Historic Site Plaque

The “Historic Site” plaque at Gallery Closed in Troy Hill, Pittsburgh, is a permanent, 8-foot-tall bronze installation commemorating the history of the building's site, including its past as an incline train station and even its prehistoric origins. It was unveiled in September 2021. The gallery itself is a unique space, designed as a 24/7 closed, 24/7 open museum, where visitors view art through the windows.

The plaque, created by artists Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis, is a contemporary companion to a smaller, earlier plaque on the building. It details the history of the site from millions of years ago to the present day. The full text is available here (pdf).

The gallery, located on the site of the former upper incline station, is designed to be viewed from the outside. The art is displayed in the windows, and the space operates as a 24/7 museum, with rotating exhibitions.

The unveiling of the plaque included a performance by a local choir and a reading of the plaque’s text. The artists intended the project to spark curiosity and conversation among the community. The plaque is a permanent installation, and the artists plan to add to it over time, reflecting the ongoing history of the site.