Choosing to attend a university in or near a city has its perks—more restaurants, better public transportation, and, of course, endless opportunities to experience the arts!
Luckily for you, Pittsburgh is the perfect place to explore the arts scene while you're in school. The Steel City offers countless ways to embrace your creative side and take a break from the usual school routine. If you’re looking to unwind, try something new, or simply unplug, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has you covered.
At the Trust, we offer a variety of cultural experiences—from contemporary dance and visual art exhibitions to art house films and theater of all kinds. Whether you’re studying the arts, you’re curious about the arts, or you’re just a self-proclaimed arts lover, we have something to inspire you.
Maybe you're eager to dive in but you feel a bit unsure about where to begin. Don’t worry—attending cultural events with us is affordable, accessible, and fun for everyone. Here's how we make it easy:
Student Discounts
Experiencing the arts doesn’t have to break the bank! Both undergraduate and graduate students can get up to 50% off select Pittsburgh Cultural Trust performances. Just visit our website to find your university’s promo code and remember to bring a valid form of student identification when picking up your physical tickets.
Easy Access: Bus, Bike, Walk
Getting to the Cultural District is only a bus ride, bike trip, or walk away! To show you just how quickly you can make your way Downtown, we’ve mapped out the distance and time it will take you to travel from your school’s campus to the Benedum Center, a central location in the Cultural District.
Carnegie Mellon University
- Bus - 26 min
- Bike - 20 min, 3.4 miles
Carlow University
- Bus - 15 min
- Bike - 20 min, 2.2 miles
Community College of Allegheny County
- Bus - 18 min
- Bike - 7 min, 1.3 miles
- Walk - 27 min, 1.2 miles
- Light Rail (The T) - 10 min
Chatham University
- Bus - 38 min
- Bike - 35 min, 6 miles
Duquesne University
- Bus - 8 min
- Bike - 6 min, .8 miles
- Walk - 14 min, .6 miles
- Light Rail (The T) - 10 min
La Roche University
- Bus - 1 hour
Point Park University
- Walk - 4 min, .6 miles
- Walk - 8 min
Robert Morris University
- Bus - 58 min
University of Pittsburgh
- Bus - 22 min
- Bike - 14 min, 2.3 miles
A note for bikers: Did you know that we have more than 25 bike racks around the Cultural District? Not only are these racks a secure resting place for your bike, but they double as striking pieces of public art.
Low-cost Tickets & Free Events
Beyond student discounts, we offer plenty of free or low-cost events throughout the year. Check out our festivals, BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive series, art galleries, and Gallery Crawls. Film buffs will love the Harris Theater, where tickets are only $9!
Dive Deeper with Fun Educational Opportunities
Expand your knowledge with unique educational experiences! We regularly invite directors to speak at the Harris Theater (keep an eye out for films with Q&As); artists to talk about their work (check out our Visual Arts Instagram or our website for upcoming events); and theater professionals to share their take on Broadway shows through our Creative Conversations series.
A Welcoming, No-Pressure Environment Worried about a dress code?
Don’t be! Come as you are—whether that’s dressed up or casual, what matters most is that you’re comfortable and ready to enjoy the experience. Our friendly house managers and ushers are always available to help you find your seat or answer any questions.
Stay in the Loop: Sign Up to Hear About Discounts
Be the first to know about student discounts and upcoming events by signing up for our email list tailored specifically to students.
We hope to see you soon at one of our events—there’s always something new to explore at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust!
A note for bikers: Did you know that we have more than 25 bike racks around the Cultural District? Not only are these racks a secure resting place for your bike, but they double as striking pieces of public art.
Low-cost Tickets & Free Events
Beyond student discounts, we offer plenty of free or low-cost events throughout the year. Check out our festivals, BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive series, art galleries, and Gallery Crawls. Film buffs will love the Harris Theater, where tickets are only $9!
Dive Deeper with Fun Educational Opportunities
Expand your knowledge with unique educational experiences! We regularly invite directors to speak at the Harris Theater (keep an eye out for films with Q&As); artists to talk about their work (check out our Visual Arts Instagram or our website for upcoming events); and theater professionals to share their take on Broadway shows through our Creative Conversations series.
A Welcoming, No-Pressure Environment Worried about a dress code?
Don’t be! Come as you are—whether that’s dressed up or casual, what matters most is that you’re comfortable and ready to enjoy the experience. Our friendly house managers and ushers are always available to help you find your seat or answer any questions.
Stay in the Loop: Sign Up to Hear About Discounts
Be the first to know about student discounts and upcoming events by signing up for our email list tailored specifically to students.
We hope to see you soon at one of our events—there’s always something new to explore at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust!