PA Museums

Exploring the Living Dead Museum Near Pittsburgh

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Living Dead Museum near Pittsburgh, you’re in the right place!

The Living Dead Museum is billed as “Pittsburgh’s Premier Horror Museum.”

The Living Dead Museum pays tribute to Pittsburgh filmmaker George Romero and the series of zombie movies he created, starting with the horror classic Night of the Living Dead in 1967.

An extensive biography display of filmmaker George A. Romero at the Living Dead Museum. The exhibit features a large black and white panel with a smiling portrait of Romero wearing his signature glasses. The text, divided into sections detailing his 'Early Life', 'Night of the Living Dead (1967 - 1968)', and 'The 1970s / Early 1980s', chronicles significant events and milestones in his career. Each section provides a narrative on his contributions to the film industry, the challenges he faced, and the impact of his work on the horror genre. The text is white on a dark background, ensuring readability and focus on the content. — An exhibit featuring some of George Romero’s career highlights.

Featuring movie props and memorabilia as well as numerous interpretive exhibits, the museum is not merely a repository of relics, but a journey through the evolution of horror film history itself.

An exhibit at the Living Dead Museum displays a mannequin wearing a gas mask and holding a rifle, evoking a scene from 'Dawn of the Dead'. The mannequin is dressed in a dark blue shirt and pants, suggesting a tactical outfit. Behind it, a large, framed movie poster of 'Dawn of the Dead' is adorned with various signatures, featuring the tagline 'When there's no more room in hell the dead will walk the Earth'. The scene is captured through a glass pane, with reflections visible on the surface, set against a tan wall with recessed lighting above. — Props from “Dawn of the Dead.”

For anyone interested in the history of horror cinema, the art of filmmaking, or the cultural significance of the zombie genre, the Living Dead Museum is a must-see when visiting Pittsburgh.

Interior of the Living Dead Museum showcasing framed movie posters on white walls. On the left, a prominent poster of 'Army of Darkness' features a heroic figure with a chainsaw arm. Adjacent is the 'Evil Dead II' poster with a skull. Towards the back, the 'Night of the Living Dead' is displayed above black and white photos. The museum has ceiling tiles, fluorescent lighting, and a figure can be partially seen to the right, suggesting more exhibits. — The museum is a must-see for fans of the horror movies.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Living Dead Museum is located in the Monroeville Mall, 12 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh.

Located on the upper level of the mall near the JC Penney, the museum’s location is altogether fitting, in that Romero’s 1978 film “Dawn of the Dead” was filmed in this very mall!

Exterior view of the Monroeville Mall entrance closest to the Living Dead Museum. The mall features a simple modern design with brick walls and a large glass doorway marked by the 'Monroeville Mall' sign above and the 'DICK'S Sporting Goods' sign to the side. The sky is partly cloudy, casting a soft light on the building. Bare trees and an empty parking lot with handicapped parking lines add to the calm and quiet atmosphere of the scene. — Mall entrance closest to the Living Dead Museum.

The museum is open on weekends, Friday: 11:00AM to 8:00PM, Saturday: 11:00AM to 8:00PM, Sunday: Noon to 6:00PM (Closed Monday through Thursday.)

The entrance to the Living Dead Museum located in the Monroeville Mall. The museum's bold sign features zombie eyes and is mounted above the doorway. The glass storefront displays an array of merchandise, including t-shirts and posters with horror and zombie-themed graphics. Featured items showcase iconic horror movie imagery, such as 'Creepshow' and 'Halloween'. The store is situated on a tiled floor within the mall, inviting fans of the genre and George Romero's work to explore its content. — The Living Dead Museum in the Monroeville Mall is open Friday through Sunday.

Museum admission fees are: 13 and over – $8.00 | Military – $7.00 | Student – $7.00| 12 and under – Free.

Exhibit at the Living Dead Museum featuring a life-size model of a zombie in a tattered black suit and red tie, seated with a grotesque, decayed face. Behind it is a concrete tombstone prop with the word 'Ethan Grim' scrawled on it. To the left, a vintage metal trash can is visible, and to the right, a potted plant with pink flowers adds a touch of color. The walls are adorned with framed memorabilia, including a 'Creepshow' movie poster and informational displays, set against a purple wall. — Props from “Creepshow” at the museum.

What You’ll See at the Museum

The museum is laid out in chronological fashion, with a sight/sound exhibit about “Night of the Living Dead” kicking things off.

An exhibit inside the Living Dead Museum featuring memorabilia from George A. Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead'. On the left, a large poster with a vivid blue and yellow design is displayed above a series of black and white photos from the movie's production. To the right, a life-size statue of Romero stands beside a wall with another movie poster and a display case containing various historical documents and props, including an antique radio. The exhibit captures the essence of the classic film and honors the legacy of its creator. — The museum tour begins with props and memorabilia from “Night of the Living Dead.”

As you proceed down a long corridor with rooms to the left and right, you’ll take a visual journey through both the films that George Romero made, as well as the ones his work inspired.

A hallway within the Living Dead Museum lined with framed horror movie posters and black and white photographs on white walls. The posters include iconic images from 'Night of the Living Dead' and 'Land of the Dead'. The hallway is carpeted in grey, and the ceiling has square fluorescent lights. This corridor serves as a tribute to the Living Dead series and the work of George Romero, creating an immersive atmosphere for museum visitors. — A hallway within the Living Dead Museum lined with framed horror movie posters.

From props to scripts to behind-the-scenes photos, each exhibit is wealth of information for fans of zombie films.

A section of the Living Dead Museum displaying authentic props and memorabilia from 'Night of the Living Dead'. The exhibit features a screen-used sheriff McClelland ammo belt in a glass case, accompanied by a signed photo of the actors, production documents, and vintage publicity materials. Red-framed black and white photos from the film, along with a classic film spotlight, contribute to the exhibit's nostalgic ambiance. Informative plaques provide context, enriching the experience for visitors. — Props from “Night of the Living Dead.”

As someone who majored in marketing in college, I found this “Night of the Living Dead” insurance policy promotional gimmick to be pure genius!

A framed novelty insurance policy on display at the Living Dead Museum, offering $50,000 coverage for anyone who dies of fright from a heart attack while watching 'Night of the Living Dead' at a special theater engagement. The policy, presented in a vintage style with ornate borders and a classic typeface, highlights a unique promotional gimmick associated with the film's release. Below the text is a small reproduction of the movie's poster, adding authenticity to the exhibit and providing context for the museum's visitors. — A framed novelty insurance policy on display at the Living Dead Museum.

Romero’s 1978 film “Dawn of the Dead” is also thoroughly represented at the museum.

Exhibit about the making of “Dawn of the Dead” at the Monroeville Mall.

In the plot of that movie, the Monroeville Mall serves as a bastion for four human survivors in a world overrun by the walking dead.

George Romero chose the Monroeville Mall for his film setting because it represented a “cathedral of consumerism.”

Romero’s 1973’s cult-classic “The Crazies” is featured as well, in which the military struggles to control a synthetic virus that leads to irreversible madness in the infected, as it spreads through a small Pennsylvania town.

An exhibit at the Living Dead Museum dedicated to 'The Crazies' film, featuring a mannequin dressed in a white hazmat suit with a gas mask. The display is surrounded by film stills and posters, including the prominent yellow poster of 'The Crazies' with the tagline 'Why are the good people dying?'. To the right, a European film poster adds international context. An informational plaque titled 'Evans City Gets Crazy' details the film's local shooting. This corner of the museum immerses visitors in the chilling atmosphere of the movie. — The plot of 1973’s “The Crazies” has an oddly modern feel to it.

Perhaps my favorite exhibit in the entire museum is the “Timeline of the Living Dead”, where you can trace the evolution of influence “The Night of the Living Dead” has had on pop culture.

An information panel at the Living Dead Museum titled 'Timeline of the Living Dead', acknowledging the significant impact of the 1968 Pittsburgh-based film 'Night of the Living Dead' on popular culture and the entertainment industry. The text credits the film with profoundly influencing horror films, video games, comics, cartoons, and the general perception of monsters and Halloween. A note at the bottom expresses gratitude to Alfredo Torres for research and writing for the exhibit, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the museum's educational content. — Timeline of the Living Dead exhibit.

Remember when the 1980s brought us the zombie version of Michael Jackson in his “Thriller” video?

A display at the Living Dead Museum featuring life-sized zombie mannequins from different eras in pop culture. From left to right: a figure in a grey suit with a white mask, a red and black plaid shirt with exposed 'gore', a mummy-like figure in tattered robes, a zombie in a bright red tracksuit, and one in a black jacket. They are set against a grey wall with a timeline of horror movie posters above, including 'Dawn of the Dead' and 'Day of the Dead'. A red stripe runs along the wall, and a barrel labeled 'Property of the Department of Civil Defense' is part of the exhibit. — Zombie culture helped make Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video a must-see staple in the 1980s.

Or the more recent zombie phenomenon which was “The Walking Dead.”

A timeline display at the Living Dead Museum showcasing the evolution of zombie films and television from 2005 to 2010. Framed posters include 'Land of the Dead' (2005), 'Diary of the Dead' (2007), 'Zombieland' (2009), and 'The Walking Dead' Season 1 (2010). Each poster is accompanied by a description plaque, noting significant aspects and the impact of each work. A red horizontal stripe runs along the wall beneath the posters, with years marked in bold, indicating the progression of the genre in popular culture. — 2010 brought zombie culture to new heights with the debut of “The Walking Dead.”

The ‘Maul of Fame’ towards the back of the museum offers a blood-red handprint acknowledgment to the actors, writers, and filmmakers who have contributed to the genre’s lasting appeal.

The 'Maul of Fame' wall at the Living Dead Museum, covered with red handprints and signatures from actors and contributors to the horror movie industry. This homage to the stars of the genre is reminiscent of a blood-splattered scene, with each handprint uniquely positioned and autographed, creating a striking visual tribute. The bold red letters spelling out 'MAUL OF FAME' at the top lend a playful yet eerie tone to the exhibit, capturing the spirit of the museum's celebration of horror cinema. — The ‘Maul of Fame’ wall at the Living Dead Museum, covered with red handprints and signatures from actors and contributors to the horror movie industry.

The entire museum is well thought out, with memorabilia clearly labeled as to its origin and significance.

An exhibit at the Living Dead Museum displaying props from the movie 'Evil Dead 2'. The centerpiece is a rustic window frame with shutters, backed by aged wooden planks and flanked by a sign that reads 'WINDOW & SHUTTERS from screen used cabin in EVIL DEAD 2 DEAD BY DAWN'. Beside it stands a large, irregularly shaped piece of bark with vibrant yellow lichen. Small plaques above provide information about the cabin and the tree. This setup offers fans a tangible connection to the film's iconic set pieces. — Props from Evil Dead 2.

Like any good museum, you enter and exit through the gift shop, which features tons of kitschy zombie-themed swag.

Pittsburgh – Zombie Capital of the World.

And don’t miss the bust of George Romero on the first level of the mall, directly below the Living Dead Museum.

A bronze bust of filmmaker George A. Romero, displayed at the Living Dead Museum. Romero is depicted with a cheerful expression, wearing a jacket and shirt. The bust is mounted on a pedestal featuring a plaque with a detailed biography and accolades, including his life span from 1940 to 2017, his contributions to the Pittsburgh film industry, and his pioneering work on 'Night of the Living Dead' and 'Dawn of the Dead'. The backdrop has a marble texture, with a partial view of the mall's interior, including a column and a lit lamp, indicating the museum's location inside the Monroeville Mall. — George Romero bust on the lower level of the Monroeville Mall.

Final Thoughts

The Living Dead Museum is not merely a look back at a film series; it’s a dynamic celebration of a cultural legacy.

An exhibit at the Living Dead Museum featuring a vibrant poster of 'The Return of the Living Dead' surrounded by a series of black and white photographs depicting scenes from the movie. The poster stands out with its bold colors and a group of zombies, contrasting the monochrome stills that capture various moments of action and suspense from the film. This display celebrates the influence of the Living Dead series and its spin-offs, contributing to the museum's comprehensive homage to the zombie genre. — Return of the Living Dead was written and directed by Dan O’Bannon, who co-wrote Night of the Living Dead with George Romero.

The care taken in preserving and presenting these pieces ensures that the spirit of Romero’s work remains alive and well.

George Romero is considered by many to be one of the “Godfathers of Pittsburgh filmmakers.”

The museum itself is a testament to the director’s visionary storytelling and his impact on the horror genre.

A signed photo on display at the Living Dead Museum featuring Sharon Ceccatti-Hill, known as the 'Nurse Zombie' from 'Dawn of the Dead'. She is depicted in her costume, reaching out in a classic zombie pose. The inscription reads 'For Time and Space, Your Zombie Museum Rocks!!' above her signature and character name, expressing appreciation for the museum. The photograph is a tangible piece of the film's history, connecting fans to the iconic characters of the series. — “Nurse Zombie” is a fan of the museum.

If you’re even a casual fan of the horror films, a trip to the Living Dead Museum is $8.00 well-spent!

Display at the Living Dead Museum featuring 'The Zombie Survival Guide' by Max Brooks. The book cover is shown with the title and subtitle 'Complete Protection from the Living Dead' and boasts being a New York Times bestseller. Below the book, a descriptive plaque from 2003 explains how Brooks' work refocused the zombie genre on the traditional Romero model, emphasizing survival techniques and the dangers present in a post-apocalyptic world. This piece contributes to the museum's exploration of zombie culture and its impact on literature. — ‘The Zombie Survival Guide’ by Max Brooks.

Nearby Attractions

The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania!

Exploring the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Heinz History Center.

Among the six floors of permanent and changing exhibitions there, you’ll find this one dedicated to George Romero and “Night of the Living Dead.”

Night of the Living Dead exhibit at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh PA. — Night of the Living Dead exhibit at the Heinz History Center.

The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History in Pittsburgh exhibit everything from ancient relics to timeless art, all under one roof.

A collage of four diverse exhibits at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA. Top left: Visitors admire a vibrant, intricate wall mural. Top right: A display of dinosaur skeletons in a lifelike habitat. Bottom left: A dark room filled with illuminated cases of minerals and gems. Bottom right: A large, detailed religious painting set against a bold red wall. — Scenes from the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History in Pittsburgh.

Randyland is an eclectic roadside attraction and mixed-media art installation on Pittsburgh’s North Side that explodes with color and creativity.

Collage of four images showcasing the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of Randyland in Pittsburgh, featuring the artist Randy, colorful murals, whimsical art installations, and a multitude of playful objects. — Scenes from Randyland in Pittsburgh.

The abandoned Westinghouse Atom Smasher near Pittsburgh is an iconic relic from the dawn of the atomic age in the United States.

Rubble is all that remains of the base of the Westinghouse Atom Smasher in Forest Hills, PA. — The abandoned Westinghouse Atom Smasher near Pittsburgh.

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