PPG Place, Pittsburgh (must see)

PPG Place is instantly identified by its reflective glass towers and pointed spires. Completed in 1984 as the headquarters of PPG Industries, the complex was designed by architect Philip Johnson and partner John Burgee. Spanning more than five acres across several downtown blocks, PPG Place combines modern office design with neo-Gothic inspiration, creating a skyline silhouette often compared to a glass castle. The project was intended to symbolize Pittsburgh’s transition from its heavy industrial past toward a modern corporate and service-based economy.

The complex consists of six interconnected buildings arranged around a central plaza. The tallest, One PPG Place, rises 40 stories and reaches approximately 635 feet, making it one of the tallest towers in Pittsburgh. More than 19,000 panes of reflective glass cover the structures, while over 200 glass spires accent the rooftops. The sharp angles and crystalline surfaces change appearance throughout the day as sunlight and weather reflect across the façades. The glass itself was produced by PPG Industries, allowing the company to showcase its own materials through the building’s design.

At street level, the complex includes a large public plaza framed by shops, cafés, and office entrances. The plaza was designed to function as a gathering space rather than simply an entrance to office buildings. During warmer months, visitors can see the 140-jet fountain at the center of the plaza, with water sprays rising up to around 15 feet. In winter, the space transforms into an outdoor skating rink.

Attached to the eastern side of One PPG Place at ground level is the Wintergarden, a six-story glass atrium enclosed by vaulted ceilings and surrounded by indoor landscaping. Designed as a bright interior public space, it serves as both an event venue and a sheltered passage between parts of the complex. Inside, visitors find palm trees, seating areas, and natural light filtered through the glass walls. The Wintergarden often hosts exhibitions, seasonal displays, and public events, making it one of the most accessible interior spaces within the complex.