Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle Aglow in Neon Revival

Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle Aglow in Neon RevivalPittsburgh’s Golden Triangle Aglow in Neon Revival Once a vibrant symbol of Pittsburgh’s industrial past, the iconic neon signs that illuminated the city’s Golden Triangle have long since faded into obscurity. However, in recent years, a resurgence has been sparked, casting the city’s historic heart in a dazzling new light. The Golden Triangle, a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, was once the hub of Pittsburgh’s steel industry. Neon signs adorned the towering skyscrapers and sprawling warehouses, advertising everything from beer to appliances. As the industry declined in the mid-20th century, so too did the neon signs. Many fell into disrepair or were removed altogether. But in the 1990s, a growing appreciation for Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage sparked a movement to revitalize the signs. Led by preservationists and city planners, the Pittsburgh Neon Revival Project began to restore and reinstall vintage neon signs throughout the Golden Triangle. The effort has been met with overwhelming support from the community. Today, dozens of restored neon masterpieces illuminate the city’s skyline. The iconic “G.C. Murphy Co.” sign, once a prominent landmark at the intersection of Market and Liberty Avenues, now casts a warm glow over the redeveloped South Side Works. The “Hormel” sign, a 10-foot-tall pig waving a spoon, has returned to the North Shore, reminding passersby of Pittsburgh’s rich pork processing history. Other notable signs include the “Kaufmann’s Giant Shoe” on Smithfield Street, the “Beatles” sign on the former Capitol Theater, and the sprawling “Isaly’s” sign on the side of the Strip District Terminal. The revived neon signs have not only beautified the Golden Triangle but have also served as a catalyst for economic revitalization. The unique and recognizable glow of the signs attracts tourists and shoppers alike, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The resurgence of neon in Pittsburgh is not just about nostalgia but about celebrating the city’s heritage and embracing its future. These illuminated relics of the past are now symbols of a revitalized and thriving metropolis, casting a warm and inviting glow over the city’s heart.