Sports is a serious subject for the Pittsburgh region, with a well-recognized fan base that reaches across the entire country. “Downtown Renown” is a new way to explore the history and legacy of sports stars from the city and beyond through a new neighborhood-wide art installation.

The “Downtown Renown” installation features 14 artworks and stories that celebrate the careers of Pittsburgh sports icons and athletic groundbreakers. Installed in windows around Downtown, find artistic renderings of household names from Mario Lemieux and Franco Harris, to Swin Cash, Dan McCoy, and more, showcasing a breadth of talent and accomplishments that is truly inspirational.

The artwork is that of Gavin Benjamin, who developed the unique pieces using a style that combines original analog photography and appropriated images with collage, paint, and varnish techniques, resulting in a non-traditional, but a highly vivid representation of his subjects. Commissioned under the PDP’s “REFORGE” initiative that invites the community to safely revisit and reengage with Downtown through unique events, activations, and programs, it’s a powerful reminder of the vibrancy that public art can bring to the city, especially one as sports-minded as Pittsburgh.

“Art should be available to the everyday person, from the person who works in the deli to the bus driver to the president of a company,” Benjamin said. “I feel like this will bring the story to the people. People in Pittsburgh are proud of their sports gods and goddesses. These athletes have learned confidence from playing a sport. They’ve built relationships with teammates from all walks of life, all on the same field. We need more of that in our world today.”

Explore all the featured athletes

Josh Gibson • Arnold Palmer • Roberto Clemente • John Woodruff • Bill Mazeroski • Charles “Chuck” Cooper • Swin Cash • Joe Greene • Franco Harris • Dan McCoy • Honus Wagner • Mario Lemieux • Suzie McConnell-Serio • Sidney Crosby