Randyland
Randyland
4.5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
About
One of the country’s most colorful landmarks, Randyland is artist Randy Gilson's own home and backyard—created by himself using paints, plants, plastic animals, yard sale finds and discarded construction materials. Visitors are invited to explore the public art displays in and around this whimsical outdoor museum which is located in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood. The area is also brimming with community gardens and features must-sees like the Mattress Factory Museum, a modern art museum which pioneered site-specific installation art. Randyland is open every day of the week and is free to visit, but donations are welcome. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- HgtravlMarlton, New Jersey3,305 contributionsJoy🌈✨🌸 Not enough words for how AMAZING & MAGICAL Randyland is 🌸🌈✨Created by a man who just wanted to bring peace, joy & light to the neighborhood. Randyland is a work of art, pure joy & a breath of fresh air to a world that can seem hard at times. Pulling down the road, the colorful beacon shines. It’s open to the public so you can get out, take photos, explore the property! So much thought went into this house/property which is covered every inch in fun colors, paint, works of art- you name it! We spent over a hour here just walking around feeling like children again. So much to look at! It’s such a good vibe here. I feel like there are so many good vibes that it shines thru the tough struggles our world & society faces. I wish I was local otherwise I would come to Randyland anytime I need a breath of fresh air & just feel real, raw, JOY that this place oozes. Randy also has a small gift shop in the back that you can purchase hand made goodies & support his art! It’s a honor system so PLEASE be honest & Venmo him for your purchase! We need more Randylands in our world. But this is a gift to Pittsburgh, its people & travelers to witness.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 5, 2024
- Ellen_ELLansing, Michigan102 contributionsA Joyful Riot of ColorIn a city with a lot of grey-- grey stone buildings, grey rivers, grey sky, Randyland stands out in vibrant colors! It is a delight to wonder around the house and courtyard and look at all the found object vignettes that Randy has painted and created. We took so many pictures!! Randy himself was not there when we visited, but we just wandered on our own. There were probably a dozen other people during the time we were there (a weekday early afternoon.) We left feeling uplifted and happy. Couple of tips: we had no trouble parking on the street, but I could see it could get difficult on a weekend. Also, Randy has thoughtfully provided a porta-john for visitors. Finally, there are locked donation bins and I hope every visitor donates for the privilege of the experience.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 24, 2024
- Nancy A304 contributionsIt's a fun placeI thought Randyland was a fun place to spend a little time walking around. All the colors are amazing and the various items used around the property are great. Take a few minutes to check it out.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten July 3, 2024
- Kay-LynnePerrysburg, Ohio57 contributionsRandyland….for open minds only!Wow! We got to Pittsburgh on a Tuesday, Warhol’s birthday, and the Warhol museum was closed. 😐 So….we tooled over to Randyland, and it really lifted our spirits! It’s hard to put into words the concept of this place. Misfit art, profound philosophy, weird things, kid things, misplaced things, art not yet ready for display, and concepts I want to recreate. Come here!!! The PRICE IS RIGHT, and you can get a t-shirt or a sticker too!!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 12, 2024
- Sara SCollinsville, Oklahoma517 contributionsAbsolutely magical!I don’t know where to start. If you are a fan of whimsical & nostalgic art, this is the place for you! All of the exhibits are outside of the bright yellow building & entrance is free. Donations are welcome for painting supplies. There is a small amount of merchandise available for purchase. There was a local jazz station piped through the speakers & so much colorful art to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this magical, whimsical, colorful exhibit full of love!Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
429 reviews
Excellent
286
Very good
104
Average
30
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Sarah
Lancaster, PA110 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Visiting Randyland is hard to explain. We didn't know what to expect but we are very glad we went. We were able to meet Randy and speak with him for a few minutes. Seeing all of the art he has created and how he has transformed this space into something magical is just a really cool thing to experience. I definitely recommend checking it out - you'll get some really pictures too.
Written January 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hedelman4
Pittsburgh, PA28 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
Who would ever do this to their house. RANDY. This place is a wacky must see in Pittsburgh. You have to love quirky and enjoy the creative mind.
Written August 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry B
Portland, OR60 contributions
Jul 2017
This is a quaint, eclectic exhibit put together by Randy and his partner. You will see all sorts of oddities of art. Best of all Randy is there to explain everything to you and is willing to take a picture with you. He is very proud of the exhibit, as he should be. Be prepared to see all sorts of colorful art pieces and Randy's tour helps one to understand how significant each piece is. It is free and a great value!
Written July 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanaIrene
Hookstown, PA32 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
Everything seemed to be eligible to be used as a canvas for this colorful, positive, quirky art! Lots of salvaged items that received new purpose. I LOVED my visit here! It's small, but there is a lot to look at. How much time you spend here would depend on how closely and how many times you look around wondering what you missed the first time!
Written June 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BarbK303
Dallas, Texas333 contributions
Jun 2017
We had some extra time in Pittsburgh and I had been wanting to visit this place based on the reviews. It was very enjoyable - a bit smaller than I expected so did not take long to visit.
Written June 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha L
Greenwood, SC12 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Randyland is an artistic oasis in the city full of imagination, joy, dreamsand wonder! Randy himself is a delight. He exudes positivity! A rainstorm was looming during our visit, and my 5yr old was flipping out about the impending storm. Randy pulled him aside and talked to him about the rain being the angels' tears of joy and helped calm him. We had a wonderful experience!
Written June 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona F
New York City, NY16 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
I'm definitely glad I saw Randyland in a recent visit to Pittsburgh, but once you arrive there's not really anything to do beyond gawk at the colors and the numerous items (plastic swan planters, etc.) that Randy has brought there.
Written May 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cyndi D
Las Vegas, NV354 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Trying to describe Randyland isn't easy!
I will say it's a unique vibe one must experience first hand.
An art display with a whimsically "Willy Wonka" feel but with an eclectic twist.
A collection of misfit, gregarious, discarded, contemptible items that have been repurposed & recreated, turning one man's waste into another man's art, on display for your personal enjoyment!
A unique, quirky, one of a kind, eclectic retreat of colorful, capricious art!
Street art that's out of this world!
There's nothing like it anywhere!
Be open minded. It's not your ordinary art gallery.
It's the backyard of 2 or 3 houses in the neighborhood adorned with indescribable, unusual, quirky artwork, painted with bright colors and displayed in a unique style.
There's no charge to enter. Yes, it's FREE!
Donations are accepted (a box located near the entrance). Please contribute!
Street parking is plentiful and free.
From the minute you walk up to it you are energized with the bright colors, you are overcome with a childlike joy, filling your heart with a happiness and a sense of wild freedom.
You leave with the feeling of how art can change your feelings, your mood, your mind!
You can spend 5 minutes here or an hour. The longer you stay, the more you discover.
It's a great place to pop in for an experience that doesn't require an extensive amount of time to get the full experience.
If you want to read the story about how Randyland came to be, there's a 2 page story available by the entrance (or see pic)
No matter how old, anyone can enjoy Randyland!
Kids, adults and seniors will all feel a whimsical magic as they stroll through.
Rainy days may not be the best, it's outdoors with no covering and you're walking on dirt.
If you're visiting Pittsburgh or live here, you definitely need put this on your "places to visit" list and go!
Art for the soul! You can't help but smile when you are walking through this place.
You have to go to fully understand.
Every neighborhood needs a "Randyland"!
I will say it's a unique vibe one must experience first hand.
An art display with a whimsically "Willy Wonka" feel but with an eclectic twist.
A collection of misfit, gregarious, discarded, contemptible items that have been repurposed & recreated, turning one man's waste into another man's art, on display for your personal enjoyment!
A unique, quirky, one of a kind, eclectic retreat of colorful, capricious art!
Street art that's out of this world!
There's nothing like it anywhere!
Be open minded. It's not your ordinary art gallery.
It's the backyard of 2 or 3 houses in the neighborhood adorned with indescribable, unusual, quirky artwork, painted with bright colors and displayed in a unique style.
There's no charge to enter. Yes, it's FREE!
Donations are accepted (a box located near the entrance). Please contribute!
Street parking is plentiful and free.
From the minute you walk up to it you are energized with the bright colors, you are overcome with a childlike joy, filling your heart with a happiness and a sense of wild freedom.
You leave with the feeling of how art can change your feelings, your mood, your mind!
You can spend 5 minutes here or an hour. The longer you stay, the more you discover.
It's a great place to pop in for an experience that doesn't require an extensive amount of time to get the full experience.
If you want to read the story about how Randyland came to be, there's a 2 page story available by the entrance (or see pic)
No matter how old, anyone can enjoy Randyland!
Kids, adults and seniors will all feel a whimsical magic as they stroll through.
Rainy days may not be the best, it's outdoors with no covering and you're walking on dirt.
If you're visiting Pittsburgh or live here, you definitely need put this on your "places to visit" list and go!
Art for the soul! You can't help but smile when you are walking through this place.
You have to go to fully understand.
Every neighborhood needs a "Randyland"!
Written May 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scoutandboo1961
West Chester, PA106 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
Is it Randy himself or is it the place, or is it the feeling it gives you, like you've returned to a happy childhood imaginary place?
My suggestion is to go in without preconceived notions, let it soak in, wander. Talk to Randy, and see it through his eyes. There is line, pattern, and color everywhere, all with a childlike excitement about life.
People of all ages will enjoy a walk through Randyland. You can spend minutes or an hour. I think that young kids would be inspired by Randy's outlook on life. If you're open minded and willing, talk to him, and you'll feel it too. Randy is a special person on a mission.
I was happy to buy a cat toy from the shed (no pressure or even a mention, I just stumbled upon it) to support the project, and even happier that this hasn't become more commercial, although from looking at the website, it seems someone wants to coach him in that direction and is soliciting for a fancy crowd-sourced website design. I'd prefer that Randy's project remain pure, a quirky northside Pittsburgh neighborhood phenomenon, true to its own nature.
Go in there and leave your cynicism at the door. With the right attitude, you'll find your inner child and you'll leave a little lighter.
My suggestion is to go in without preconceived notions, let it soak in, wander. Talk to Randy, and see it through his eyes. There is line, pattern, and color everywhere, all with a childlike excitement about life.
People of all ages will enjoy a walk through Randyland. You can spend minutes or an hour. I think that young kids would be inspired by Randy's outlook on life. If you're open minded and willing, talk to him, and you'll feel it too. Randy is a special person on a mission.
I was happy to buy a cat toy from the shed (no pressure or even a mention, I just stumbled upon it) to support the project, and even happier that this hasn't become more commercial, although from looking at the website, it seems someone wants to coach him in that direction and is soliciting for a fancy crowd-sourced website design. I'd prefer that Randy's project remain pure, a quirky northside Pittsburgh neighborhood phenomenon, true to its own nature.
Go in there and leave your cynicism at the door. With the right attitude, you'll find your inner child and you'll leave a little lighter.
Written February 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee T
14 contributions
Dec 2016
Need a place to brighten your day, energize your soul, spark creativity, or just get lost in fun? Get to Randyland stat!
We met Randy, heard his story, toured the property and left better people because of our experience. Randy...way to give back to your community, the neighborhood and your visitors. Awesome visit...PEACE!
We met Randy, heard his story, toured the property and left better people because of our experience. Randy...way to give back to your community, the neighborhood and your visitors. Awesome visit...PEACE!
Written December 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this place still free? I think I'm going to the official site and it's saying it's $49 for admission
Written April 12, 2024
My elderly mom would like to see this, but it's very cold weather. Can any of Randyland be seen from the street, or nearby streets? She may want to look from the car, if possible.
Written February 5, 2021
It is only street parking because it’s a residential area.
Written September 23, 2020
Is there a fee to visit? If so , what is it?
Written November 14, 2019
Ditto - there was no fee, but there is a donation box and a little gift stand to buy souvenirs!
Written December 9, 2019
I think you probably could - it is a pretty chill place - a bit small and crowded, so maybe not if the dog doesn't like to feel cramped....
Written November 2, 2019
A portable john, I believe.
Written September 15, 2019
I believe it is. When I was there, someone was there with their dog and nobody said anything.
Written April 17, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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