The Bost Building Rivers of Steel
Explore Pittsburgh's industrial past at The Bost Building, featuring exhibits on the steel industry, the Homestead Strike, and a massive mill site mod...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, staff available
The Bost Building Rivers of Steel
Best Time
Less crowded, staff available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Pittsburgh's industrial past at The Bost Building, featuring exhibits on the steel industry, the Homestead Strike, and a massive mill site model.
"A great look into the past that forged the future of the nation. "
Ring the Doorbell! 🛎️
Don't hesitate to ring the front doorbell; staff like Christine are welcoming and eager to guide you.
Self-Guided Exploration 🚶♀️
The visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and share their knowledge.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 59 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Mill Site Model
1st Floor
An impressive, full-scale model showcasing the USS Mill site at its peak operational capacity. A must-see for understanding the scale of industry.
"Safety First" Exhibit
3rd Floor
Explore the crucial role of safety in steel mills with this exhibit, highlighting historical equipment and practices.
Historical Timeline & Artifacts
1st Floor
Trace the evolution of the steel industry from 1882 onwards through original artifacts and a comprehensive timeline.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Has anyone done any of the tours or classes at the Carrie Furnace? Are they worth it?
The tour was really awesome - honestly can’t remember what tour we did but it was very interesting
Ring the Doorbell! 🛎️
Don't hesitate to ring the front doorbell; staff like Christine are welcoming and eager to guide you.
Self-Guided Exploration 🚶♀️
The visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and share their knowledge.
I made a video about the Homestead Steelworks / Carrie Furnace park in Homestead I thought y'all might find interesting.
Well done. The tour is very much recommended. Don’t skip visiting the Pump House across the river and the Bost Building, also close, has a ton of artifacts - worth the stop.
steel mill, Pittsburgh [2136 × 1424]
Carrie Furnace! I explored there with some climbing friends in 2011. I'd be interested to see what they've done with the place, as I know they now hold tours and such. To an explorer, it's a mixed feeling. On one side, it's a bummer that it's been messed with, and it feels like…
Connect with History Steelworker
If your family has roots in the steel industry, this museum offers a profound connection to that heritage.
Check Exhibit Dates 🗓️
Special exhibits, like 'Safety First,' have end dates, so check the schedule if you want to see them.
Just visited the Carrie Blast Furnaces, NEED to find this owl sculpture they moved. Any info?
Some friends and I just went through the tour of the Carrie Blast Furnace for the first time. We were immediately obsessed with the deer head sculpture, but even more so with this illegal owl sculpture that was in its place some years back. Apparently, it was not destroyed but…
Tips
from all over the internet
Ring the Doorbell! 🛎️
Don't hesitate to ring the front doorbell; staff like Christine are welcoming and eager to guide you.
Self-Guided Exploration 🚶♀️
The visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and share their knowledge.
Connect with History Steelworker
If your family has roots in the steel industry, this museum offers a profound connection to that heritage.
Check Exhibit Dates 🗓️
Special exhibits, like 'Safety First,' have end dates, so check the schedule if you want to see them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Bost Building to be an informative and worthwhile museum, particularly for those with ties to the steel industry. The exhibits, including a detailed mill site model and historical artifacts, offer a strong look into the past. While the building itself is described as non-descript, the content provides significant historical insight.
"Non-descript building on the main street. Easy to drive by it. Park in the rear. The front door will be locked if you are the first visitor from the general public. Born and raised in Homestead? Dad or granddad a "steelworker"? If so, you will like this place. Dark inside when you first come in. Like OSHA and NIOSH safety requirements for a Steel mill? No....or Yes? You better say yes...that equipment helped you go home to your bachelor pad or family at every end of your shift. See it here."
T Cloonan
"I have been wanting to visit this museum at the Bost building for years and finally made it on a Friday just before noon. Do not hesitate to ring the doorbell at the front door. We were warmly greeted by Christine. As for so many, Christine wears many hats for the museum and took some time out of her day to welcome us and guide us through our visit. Christine shared her extensive knowledge of the history of the Bost Building and the mission of Rivers of Steel. The 1st floor consists of an impressive full scale model of the USS Mill site when it was at full capacity. There are also some original artifacts and an historical timeline starting @ 1882. Next, we took the elevator to the 3rd floor Exhibit “Safety First” available until May 30, 2025. Also on the 3rd floor is a small theater space for you to view their collection of historical videos and two restored rooms with additional exhibits. Our visit was self-guided, but Christine was available as needed with any questions we had. All and all it was worth the visit. A great look into the past that forged the future of the nation."
Daniel Conner
"Open for four hours a day. Informative interesting displays about the Homestead strike and the history of the steel industry and unions."
Melinda Ambrose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bost Building is located on the main street. Parking is available in the rear of the building.
Information on public transportation options is not readily available, but it's recommended to check local transit schedules for the Homestead area.
The building is described as non-descript on the main street, making it easy to drive by. Parking is in the rear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open for four hours a day. It's essential to check their official schedule before visiting as hours can vary.
Advance booking information is not specified, but arriving just before noon on a Friday worked for one visitor. Ringing the doorbell upon arrival is recommended.
Admission fee details are not explicitly stated, but the experience is described as 'worth the visit,' suggesting a nominal fee or donation is expected.
If you are the first visitor from the general public, the front door may be locked. Ring the doorbell, and staff will assist you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the steel industry, the Homestead Strike, view a full-scale model of the USS Mill site, and see historical artifacts. There's also a 'Safety First' exhibit and historical videos.
Yes, the visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and provide insights.
Yes, there is a 'Safety First' exhibit available until May 30, 2025, on the 3rd floor.
While informative, some experiences, like boat tours associated with Rivers of Steel, have had mixed reviews regarding tour guide interactions with children. The museum itself offers historical context.
The building and its exhibits delve into the history of the steel industry in Pittsburgh, the labor struggles of the Homestead Strike, and the impact of industrialization.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies are not explicitly stated, but one reviewer mentioned a tour guide scolding children for being on their phones to take pictures during a boat tour. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
The full-scale model of the USS Mill site and historical artifacts offer unique visual opportunities for those interested in industrial history.
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