Pittsburgh’s newest cultural landmark, the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres Park, invites visitors into a dynamic fusion of art, history and beautiful park scenery. Set against the backdrop of a 629-acre public park and anchored by a stately 1929 Tudor Revival mansion and the inspiring Suffragist Grove, the garden features 14 striking large-scale sculptures, largely rooted in the Minimalist movement. Each piece is thoughtfully placed near accessible paths, encouraging exploration and reflection.

We are now thrilled to unveil a free, self-guided audio tour, offering deeper insight into the sculptures and the artists behind them. The tour highlights key themes, including Pittsburgh’s legacy of industrial art production and the role of weathering steel, or COR-TEN steel developed by U.S. Steel, as a medium of both strength and beauty. Geometric and abstract forms dominate the collection, inviting open interpretation and fresh perspective. Notably, the garden features four women sculptors, including three of whom worked in steel.

How to Enjoy the New Audio Tour

Whether you’re on foot, on wheels, or exploring from home, the new Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden audio tour is designed to be flexible, accessible and enriching for everyone. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

🚶 Walk, Bike, Stroll or Roll the Full Tour
Take the full self-guided audio tour on-site at Hartwood Acres Park. The full tour has a running time of 30 minutes, but with stops to reflect on the art and to navigate to each sculpture, expect that it will take approximately 40 – 60 minutes. It’s perfect for a leisurely experience through the Hartwood Acres Park as you learn about the art and artists in depth.

📱 Scan QR Codes for Short Snippets
Each sculpture has its own QR code at the site. Scan any one to hear a short 2–3 minute audio segment focused on that piece. These segments are unique from the full audio tour and have bonus information included.

🏡 Enjoy from Home
You don’t have to be at the park to experience the tour! Visit acsculpturegardentour.org to listen to the full tour or explore each sculpture individually from wherever you are.

🗺️ Use the Companion Map
A detailed map is available to help guide your journey through the garden and keep you oriented as you move between pieces. There are free maps available at the mansion, through Allegheny County Parks at Hartwood Acres events or by contacting us to receive your own copy.

📍Permanent Signage Coming Soon
Later this year, permanent on-site orientation signs will make it even easier to navigate the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden. There is temporary signage to access audio content now, but it will be even better soon!

🏛️History of the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden
If you’d like to dive deeper into the history, conservation efforts, or overall project vision, explore these resources:

• • Parks Foundation Project Page
  • History of the Project
  • Conservation of the artwork

Plan Your Visit

If you are ready to experience the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden audio tour in person, then here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Hartwood Acres Park.

📍 Location
The full audio tour of the sculpture collection begins near the Mansion in Hartwood Acres Park. There is one sculpture located near the amphitheater in Hartwood Acres Park. Take a trail or park here.

🎧 What to Bring

• • A smartphone to access the tour website or scan QR codes
  • Headphones for the best listening experience
  • Water or snacks if you’re planning a longer visit

🧭 Accessibility
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden and its new audio tour. Here’s what to know about accessibility:

• • The Sculpture Garden features paved pathways that are generally wheelchair and stroller accessible, but please be mindful of the elevation in a few locations.
  • The tour is free and available on any internet-connected device.
  • Transcripts of the audio content are available on the website for those who prefer to read or use a screen reader.
  • There are maps and large print transcripts of the audio tour that are available inside the mansion. Be sure to plan your visit if you need these for when the mansion will be open.

🎨 Bonus Tip
Make a day of it! Explore the surrounding park trails, pack a picnic or check out upcoming events at the Hartwood Acres Mansion or amphitheater.

The Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres Park is waiting for you to explore! As the first self-guided audio tour in any Allegheny County park, we’re proud to offer this free, accessible experience that’s available year-round.

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our partners at Allegheny County, generous funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the many individuals who helped bring this vision to life – thank you!