Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum facts for kids
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Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Front view of the memorial and its lawn from Fifth Avenue
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| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1908-1910 |
| Architect | Henry Hornbostel |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| Part of | Schenley Farms Historic District (ID83002213) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001746 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 30, 1974 |
| Designated CP | July 22, 1983 |
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum is a special place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It's a huge building that honors all the brave men and women who have served in the military. It's actually the biggest memorial in the U.S. that's just for military veterans and service members from every branch!
Contents
History of the Memorial Hall
This important building was first thought of by a group called the Grand Army of the Republic in the 1890s. They wanted a way for people in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to honor the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. The memorial was built on land that was once used by the Union Army during that war.
Honoring All Service Members
Today, the memorial honors all parts of the military. It celebrates both career soldiers and everyday citizens who have served the United States throughout history. This means it remembers people from the Civil War all the way up to today's conflicts.
Building Design and Location
A talented architect named Henry Hornbostel designed this memorial in 1907. It officially opened in 1910. The building is made in a grand style called Beaux-Arts, which means it looks very impressive and heroic.
You can find it in the Oakland part of Pittsburgh, at 4141 Fifth Avenue. The path to its main entrance is even named "Matthew Ridgway Blvd." after a hero from World War II and the Korean War. The memorial is right next to the University of Pittsburgh and its famous Cathedral of Learning. It has big, well-kept lawns with old cannons and other military items.
What You Can See Inside
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum has many unique and rare exhibits. These displays cover different time periods, from the American Civil War to modern-day conflicts.
The Hall of Valor
Since 1963, the building has been home to the "Hall of Valor." This special exhibit honors local veterans who showed incredible bravery and went above and beyond their duty. More than six hundred people are honored here. This includes winners of very high awards like the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Spaces for Events
The building also has a large auditorium that can hold 2,500 people. There's a big banquet hall for parties, and several meeting rooms. The museum itself is full of interesting things to see. Underneath the memorial's big lawn, there's even an underground parking garage. The memorial is often used for city, school, and business events.
Filming Location for Movies
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall has been used as a setting for several movies!
- The 1991 movie Silence of the Lambs filmed scenes here. The hall was used to look like the "Memphis Courthouse."
- The movie Sorority Row filmed its graduation scenes at the hall.
- Dog Jack shot many scenes at the Memorial. The movie also had its first showing right there in the Museum.
Famous People Who Visited
Many important people have visited the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall over the years.
- Ferdinand Foch, a famous French general, visited in 1921.
- Nelson Mandela, a world leader from South Africa, spoke at the hall in 1991.
- Barack Obama, who later became president, visited the hall in 2008.
- Donald Trump, who also became president, spoke at the hall in 2016.
Gallery
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The bronze artwork America (1910) by Charles Keck is above the main entrance.
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The bronze statue Lookout (1923) by Frederick Hibbard on the memorial grounds.
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The bronze statue Parade Rest (1923) by Frederick Hibbard on the memorial grounds.
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A World War II torpedo monument outside the memorial.
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A bell from the heavy ship USS Pittsburgh (CA-72).
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The large auditorium, with the Gettysburg Address behind the stage.
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Barack Obama with Senator Bob Casey, Jr. in the auditorium in 2008.
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A life mask of Abraham Lincoln on display in the museum.
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An interior hallway showing military uniforms and equipment.
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The bow ornament from the ship USS Pennsylvania.
