Pittsburgh

August Wilson African American Cultural Center

  • June 24 2026
  • Within Walking Distance
Overview
Getting To and From
Inside the Venue
Onsite Accessibility
Our Guidelines
Comments
About
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary arts center at 980 Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District, dedicated to sharing the African American experience and the artistic legacy of playwright August Wilson. One of the largest cultural organizations in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience, it presents more than 200 performances and presentations a year along with rotating gallery exhibitions; the galleries are always free and open to the public.
Getting To and From
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
No
The center does not have on-site parking; nearby garages, on-street parking, and valet (at select events) are the options (see Off Site Parking). The closest parking options include:

The Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
David Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Grant Street Transportation Center, 55 11th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Smithfield – Liberty Garage, 111 9th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
Guests are welcome to drop off and pick up directly in front of the doors of the center; please note bus-lane restrictions.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
Nearby garages include the Westin Pittsburgh (1000 Penn Avenue), the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd), the Grant Street Transportation Center (55 11th St), and the Smithfield–Liberty Garage (111 9th St); real-time availability is at ParkPGH. On-street parking is also available. Public transit: Port Authority buses and the "T" light rail serve the center (closest bus stop: Liberty Ave at William Penn Place; closest T station: Liberty Ave at Wood St). Buses are free within the Downtown zone until 7 p.m., and the T is always free Downtown. Valet parking is available at select events.
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
The AWAACC is wheelchair accessible, with elevators to all public areas. Guests may drop off and pick up directly in front of the center's doors (note bus-lane restrictions).
Site Map/Floorplan
Inside the Venue
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Yes
Yes
Safety of our patrons is our top priority. Prior to entry all guests and permissible items may be subject to a physical screening and inspection, including, but limited to, bag screenings, metal detectors, temperature screenings, health questionnaires, vaccine record checks (in the case of COVID-19), and/or the inspection of identifying documentation. Prohibited items discovered during our screening process will not be allowed inside of the Center. By presenting your ticket and entering our venue, patrons’ consent to such screenings. Persons who refuse screening may be denied entry into the venue. These protection measures have been put in place to ensure that each performance or experience is occurring in a safe environment for our guests.
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
The AWAACC is wheelchair accessible and features elevators to all public areas, accessible restrooms, and companion seating on both the orchestra and balcony levels.  A wheelchair is available upon request if you need assistance from the curb to your seat.
Accessible Seating (Theater)
Yes
Yes
Companion seating is available on both the orchestra and balcony levels of the theater. Notify the Box Office when purchasing tickets if you require wheelchair-accessible or companion seating — online, by phone, or in person at the Theater Square Box Office.

Getting To and From

Find essential details on parking, drop-off points, and accessibility to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
Check the table below for more information.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
No
The center does not have on-site parking; nearby garages, on-street parking, and valet (at select events) are the options (see Off Site Parking). The closest parking options include:

The Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
David Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Grant Street Transportation Center, 55 11th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Smithfield – Liberty Garage, 111 9th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
Guests are welcome to drop off and pick up directly in front of the doors of the center; please note bus-lane restrictions.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
Nearby garages include the Westin Pittsburgh (1000 Penn Avenue), the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd), the Grant Street Transportation Center (55 11th St), and the Smithfield–Liberty Garage (111 9th St); real-time availability is at ParkPGH. On-street parking is also available. Public transit: Port Authority buses and the "T" light rail serve the center (closest bus stop: Liberty Ave at William Penn Place; closest T station: Liberty Ave at Wood St). Buses are free within the Downtown zone until 7 p.m., and the T is always free Downtown. Valet parking is available at select events.
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
The AWAACC is wheelchair accessible, with elevators to all public areas. Guests may drop off and pick up directly in front of the center's doors (note bus-lane restrictions).
Site Map/Floorplan

Inside the Venue

Get to know what to expect indoors—from seating layouts to restrooms and concessions.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Yes
Yes
Safety of our patrons is our top priority. Prior to entry all guests and permissible items may be subject to a physical screening and inspection, including, but limited to, bag screenings, metal detectors, temperature screenings, health questionnaires, vaccine record checks (in the case of COVID-19), and/or the inspection of identifying documentation. Prohibited items discovered during our screening process will not be allowed inside of the Center. By presenting your ticket and entering our venue, patrons’ consent to such screenings. Persons who refuse screening may be denied entry into the venue. These protection measures have been put in place to ensure that each performance or experience is occurring in a safe environment for our guests.
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
The AWAACC is wheelchair accessible and features elevators to all public areas, accessible restrooms, and companion seating on both the orchestra and balcony levels.  A wheelchair is available upon request if you need assistance from the curb to your seat.
Accessible Seating (Theater)
Yes
Yes
Companion seating is available on both the orchestra and balcony levels of the theater. Notify the Box Office when purchasing tickets if you require wheelchair-accessible or companion seating — online, by phone, or in person at the Theater Square Box Office.

Onsite Accessibility

Learn about ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features available during your visit
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Restrooms
Yes
Yes
The AWAACC features accessible restrooms.
Elevators
Yes
Yes
Elevators serve all public areas of the center. The AWAACC is wheelchair accessible and features elevators to all public areas, accessible restrooms, and companion seating on both the orchestra and balcony levels.
On-Site Dining
 
Theater, Auditorium, etc. (Museum)
Yes
Yes
The AWAACC is a multi-disciplinary arts center presenting more than 200 performances and presentations a year, with a theater and rotating gallery exhibitions (the galleries are free and open to the public). Assistive Listening Devices — infrared headsets that amplify and clarify sound — are available first-come, first-served. Live audio description is available at select events via the ALD system, and sign language interpretation is scheduled for select events; both can be arranged by request with at least two weeks' notice (info@awaacc.org).
Our Guidelines
1. Make Accessibility Info Easy to Find - Dedicated Website Accessibility Page

Clearly post detailed accessibility information online, covering parking, entrances, interior pathways, site plans, and more.


2. Include All Mobility Devices

Consider walkers, canes, crutches — not just wheelchairs. Provide specifics for a variety of mobility needs. Include people who use different devices in the conversation.

3. Go Beyond ADA Compliance

ADA is the minimum. Strive for real-world accessibility through thoughtful design and ongoing improvements.

4. Visibility = Accessibility

If disabled visitors aren't present, barriers may exist. Transparency and preparation are the keys to inclusion. Empower everyone to attend.

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