Pittsburgh’s iconic Andy Warhol Museum has a new progressive lounge area, innovative multimedia experiences and more retail space at the Andy Warhol Store following a first floor renovation and redesign.

Designed by Desmone & Associates Architects and built by F.J Busse Company, the renovations were funded by the Eden Hall Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, Anonymous and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

The work sees the installation of leading audio visual equipment to showcase a range of engaging experiences. Some of the items to be displayed include visitor’s screen tests created using the museum’s Screen Test interactive project, as well as footage from a live camera feed from running from Warhol’s grave.

The space on the first-floor also features an iPad bar where visitors can browse the web, learn more about the artist and charge their own devices.

The museum’s new lounge area will become a focal point at the museum, with the space featuring a floor-to-ceiling enlargement of William John Kennedy’s Homage to Warhol’s Marilyn, 1964, courtesy of the KIWI Arts Group.

“We have always wanted to make The Warhol more welcoming for our visitors and community members. Through the generous support of several local foundations we have finally been able to rethink the museum’s first floor as a social hub in line with Andy Warhol’s famous Silver Factory,” said Eric Shiner, director at the museum.

“The Factory was a space where high and low, rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight came together as one. The Factory epitomized free thought and engaged discourse throughout the 1960s. We hope to replicate this model, welcoming all to come in, sit down, and share ideas without having to pay museum admission.”

The creation of the new space comes as the museum seeks to utilise the area for special events and rentals, while the renovation should also enhance the museum’s offerings to the public through its progressive programming series.