Mattress Factory!

The Mattress Factory is a museum created by artists in 1977, to support artists working in residence to create site-specific art. The museum today supports established and new emerging artists through a residency program.  The Mattress Factory museum is located in Pittsburgh, on the North Side, just a few minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. They have free parking for Mattress Factory guests which is provided in the museum parking lot, located at 505 Jacksonia Street. It is very cost friendly considering all of the amazing works of art you get to see, along with the free parking. It is originally $20 for adults however, if you are a student at any school and you bring your student I.D. you get in for $15! The Mattress Factory is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and on Sundays 1-5pm. They are only closed on Mondays, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. 

This museum is so unique and different from any other museum, in my opinion. It is absolutely worth visiting. This was my first time going and I already am itching to go back! They have such interesting works of art, it makes you see art in such a different way. I also enjoy the fact that they are so supportive to new and upcoming artists. Not only do they showcase such amazing artwork, they also support art and believe in it to the fullest. They want to help and spread art throughout the city, I admire their passion and support. One of my favorite pieces of work was called the Repetitive Vision by Yayoi Kusama. It is such a stimulating work of art. You walk through a set of double doors, and into a black corridor and then into a very bright lit space where the floor is covered in hot red dots. There are three female mannequins painted in white and their bodies and hair are cover with the red dots which are reflected in the mirrored walls and ceilings. It is a must see!

Repetitive Vision by Yayoi Kusama

Another must see is by Greer Lankton, it is called It's all about ME, not you. You open a tall gate and pass through a narrow alley beside a "white trash" house. Inside, Greer Lankton recreated the Chicago apartment where she lived and worked. The walls are painted in dark colors. Stars cover all over the ceiling. The room is filled with  dolls and figures that Lankton made during the course of her life. It is a cool concept to turn into a piece of art. Langton is a very different type of artist, I enjoy every single one of her works of art.

It's all about ME, not you by Greer Lankton

All in all, this was a fascinating museum to visit. Museums are typically known as boring however, this is a different type of museum. It takes your mind and opens it up to different viewpoints. It stimulates your thoughts and fills you in on the new type of art that is out there. It is low cost and is in a very convenient location, along with free parking! Go visit, explore, and enjoy!