PA Museums

Pittsburgh’s Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

A photo collage from the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The top-left photo shows the museum's majestic facade with a wide staircase leading to its columned entrance and a large dome atop. The top-right image provides an interior view of a long hallway lined with glass cases displaying military memorabilia. The bottom-left close-up showcases a World War II exhibit with a poster reading "War in the Pacific - Avenge December 7" and various military uniforms. The bottom-right picture captures an olive green vintage military jeep displayed against a background of wooden signs with directions to various military bases around the world.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Pittsburgh’s Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, you’re in the right place!

World War II 'War in the Pacific' exhibit at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, displaying a 'Avenge December 7' propaganda poster, naval uniforms, a steel helmet, and personal military items. The exhibit provides a poignant look at the American response to Pearl Harbor, with artifacts that narrate the story of the conflict in the Pacific. — WWII exhibit.

This landmark Pittsburgh museum is renowned as the largest memorial in the United States devoted exclusively to celebrating the valor of all branches of military veterans and service personnel.

The US Merchant Marine exhibit at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, displaying naval uniforms, old maritime posters, and navigational tools. The exhibit, encased in a glass display, is situated in a hallway with intricate ceiling patterns, and a vintage military jeep can be seen in the background. The museum showcases the contributions of maritime service members through artifacts and historical narratives. — US Merchant Marine exhibit.

For enthusiasts of military history, the museum’s collection of extraordinary artifacts and memorabilia provides an insight into the experiences of American service personnel throughout all of America’s conflicts, from the Civil War to modern times.

Exhibit of General Warren memorabilia from the Civil War at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The display includes a ceremonial sword with an intricately decorated hilt and a telescope, all mounted against a white backdrop. Accompanying the items are photographs and descriptive texts that provide historical context and detail the significance of each artifact. — Union Major General Gouverneur K. Warren’s sword, telescope, spur, and brass drawing instrument.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum is located at 4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

The museum is open Monday – Saturday, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed major holidays).

Display of Civil War artillery projectiles at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The exhibit is arranged on red diamond-shaped backdrops against a golden wall. It features a variety of cannonballs, shells, and other artillery rounds, some with informational plaques explaining their use. A historical narrative accompanies the display, providing visitors with context on the firepower used during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. — Civil War artillery exhibit.

Admission fees are: Adults $15, Seniors (55+) $10, Children (5-17) $5, College Students with valid student ID $5, Military and Veterans Free.

A bronze statue titled 'America' at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The statue features a seated female figure, symbolizing America, holding a sword and a shield, with a laurel wreath crown on her head. She presides nobly above the museum's entrance, framed by towering columns and a clear blue sky, embodying the spirit of the nation and its history. — The bronze statue “America” perched above the entrance to the museum.

Birth of the Memorial

The Memorial Hall, conceptualized by the Grand Army of the Republic in the 1890s, was born out of a desire to honor the rapidly diminishing ranks of American Civil War veterans.

Bronze statue of a soldier titled 'Parade Rest' outside the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The figure is in full military dress, standing at the 'parade rest' position with a rifle. In the foreground, granite slabs list various American military conflicts, dedicated to those who served. The statue stands as a somber reminder of military service, positioned in front of the stately museum architecture. — Bronze statue of a soldier titled ‘Parade Rest’ outside the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.

Designed by architect Henry Hornbostel in 1907 and dedicated in 1910, the building, crafted in the Beaux-Arts style, is a heroic and grandiose testament to history.

Frontal view of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, captured on a bright day. The grand building features a large set of steps leading up to its stately entrance, flanked by classical columns and sculptures. The intricate details of the façade and the expansive lawn in front highlight the architectural beauty and historical significance of this landmark. — Frontal view of the hall.

It is strategically located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, adjacent to the University of Pittsburgh and the Cathedral of Learning.

Outdoor memorial at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring a large naval torpedo on display. In the background, the iconic Cathedral of Learning towers over the scene. A commemorative plaque in the foreground lists the names of submariners lost at sea, with a brick pavement leading up to the monument under a clear blue sky. — The Cathedral of Learning in the background.

The sheer scale and elegance of the building are a testament to the profound respect the builder’s wished to convey for America’s military legacy.

Bronze statue of a sailor called 'The Lookout' at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The statue depicts a sailor in uniform, standing at ease with a pair of binoculars held near his chest. He is mounted on a stone pedestal and set against a curved stone wall, capturing the solemnity and vigilance of a lookout at sea. — Bronze statue of a sailor called ‘The Lookout’ outside the hall.

The Hall’s Interior | A Repository of History

The building hosts a 2,500-seat auditorium, a banquet hall, meeting rooms, and a museum.

Spacious ballroom inside the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The room features a high ceiling with decorative trim, rows of foldable chairs facing a large projector screen, and several tables with chairs set up behind. The walls are adorned with blue curtains and white paneling, and American flags are placed near a doorway. The polished wooden floor reflects the room's natural light. — The banquet hall.

The auditorium is particularly noteworthy, with a 78-ft.wide, hand-painted canvas of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address proudly displayed on the front wall, said to be the largest version of the speech in the world.

Auditorium at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, with the Gettysburg Address inscribed on the wall above the stage. Rows of light gray seats face the stage, where several rows of white foldable chairs are set up. The ornate wall behind the stage features intricate woodwork and the text of Abraham Lincoln's famous speech, commemorating the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield in November 1863. — The 78-ft. wide version of the Gettysburg Address.

Over a century, a vast collection of donated artifacts has allowed the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum to offer a unique interpretation of American military history.

Historic Spencer Carbine rifle on display at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The 7-round repeating carbine, mounted against a yellow background, is accompanied by an informational placard describing it as a significant weapon described by Confederate soldiers as 'The Seven Devils gun that is wound up in the morning and fires all day.' Below the gun is a vintage photograph, contributing to the artifact's historical context. — A Spencer carbine.

These artifacts, displayed against a backdrop of marble, oak, and bronze, narrate the personal stories of service personnel, providing insight into what they wore, carried, and brought home.

A long, elegant corridor inside the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, lined with glass cases displaying Civil War memorabilia. The hall is illuminated by period light fixtures, with detailed ceiling decorations and terrazzo flooring that reflect the museum's historic charm. — Beautiful marble, oak, and bronze decor.

Exploring the Exhibit Halls

The Front Hall: Visitors are greeted by architectural splendor and military history, including a collection of significant military flags and Civil War-era musical instruments.

Historic brass bugle displayed on top of a red and gold decorative military drum at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The bugle, used to signal calls to soldiers, rests against a background of a faded black and white photograph. A label in front of the bugle explains its significance as an important communication instrument in military life, mentioning its reinforcement to withstand harsh conditions. — Civil War bugle and drum.

The Gettysburg Room: Once a Civil War veterans’ meeting room, this oak-paneled room now hosts exhibits including early photographs of the Hall and artifacts from the Battle of Gettysburg.

Display case at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring artifacts from the Battlefield of Gettysburg. The collection includes military caps, a bugle, a leather satchel, and a small wooden chest, among other items. Each piece is accompanied by descriptive text providing historical context. The reflections of the museum's windows can be seen in the glass casing. — Gettysburg artifacts.

The West Hall: Featuring Civil War artifacts, this hall narrates the stories of families and local soldiers of the era, showcasing many rare national treasures.

Exhibit at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, showcasing Union Infantry uniforms and equipment from the Civil War era, 1861-1865. The display includes two mannequins dressed in period uniforms, a selection of hats, military accoutrements, a rifle, and informational placards providing historical context on the items presented. — Union uniforms.

The North Hall: Transitioning into the 20th century, this hall features World War I and II exhibits, with rare uniforms and artifacts in fifteen display areas.

World War I exhibit at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring American Expeditionary Forces uniforms. Displayed are several service jackets with insignia, helmets, and military gear, accompanied by informative placards. A classic Uncle Sam 'I Want You' recruiting poster adds a touch of historical context to the collection. — WWI uniforms.

The East Hall: This area delves into the War in the Pacific, the roles of the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, POW stories, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, concluding with recent conflicts in the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Vietnam War memorabilia exhibit at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The display features a mannequin dressed in a camouflage uniform, military patches, a collection of helmets, and a variety of infantry weapons. The backdrop includes lush green foliage, creating an immersive environment reminiscent of the Vietnamese jungle where American soldiers were deployed. — Vietnam War memorabilia.

Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor: Established in 1963, this exhibit honors regional veterans who demonstrated extraordinary heroism.

Wall display titled 'Medal of Honor 1865 - 1876' at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. It features framed Medals of Honor and accompanying descriptions of the recipients' heroic deeds. Each frame is mounted on a wooden panel beneath an inscribed header, honoring the valor and sacrifice of these distinguished individuals. — Medal of Honor winners.

The Museum in Pop Culture

The 1991 movie “Silence of the Lambs” utilized Soldiers and Sailors Hall as a filming location for the “Memphis Courthouse” scenes, when serial killer Hannibal Lechter (played by actor Sir Anthony Hopkins) escapes custody.

A still from the film "The Silence of the Lambs" showing the character Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He is portrayed as sitting in a prison cell, gazing outward with a contemplative expression. Lecter is wearing a plain white T-shirt and a sling on his arm. The setting features the recognizable metal bars of a prison, emphasizing confinement. This scene was filmed at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. — “Hannibal Lechter” at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall during the filming of **Silence of the Lambs**. (Image courtesy MGM).

Fans of the film will recognize the third floor banquet room as the home of Doctor Lechter’s “cage”, when he is transferred from Baltimore to Memphis.

Spacious ballroom on the third floor of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring rows of white folding chairs facing a stage with a projector screen. The room has an ornate ceiling with geometric patterns, large windows with blue drapery, and several tables set up behind the seating area. The polished wooden floors and classical architecture of the room create an elegant and historic atmosphere. — The room where Hannibal Lechter’s cage was located during filming.

As an homage to the film, the museum hosts a “Cage Night” in October where a replica of Hannibal Lechter’s cage is erected in the banquet room, complete with a reenactor portraying Hopkin’s character.

Merchandise display at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring "The Silence of the Lambs" themed T-shirts. The black shirts have a graphic related to the movie and event details, along with additional shirts neatly stacked on a shelf and a pricing sign. A mannequin wearing one of the shirts, sunglasses, and a cap completes the display, highlighting the museum's connection to the film. — Cage Night t-shirts.

Final Thoughts

The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall is more than a mere museum; it is a living testament to to the spirit and bravery of those who have dedicated their lives to defending our nation.

Korean War exhibit at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring a mannequin in a military flight suit with a helmet and goggles, an Air Force uniform, and various personal items. The background is a map showing military movements during the Korean War from September to November 1950. Displayed items include a rifle, a machine gun, a military jacket with a bullet hole, and a case displaying medals and a photograph of a serviceman. — Korean War memorabilia.

Stepping through its doors is akin to entering a temple dedicated to valor, where the echoes of history resonate with profound respect and gratitude.

The 'War on Terror - Gulf War' exhibit at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, showcasing a mannequin clad in desert camouflage military uniform, a flag with the Great Seal of the United States, and various military artifacts and personal items, including a camel figurine. The display is set against the backdrop of the museum's elegant interior architecture. — Global War on Terror memorabilia.

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of American military history and a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

Exhibit honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The display features a POW/MIA flag, military artifacts, photographs, and personal items behind a glass case. The backdrop is a wall with barbed wire graphics and information panels, including a Red Cross food package, creating a somber reflection on the sacrifices of service members. — POW/MIA exhibit.

Nearby Attractions

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.

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.

The Fort Pitt Museum is renowned for its in-depth portrayal of pivotal moments in Pittsburgh’s history, including a significant focus on the French and Indian War.

A photo collage from the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featuring (from top left to bottom right): the museum entrance with an American flag and cannon, the interior with exhibits and a cannon on display, an informational panel about the significance of the land, and a sculpture of two historical figures in discussion. — Scenes from the Fort Pitt Museum.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is both the largest zoo and the largest aquarium in Pennsylvania.

Exploring the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. — Scenes from the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is America’s largest independent, indoor zoo dedicated to birds.

A photo collage featuring four different birds from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA. Top left: A Victoria crowned pigeon with elaborate feather crest. Top right: Two affectionate Hyacinth Macaws perched on a branch. Bottom left: A Toco Toucan with a large, colorful bill. Bottom right: A Steller's Sea Eagle with sharp yellow beak and intense gaze. The diverse avian life represents the variety of species housed at the aviary. — Scenes from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

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