Theaters in Downtown Pittsburgh
Character of Life

Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a nonprofit organization created to stimulate the economic and cultural development of Pittsburgh through the creation and promotion of a downtown arts and entertainment district. The Trust owns and operates the Benedum, Byham, Harris and O'Reilly Theaters in Downtown Pittsburgh, and encourages and presents diverse performing and visual arts programs in the Cultural District. The Cultural Trust has almost completely transformed Pittsburgh's Downtown to a vibrant animated area with over fourteen cultural facilities, public parks and plazas, and new and proposed commercial development. It accomplished this through streetscaping programs, facade restorations, new cultural facilities, and public open spaces and art projects.

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

Seats: 2,885 | Ballet, Dance, Opera, Musicals

Opened in 1987, the Benedum Center was formerly the Stanley Theater. The faithful restoration of this theater reflects the glories of America’s theatrical past. The 2,800-seat Benedum is home to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Pitsburgh Opera and many special performances.

Byham Theater

Seats: 1,349 | Various shows

Originally opened as the Gaiety Theater in 1904, the 1,300-seat Byham Theater is Pittsburgh’s only remaining vaudeville house. Patrons enjoy theater, dance and musical performances.

CAPA Theater

Seats: 400 | Various shows

The district is home to the Pittsburgh High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), which has its own theater that opened in September 2003.

CLO Cabaret Theater

Seats: 253 | Various shows

The Theater Square complex, which opened in November 2004, is home to Pittsburgh’s first live Cabaret Theater. As the newest stage in the Cultural District, the Cabaret at Theater Square is programmed year-round by the Pittsburgh CLO.

Harris Theater

Seats: 200 | Films

Renovated in 1995, The Harris Theater is now the Downtown home for the Pittsburgh Filmmakers. This 200-seat theater is also used for small live peformances. The theater was named in tribute to Pittsburgher John P. Harris, the creator of the Nickelodeon.

Heinz Hall

Seats: 2,800 | Symphony

Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, dedicated in 1971 and renovated in 1995, is the cornerstone of the Cultural District of Pittsburgh. This cultural-entertainment focal point of the Golden Triangle has helped spur the continuing economic and cultural revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh. Owned and operated by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the hall hosts hundreds of performances by the PSO, Broadway, and other guests each year.

The O’Reilly Theater

Seats: 650 | Plays

Ground was broken in 1997 for the new home of the Pittsburgh Public Theater and when it opened in December 1999, the O’Reilly became the newest venue for the performing arts in the Pittsburgh region. The theater was designed by renowned architect Michael Graves.

Wood Street Galleries

Seats: 50 | Various shows

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust operates Wood Street Galleries, which features multi-disciplinary artists from all over the world. Wood Street Galleries also houses the Trust's shared office space program which provides a home for several small arts organizations.

Source: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance | Last Updated: March 8, 2006