Carnegie Museum of Natural History

One of the Four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Hayley Pontia

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Architecture of Oakland–from a PITT student’s perspective

inside the cathedral decorated with PITT banners

looking down an arched hallway

looking up at a beautiful vaulted celing

When I first came to the University of Pittsburgh, I couldn’t wait to spend time in The Cathedral of Learning. Not only was the gothic style reminiscent of Harry Potter’s days at Hogwarts, but the sheer height of the building intrigued me. Walking through, from class to class, allowed me the time to gaze up at the famous high ceilings, ornate with detail. It wasn’t until I was enrolled in a course that stood 23 floors up, where I would truly get the exhilarating and sometimes terrifying experience of seeing Oakland from a bird’s eye view.

The building itself was designed by Philadelphia architect Charles Zeller Klauder and was the tallest educational building at the time it was built in 1926 standing at 535 feet. It was designated a National Landmark by the National Park Service on November 3, 1975 as well as Historic Structure by the Pittsburgh City Council on February 22, 1977.  To this day, the Cathedral continues to stand as a central landmark dedicated to learning.

Hayley Pontia is a student at The University of Pittsburgh who works as a part-time freelancer for Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Through this blog series, she will share her unique perspective on our historic building and the surrounding architecture of nearby buildings in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. 

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Architecture of Oakland–from a PITT student’s perspective

fountain with running water

red-roofed building with a beautiful fountain in front

At least once every semester, I enroll in a course that happens to be held at the Frick Fine Arts Building. It is truly an intricate building that is sometimes forgotten about in the shadow of the Cathedral.

This building houses The University of Pittsburgh’s History of Art and Architecture Department and has an exterior mimicking the Italian Renaissance architecture. It also features an unexpected cloister-style inner courtyard filled with greenspace for students to sit in between classes.

It was designed by Burton Kenneth Johnstone Associates and modeled after Pope Julius III’s Villa Giulia in Rome, Italy.

Hayley Pontia is a student at The University of Pittsburgh who works as a free-lancer for Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Through this blog series, she will share her unique perspective on our historic building and the surrounding architecture of nearby buildings in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

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Architecture of Oakland–from a PITT Student’s perspectiv

looking up into an ornately carved arch

looking up the stair raining at the front doorssign in front of St. Paul Cathedral

When I was a sophomore living on Craig Street, I would often pass St. Paul’s Cathedral and its perfectly landscaped surroundings. Every Sunday I would watch as crowds of people left the prominent, wooden doors and exited on to Fifth Avenue while I would walk to the library.

The cathedral was created in decorated Gothic style of the 14th Century, designed by Egan and Prindeville of Chicago and built by Thomas Reily. The building stands at 247 feet tall with a statue of St. Paul mounted on a center pediment. Other exterior statues depict apostles and evangelists.

Hayley Pontia is a student at The University of Pittsburgh who works as a part-time freelancer for Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Through this blog series, she will share her unique perspective on our historic building and the surrounding architecture of nearby buildings in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

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Architecture of Oakland–from a PITT student’s perspective

cathedral of learning

arched doorway of the cathedral of learning

ornate architecture on cathedral of learning

Apart from Heinz Memorial Chapel’s vibrant and famous red doors, there is another reason this building may be recognizable—The University of Pittsburgh’s Lantern Night. It is one of the oldest traditions in which Pitt alumnae pass on the “Light of Learning” to Pitt’s newest students during a ceremony before the start of fall semester. Keeping in line with the values of the buildings founder, this symbolic act solidifies the importance of inclusivity in education.

Since Heinz Memorial Chapel was completed in 1934, various services have been held, but the chapel does not belong to any denomination. From its beginning the chapel was intended to be interdenominational adhering to the diverse makeup of students, staff, and the public.

Hayley Pontia is a student at The University of Pittsburgh who works as a freelancer for Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Through this blog series, she will share her unique perspective on our historic building and the surrounding architecture of nearby buildings in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

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Architecture of Oakland–from a PITT student’s perspective

corner of the carnegie library with the cathedral of learning in the background

One of my favorite details of the library is the inscription above the main entrance: “Free to the People.” It is such a simple statement, but boldly stands above you as you enter creating a call for attention. Carnegie himself created this permanent advertisement that would appeal to any readers ears.

The structure itself was built in and is connected to Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Carnegie Music Hall. It was created in modified Italian Renaissance style and is constructed of gray sandstone. The building has a frieze below the roofline that is inscribed with names of distinguished musicians, artists, authors, and scientists. Elmer E. Garnsey, who also decorated the Boston Public Library and the Library of Congress, decorated this library in Oakland.

Hayley Pontia is a student at The University of Pittsburgh who works as a freelancer for Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Through this blog series, she will share her unique perspective on our historic building and the surrounding architecture of nearby buildings in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

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Architecture of Oakland

steps of the University Center building

building with rounded windows and balconies

looking up at the balcony and roof area from the ground

Architecture of Oakland–from a PITT Student’s perspective

The University Club, like many other buildings in the area, was designed by architect Henry Hornbostel and features a classical-style limestone exterior.

Completed in 1923, the new location of the club settled in Schenley Farms National Historic District after making its move from the original location in downtown Pittsburgh. It moved to Oakland to be closer to the city’s college campuses, bringing together graduates who enjoyed literature, art, and other culture.

Hayley Pontia is a student at The University of Pittsburgh who works as a free lancer for Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Through this blog series, she will share her unique perspective on our historic architecture in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh where our museum is located.