or pendant. Union Project, were the teens got to watch live demonstrations and got a chance to go for a spin on the wheel. The Warhol Museum, were the teens got to join artist educators from The Andy Warhol Museum in silk-screen printing and button making. Remix and collage imagery to make cool layered prints and buttons. The teens also got to dance by music provided by Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Swag Monkeys and Tracksploitation and got to watch Andrew the Impaled, Pittsburgh's premier pain proof clown and performance arsonist. They even got to eat furnace-fired pizza, gooey s'mores and more! My daughter absolutely loved the event and can't wait for it again this year. I love the Pittsburgh Glass Center but, must say that some of the prices for events are too high for most people to be able to afford going to the center very often. Maybe if they offered a Groupon or something like that. But, all in all, the Pittsburgh Glass center is a must see.

I went to a yelp event here, where we were able to make a fused glass piece and also watch some demonstrations and go to the gallery. Everything in the gallery was amazing. The demonstrations were neat, and the fused glass was something I would go back to do again. I really didn't know that the glass center was open most of the time, and if you go there on any random day, you can watch whatever is going on. I think that is pretty cool! They also have classes where you can blow glass or make beads or whatever you want... I can't wait to pick up my piece and come back for another class!

A few hours before the event, we happened across the ad in the City Paper and decided to give it a shot. We were excited to get there as the event said we would be making something, there would be food and music, demonstrations, live music, and a gallery. Booking our reservations for 6pm was quick and easy over the phone; $60 for a couple. Upon arrival, we checked in and were asked if we wanted to purchase another item to make; we were confused because we assumed that we would each get to make something. In the end, we chose not to spend the extra $15 to make another garden float/ornament; aka a hollow glass ball. When our 'instructor' met with us, he was very friendly but it was loud and he was very hard to hear. He ran through everything at lightning speed and in the end, all we got to do was blow air in a tube for 10 seconds. Had the first attempt not popped, I wouldn't even have been able to do anything! From a teacher's standpoint, there were many other steps in the process that we should have been able to participate in; I would've been happy to sign a waiver if that is part of the issue. Within 15 minutes, our ball was done and we were shuffled out so another couple could have their turn. We then worked our way downstairs to the food and drink and there was an assortment of beer, wine, sparkling juices, veggies, fruit, cheese, and some deli meats. The assortment was nice, as we were able to snack on the healthy side, but the beer was still warm. The gallery was nice to walk through with work on display from so many talented people, the live music added to the ambiance, and the demonstrations were interesting to watch. In the end, it was nice experience, but were severely let down by the make-it/take-it section of the evening (the part we were most excited for!). It really started to bug us, when later in the evening, we saw an older couple getting to do more of the steps in the process (mind you, we aren't young kids, but young professionals). We would have liked to have a small 'info talk' about the steps that will take place, why they are that way, the tools used, maybe some quick science behind it, then get to work on the item.

Just visited for the first time during a makers series event through Yelp. They had some really unique pieces for sale and a nice space. They had on going demonstrations that really made me interesting in trying one of the beginners classes that they offer. I was told they fill really quickly though so I'll have my eye out on making a glass pumpkin. A very unique experience.

We went for their Valentine's Day flower making workshop and it was an awesome experience. Our instructor was friendly and knowledgeable. She explained the process, helped us pick colors that would turn out well, and was very hands on about showing us what to do. This is definitely a neat experience if glass making is something you're interested in and I definitely hope to go back. The workshops are a great too because they're a cheaper way to dip your toe in and try out the experience before committing to spending more money for private lessons.

We did the pumpkin blowing class. This was our first time. We loved it. Dan was an excellent teacher. We made beautiful pumpkins that we will cherish for many years to come. . We would recommend this to anyone and everyone. You too can create with their help.

Pretty awesome classes and nice and helpful teachers. They have all sorts of neat glass things in their gallery

We went here with my folks who were visiting from out of town. It was a fun activity that everyone could comfortably participate in. The instructor was great and was passionate about his craft. The only minor downside was the tour took a long time at the end- I think we all would've been happy with maybe half the duration. A super cool spot that we learned is a sought out spot for artists to do residencies at!

This's place is amazing you can watch and even blow glass and if you want to do a smaller creation they have a room for that to. They also have classes and events where you can learn how to blow glass and you can watch people make huge creations. I just got my creation and it looks awesome you can pick the design and the color. They have a artist of the month and they display their art work. They even have a huge exhibit with big art work in the exhibit the bent a glass window like 20/30 degrees. Did you know they heat there furnaces to 3000 degrees and to cool it down they put it in a oven that heats up to 900 degrees so it doesn't shatter if cools to quick. The classes are amazing and you can learn so much about glass. It is also a good place for kids to make stuff. This place is the best

ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I had a family emergency the day of my scheduled glass blowing glass (for which I had paid $150.00), and I spoke with the glass center and they told me that they could not refund me or credit me to attend a future class. They are just trying to take advantage of potential customers. Do not come here!!!!

I have always wanted to take a class at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. I had come for a Restaurant week event, but had yet to take a class. I love the space and it seemed like oodles of fun. I was asked by some friends to join them on a Sunday morning for a glass ornament class. The session was from 10-11am and was perfectly timed. Our group of 4 had a great time. Gerry (we are pretty sure was his name) was the best. I would take any class with him. We was patient with us...when one of us blew too hard and her ornament deflated...or when we didn't blow hard enough while giving us great instruction on how everything would work out. He never made you feel rushed, he let you take your time, pick your colors, and explained each step. I truly would take any class he was an instructor in. I can't wait to take more classes! I get my ornament thursday - here's to hoping it's all I want it to be! :)

My lovely parents gave us a gift certificate for the wine bottle stopper class, and we finally got the chance to check it out during Melissa's class last night. Melissa spent about 45 minutes going over the technique of turning the glass rod, controlling the flame, adding color, and shaping the pieces, and then we had the remainder to work on our own pieces. Fortunately for us, there was only one other couple there, so we got lots of individual attention...I think my strawberry wine stopper would have been a freak fruit without her help! While one class definitely does not an expert make, I am looking forward to trying some of their other classes now that I have a better sense of how to fix my (many) mistakes. This is a great date idea for a more established couple, as it provides lots of fodder for conversation after the class, but not much opportunity while you're staring down at the flame. I'd look for a weeknight class again (especially with Melissa!) for the most supportive experience, and we will definitely come back to the beautiful gallery for their upcoming show!

Really did not have a good good time even though I so wanted to. We went to their "date night" promo and came about 30 minutes early. We strolled around a little, had a beer which we got a drink ticket for and then went upstairs to the glass blowing area. We checked in with the hostess and sat down on a bleacher and waited. They were about 20 minutes behind schedule so it was a bit annoying but stuff happens. So I said to my Girl while we were waiting, we should get one more beer. She replied that she had two more drink tickets, so I headed to get us another beer. Well bad idea, they were OUT of cold beer. Darn, sell drink tickets but don't have and coke beer, brilliant. So back up the stairs I go. When it becomes our turn I'm told that we are making a paper weight. I ask the girl teaching us if I can actually do the making and she says yes. Well, that wasn't actually the case. The instructor made ours 100%. Had to have it her way. I really just held a couple of tools while she actually used them. It was like she wanted to make a nice clean easy symmetrical paper weight, as fast as she could. I really have no interest in going back to pick the paper weight. It's not actually something I made, it's something the instructor mad as I heard the tools for her. Boring.

Ah the Pittsburgh Glass Center is my favorite place in Pittsburgh. Ever. The PGC is hands down one of the best equipped glass blowing studios in the country. They have enough space, well maintained tools, amazing staff and just a really cool vibe. If you're a student, undergrad or grad then I strongly recommend you take one of their glass blowing classes. Because it's cool. Almost as cool as writing yelp reviews. Glass blowing are not the only classes offered. They organize stained glass classes, bead making, cold shop (not your grandma's etched glasses), and even kiln casting for visually pleasing plates. If you don't want to commit to one of the 8 week classes there are plenty of two hour workshops to choose from. Need a last minute romantic date idea but with a bit of modern twist? Take your significant other to an evening of creative display and make your own pumpkin/christmas ornament/wine bottle stopper/etc. It's the much cooler version of take your sweetheart to the fair and win for them a stuffed panda.

Very modern, super friendly staff, classess offered to public and students alike. Unfortunately they were between shows when we visited, but even then there was a lot to see and the instructor upstairs was quite comfortable working in front of the public. I'd go back, especially if I lived in town.

Dan Kilbride was an informative, engaging, and fun instructor! They're very COVID-conscious and make sure that you have the best experience possible.

My friend and I came here for the blow your own pumpkin workshop on a Friday evening. The experience was really cool and our instructor was polite and fun! The pumpkins looked pretty neat once they were complete and it was nice being able to watch how they make glass the way that they do. Before beginning they offered light refreshments which was nice. The event was a little crowded so I would recommend more seating for people upstairs if they plan to book that many people. The parking lot is also a mess so I recommend parking on the street so you don't get stuck having to back out awkwardly. It was nice you get to pick any options of colors for your pumpkin! It was also interesting how they explain the process of the glass pumpkin and how they make different types of glass throughout the year. As much fun as it was to be able to blow our own pumpkins, I wish there was a way we could be more hands on as I felt we didn't do all that much in the process. The experience was neat but it wasn't exactly too hands on as the instructor basically did everything for us. We had a fun time and would come back again but it's a once a year thing for sure.

I just completed the pumpkin making class. I had a great time!! Really enjoyed the small class size. The instructors where great. I can not wait to go back and make something else. Thanks Yelp for putting out the info ad for Pittsburgh Glass Company. I did not know these classes where available through the company. You also gave the info ad on the Mexican restaurant across the street that was very good. I bought the glass "Rubber" duck too, that they sell for $35. Keep the info coming on all the Great and unique things that you can do in the BURG!!!

I enjoyed the 'catch all' workshop alot! Fun to watch and do! Daniel Kilbride was the instructor I worked with for both bowls I 'made' (using that term loosely...) He was articulate with his guidance and answered any and all questions from all of the group. He was excellent....and Percy, Chris and Matt were all fantastic instructors/assistance. They represent the PGC quite well! Thanks all!

We had such a great time for a family event here (bonus: even got a group discount). My grandma LOVED it! We all got to make 2 different ornaments in our group of 6. I wish they had more examples of colors. It was hard to choose/know what looked good together. Overall, they all turned out nice. Only disappointed with the black and yellow one (no yellow showed up). Failed attempt at city spirit. Miranda and Zach were very patient and great teachers (we got done early so they did a demo of a vase-very near to watch). However, it was a very very beginner class-don't expect to do too much on your own (understandably). Other things: at least 7 spots in their parking lot. We showed up at 6:30 and the lot was practically empty. We didn't get a confirmation email closer to event but it appeared you didn't have to show up early at all. I'd suggest going a tad early to walk around the gallery/gift shop. You get to pick up your creations 3 days later. Would definitely go back and recommend to anyone!

I'm not the traditional, flowers, chocolate and dinner kind of Valentine. I want to do something fun and different! So when saw Pittsburgh Glass Center was hosting flower making classes for Valentine's Day I was IN! As soon as I found out about it, the spots were filling up quickly so my boyfriend and I signed up for a 5:45 class. We got there early because, well that's just who we are lol so we walked and got a cup of coffee and tried to warm up. When we came back, we went upstairs to where the class was and it was so warm and toasty up there! I could have fallen asleep! "The guy with the clipboard" as he referred to himself took our tickets and we had a seat to watch the other people making their flowers. We were teamed up with a guy (Matt, Joe... I don't remember his name, skinny, beanie, glasses) who helped us make our flowers. He was so friendly and talkative. He really took the time to explain the process to us even though people were waiting, I never felt rushed. After we finished making our flowers, I was slightly sad we weren't able to take them home that day, BUT our guy explained to us when we could pick them up and why were weren't able to take them home today (ie. glass explosion). I look forward to going back here for another event or just to look around!

I LOVE the glass center. I've been lucky enough to attend quite a few events here, and also do a small class where I was able to make an ornament. The staff is always friendly and fun, and I always leave feeling grateful that we have such a unique place here in Pittsburgh!

Horrible in coordinating groups events for children! Multiple people you have to coordinate with and no one knows what they other is doing! They a quick to cancel events on a moments notice. Customer service and follow through needs an overhaul. Do not recommend this facility!!!!

Most definitely, I'm a fan of this joint. There are fabulous, high-quality displays of glass art, and they offer lots of learning opportunities if you want to make your own glass art or functional glass pieces. Plus, on gallery crawl nights (First Friday of every month!) they have snacks galore.

Take your stuff immediately. They don't care about your work. I took a class there and was told that I had until the end of the next month to retrieve my stuff, but when we showed up a month later, it was gone and no one cared. One guy told us that we only had 4 weeks. Another told us that they cleared it out in 2 weeks for the next set of classes. No one bothered to contact the class telling us to pick up our stuff even though they have our emails and send bi-weekly spam about future classes. The only thing we got was "Sorry your stuff is gone, but you should've told us if you weren't going to show up. You can always come back and make more."