Vitro Architectural Glass joined the Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) in celebrating the completion of PGC’s remarkable renovation, welcoming elected officials, partners, and community members for a unique hot glass ribbon cutting ceremony.

A longtime dedicated PGC supporter, Vitro contributed its industry-leading, high-performance glass for both the interior and exterior of PGC's momentous update. This marks another significant milestone in the extensive history of glass in the Pittsburgh region, which dates back over 140 years to the establishment of Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) in 1883.

“It is a great privilege to have contributed to PGC's historic expansion, which will profoundly impact Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, an area that holds special significance for Vitro," explained Ricardo Maiz, President of Vitro Architectural Glass. "Our ties to this region run deep. At our glass technology center just a few miles north of the city, our dedicated research and development teams consistently push the boundaries of architectural glass, striving to innovate and enhance its capabilities. We take pride in integrating these breakthroughs into the renovations, ensuring that visitors from around the globe can enjoy the finest views and optimal occupant comfort while visiting PGC.”

Vitro’s donation to PGC included Solarban^® 72 Starphire^® glass, a combination of low-e and low-iron glass with exceptional clarity and superior solar control performance. The project also features VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), a versatile product that provides center-of-glass (COG) R-values comparable to the thermal performance of traditional walls. United Plate Glass, the glass fabricator, and Southwest Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc., the glazier, both located in Western Pennsylvania, were additional partners who contributed to this project. 

PGC embarked on this groundbreaking renovation in March 2023. The expansion added 11,000 square feet of space, enhancing functionality and increasing the facility’s capacity to accommodate twice the number of visitors annually. The project also enabled the establishment of additional studio space and a retail store and the expansion of community programming. In addition, the enlargement allowed PGC to expand its unique apprenticeship program, showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent within the glassblowing community.

A standout feature of PGC's expansion is the state-of-the-art third-floor glassblowing studio, which boasts an outdoor deck known as the Vitro Patio. This open-air space is captivating for observing awe-inspiring glassblowing demonstrations and other activities.

Completing this extensive renovation has sparked immense joy and excitement among the artists and patrons who regularly visit this cutting-edge community hub, gallery, and studio. With its innovative use of Vitro Architectural Glass products, PGC is poised to provide a unique and inspiring space for the community for decades to come.