Nationality Rooms & Intercultural Exchange Programs
Nationality Rooms & Intercultural Exchange Programs

Tours

Notice

Masking inside University of Pittsburgh buildings follows CDC COVID-19 Community Level, with masks required when Allegheny County's level is High.  Masks are optional when the level is Medium or Low.  Current Community Levels can be found at coronavirus.pitt.edu. Additionally, placards are posted with masking requirements at the entrance to the Cathedral of Learning.

  1. Tours
  2. Tours

Tours of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms are available by advanced registration through the form below. Select the date you wish to visit for a tour and view the available tour times for that date. We do not offer self-guided tours of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms.

Room Availability

The Nationality Rooms are functioning classrooms. Visitors must take great care not to disturb active classes. Given the current operational stance of the University, all tours of the Nationality Rooms require advance registration and will be guided. Guided, group tours will visit a selection of rooms that happen to be available during the scheduled time. Availability to rooms changes hour to hour depending on class times, so expecting certain rooms to be open during weekdays is not advised. Guests desiring to see particular rooms are advised to visit on weekends when the Nationality Rooms are not scheduled for classes. There are no self-guided audio tours available in summer 2023.

 

Guided Tours

Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance. Group tours booked when school is in session will only visit available rooms not in use for classes. To request a guided, group tour, contact the Tour Coordinator using the webform at the bottom of this page.  It will enable you to refine your tour request, and the Tour Coordinator will receive your submitted form and reply if there is availability in the schedule for your request. A submitted webform request is not confirmation of a scheduled event; please allow for an emailed confirmation.

Fees

Adults $10
Children & Youths (Up to 18 Years) $6

Online Tours

Zoom based interactive tours are available via a new secure registration / pay site for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. They are also a way to tour if you cannot physically make it to campus once operations return to a physical environment. A mixture of video, photos, and audio will enhance the narration of the Nationality Rooms, organized by themes.

 

Guides

Over the years, the Quo Vadis program has accpted many talented students to join the ranks of volunteer guides.  These students dedicate their time to acquiring a thorough and accurate knowledge of each Nationality Room and the history of the Cathedral of Learning so that they can interpret the classrooms and knowledgably answer any questions. Trainees are required to pass both a written and oral exam before becoming a member of the organization. If interested in becoming a guide, contact the Tour Coordinator and Quo Vadis Advisor.

 

Holiday Open House

The annual Holiday Open House is scheduled for Sunday, December 4 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cathedral of Learning.  We look forward to welcoming you! More information is available at https://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/events/holiday-open-house-2022.

Request an In-Person Guided Tour

Sorry—no tours will be given this day.

Groups of 10-30 people are considered Small.  In addition to per-person admission charges, a $6.00 non-refundable deposit is required after confirmation.

Groups of 31-60 people are considered Medium.  In addition to per-person admission charges, a $12.00 non-refundable deposit is required after confirmation.

Groups of 61-90 people are considered Large.  In addition to per-person admission charges, a $20.00 non-refundable deposit is required after confirmation.

Groups of more than 91 people are considered Jumbo.  A $30.00 non-refundable deposit is required after confirmation is received.

Masking inside University of Pittsburgh buildings follows CDC guidelines. Acknowledging here indicates that you understand the University of Pittsburgh will follow that recommendation and that masking may be required. Before entering the Cathedral of Learning, check the posted placards at entrances to learn what the current masking status is.
I acknowledge that submitting this form only constitutes a request for a tour and does not imply scheduling until I have written confirmation from the Nationality Rooms.

There will be no tours given on Tuesdays.