Edouard Machery
Director
machery@pitt.edu
412-624-1051
Center Staff
Samuel Wessell
Assistant Director
sjw132@pitt.edu
412-624-1050
Chantel Snodgrass
Programs Administrator
crs258@pitt.edu
412-624-1052
Kelsey Muchnok
Digital Communication Coordinator
kmm287@pitt.edu
412-624-3879
J.P. Gamboa
Program Assistant
jog122@pitt.edu
412-624-3879
Getting Here
The Center for Philosophy of Science is in the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus in Oakland, Pittsburgh, in the landmark Cathedral of Learning. Pittsburgh is the largest city in Western Pennsylvania and is readily accessible by air, using Pittsburgh International Airport, and road. Pittsburgh is also served by bus and rail.
By Air
Pittsburgh International Airport serves the Pittsburgh area and is about 20 miles from the Oakland Campus of the University of Pittsburgh.
Transportation From The Airport
The drive takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Pittsburgh is amply served by Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis. The fare to Oakland is approximately $60. Cabs are generally freely available and advance reservation is not necessary.
Super Shuttle (800-258-3826) serves the Pittsburgh International Airport and the hotels in Oakland. You can make reservations online or in person at the airport. The depot is located behind the escalator near the luggage pick-up (US Airways) and car rental agencies. The Shuttle collects passengers all day and night. Check with the depot when you arrive for the departure times.
The 28X Airport Express (Port Authority Transit bus) (412-442-2000) is very reliable and inexpensive. The bus runs each 20-30 minutes from the ground transportation area of the airport. The driver does not carry change, so have small bills and change on hand. The bus stops in Oakland at the Corner of Fifth Ave. and Bigelow Blvd, directly opposite the Cathedral of Learning, which houses the Center offices. For current rates and schedules see the Port Authority website: www.portauthority.org.
The 2023 fare is $2.75/trip.
If you are arriving with substantial luggage and staying in private quarters rather than a hotel, we recommend that you take a taxi limo from the airport to your destination.
Private limousine service can be arranged through Corporate Sedan Service (1-888-666-4909).
By Car
The Center offices are housed in the Cathedral of Learning on the 11th floor. For mapping/directional purposes, the street address is:
4200 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Parking
The most convenient cash-parking garage is under Soldiers & Sailors Hall on Fifth Ave. To find it, drive in the left lane on Forbes Ave. and turn left onto Bigelow Blvd. in front of the Cathedral of Learning. Go straight through the next traffic light which crosses over Fifth Avenue. Turn left into the parking garage. Take your parking ticket with you. On your return, you pay at the cashier at street level and take the validated ticket to your car. It opens the gate on your exit.
Metered parking is plentiful in Oakland but virtually always fully occupied. Illegal parking is policed vigorously and very likely to attract a fine. A quest for a free meter often leads to a drive into nearby Schenley Park and a fifteen minute walk back to the Cathedral.
The campus map shows parking locations.
By Rail
Unfortunately rail connections to Pittsburgh are not as efficient as with comparable locations in Europe and air travel is generally much more convenient.
The Amtrak Station is in downtown Pittsburgh, about 10 minutes from the University of Pittsburgh, Oakland. There is very frequent bus service from downtown to Oakland. However, if you have luggage, a cab is more convenient and may sometimes be waiting.
Our Home Base
The Center offices are located on the 11th floor of the Cathedral of Learning, which is on the Oakland Campus of the University of Pittsburgh, three miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. The Cathedral of Learning, a gothic skyscraper, is the tallest building on the University of Pittsburgh campus and a distinctive landmark, readily visible from most parts of Oakland.
Most Center events and all Lunchtime Talks take place in our conference room on the 11th floor or in the shared philosophy conference room on the 10th. When arriving, allow yourself extra time before talks, since the elevators may be very busy during scheduled changes of classes and especially during the noontime hour. If arriving by car, allow extra time for parking.
Hotels
The Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center is one-half block from the Center at 100 Lytton Avenue (Pittsburgh, PA 15213). Ask for the university rate when you contact them by phone or on-line; 412-682-6200 or toll free 877-999-3223
The Oaklander boutique hotel, also located less than one block from the Center. 412-578-8500
Hotels located a few blocks from the Cathedral of Learning that offer some shuttle services to university buildings are: