Best Last-Minute Shopping: Museum Shops
Can't find that perfect gift and are running out of time? Head to one of Pittsburgh's many museums! Each has their own unique gift shop that is sure to provide you with plenty of options for that special someone.
The Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-622-3131
www.cmoa.org
The Carnegie Museum of Art Store has the kind of merchandise you'd expect—things like postcards, posters, prints, exhibition catalogues, and art books—but it is also a phenomenal resource for unexpected treasures. Pop City writer Mary-Rush Yelverton picked up a set of Petunia Pickle Bottom onesies and socks, all three Scanimation picture books, and a Kids' Kit of magnetic poetry for her ever expanding horde of nieces. And just down the hall is the Museum of Natural History. Besides the expected geodes, dinosaur-print scarves and gem tumblers, she left with a a Kidorable ladybug-spotted raincoat with matching galoshes and a Folkmani raccoon-in-a-garbage can puppet. The best present of all? A Carnegie Museums membership.
The Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-237-8300
www.warhol.org
Give the gift of Warhol. The museum has the widest selection of Andy Warhol gifts, posters and more. How about a t-shirt with featuring your loved one's favorite print? If not a t-shirt, there are buttons, key rings, mouse pads, lamp shades, puzzles and jewelry. For the art buff in your life, choose from a variety of DVD's describing the life and death of Andy Warhol himself.
The Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-454-6000
www.heinzhistorycenter.org
More than 250 years of Western Pennsylvania history, culture and ethnic heritage are complemented by chic gifts, poignant books, retro toys, and unique jewelry inside the History Center's E-store. Along with regionally-made pieces, Heinz 57 items, Terrible Towels, and a huge selection of book titles, the E-store also sells items that complement the History Center's ever-changing exhibits. Browse the E-store, or if you prefer to shop in-person, please visit the History Center's award-winning Museum Shop, located on the first floor. The Museum Shop is open to the public with no admission fee.
Society For Contemporary Craft
2100 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-261-7003
www.contemporarycraft.org
The Society For Contemporary Craft has been exhibiting art by international, national and regional artists since 1971. Each month the store offers different artwork available for sale in conjuction with the current exhibit. And don't expect to spend all your dough. Prices range from high to low. By subscribing to their e-mail list you will receive a monthly e-blast containing in-depth information on the latest craft objects from our current artists and monthly featured artists. This is the place to go for a truly one-of-a-kind present.
The Pittsburgh Center For The Arts
6300 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-361-0873
www.pittsburgharts.org
Founded in 1945, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is a non-profit community arts campus that offers arts education programs and contemporary art exhibitions, providing services and resources for individual artists throughout Western Pennsylvania. The PCA one-of-a-kind Gift Shop promotes and sells the work of local artists. They currently represent over 150 artists in disciplines ranging from fibers and print to ceramics and glass.
