Hidden · North Side, Pittsburgh, United States
Randyland
A house, fences and courtyard on Pittsburgh’s North Side covered in found objects, murals and bright paint, grown out of its founder’s community gardens.
A house and courtyard covered in found objects and color.
Randyland is an outdoor art museum on the North Side of Pittsburgh, built around found-object art. It is widely described as one of the most colorful public art spots in the country, and its neighbors in the area’s cultural revival include City of Asylum and the Mattress Factory.
The man behind it was a community activist who moved to the North Side in 1982 and planted more than 800 street gardens and 50 vegetable gardens on vacant lots in Manchester, the Mexican War Streets and nearby neighborhoods. In 1995 he bought the property that became Randyland with a credit card, and he spent the next three decades working on it while supporting himself as a waiter.
The decoration is made from upcycled items such as mannequins, plastic dinosaurs and pink flamingos. Murals on the fences show neighbors dancing and smiling.
From neighborhood gardens to a place people photograph.
The area around the museum grew quickly between 2016 and 2019, and attendance at Randyland reportedly doubled. The courtyard was redone to handle the crowds, and the place leaned into being a colorful backdrop for photos. Randyland also became one of the most photographed spots in Pittsburgh on Instagram and appeared on many online lists of things to do.
In 2019 it received the Mayor’s Award for Public Art. Because it is outdoors, it was one of the few art museums in Pennsylvania that stayed open during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the courtyard became a socially distanced playground. Many of the original murals have since been painted over, so recent photos may not match older ones.
It has been featured in film and television. The documentary The Spirit of Pittsburgh from 1988 follows the founder’s gardening, Pursuing Happiness features him, and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown named it essential for a perfect day in Pittsburgh. The band Guster recorded a viral music video in an alley near it after a blizzard postponed their concert.
Walls, mirrors and living room.
Practical notes.
Before you go.
What is Randyland?
It is an outdoor art museum on Pittsburgh’s North Side made from found objects, upcycled items and murals, created by a local community activist.
Is Randyland free?
As of 2022 it was described as a free attraction. Check the official website or social pages for current details before you go.
How did Randyland start?
Its founder moved to the North Side in 1982, planted hundreds of street and vegetable gardens, and bought the property in 1995 with a credit card. He then spent about thirty years decorating it.
Who are Randyland’s neighbors?
City of Asylum and the Mattress Factory are its neighbors, and together with Randyland they have been part of the cultural revival of the North Side.
Around Pittsburgh
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.