Planning a Trip to Lawrence County? Visit the Hoyt Arts Center
Located in historic New Castle, Pennsylvania, the Hoyt Arts Center buzzes year-round with events, classes, festivals, and tours for all ages.
From free art exhibitions to historical Period House tours, we create opportunities to connect and find joy through the arts. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or on family vacation, there is something for everyone at the Hoyt.
Why the Hoyt is a Must-See Western Pennsylvania Destination
Our center is one of the most iconic historic estates northwest of Pittsburgh (just a scenic 50-minute drive from downtown). Located in the heart of Lawrence County, the Hoyt Arts Center is also conveniently located for travelers exploring neighboring Mercer, Beaver, or Butler counties. The Hoyt is also a short drive from Mahoning and Trumbull counties in Ohio and just 20 miles from Youngstown.
Here is what makes our center a must-visit destination on your travel itinerary:
Architectural History & Era-Specific Tours
- Perfect for: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and fans of the Gilded Age
- What you’ll experience: Our unique center features two turn-of-the-century mansions connected by a picturesque breezeway. Designed by prominent local architect Frank Foulk, the estates are prime examples of early 20th-century Revival Style architecture.
- Step back in time: Walk through the beautifully preserved Period House, a 1917 Tudor Revival mansion that showcases the region’s history and the fascinating stories of upper-class life in the early 20th century. Take advantage of our rotating historical guided tours, or plan a visit around seasonal favorites like our Scary Tales tours in October or our annual Holiday House Tours in December.
Regional & National Art Exhibitions (Free Admission)
- Perfect for: Art lovers and anyone interested in discovering unique artistic voices from within the region and across the country
- What you’ll experience: Our exhibitions change every 8–12 weeks, featuring a diverse range of artistic styles, media, and themes. From showcasing the talents of regional artists to presenting thought-provoking national touring exhibitions, there's always something new to discover. Best of all, gallery admission is completely free and open to the public, so stop in and explore any time during open hours.
Festivals & Family-Friendly Activities
- Perfect for: Parents, kids, and adventure-seekers of all ages looking for things to do this weekend
- What you’ll experience: The Hoyt is designed for hands-on exploration. In addition to festivals and special events, we regularly host workshops, gallery talks, and art-making classes.
- Unforgettable events: Time your trip with one of our beloved regional events. Highlights include our free Children’s Summer Arts Festival in August, when our grounds transform into an outdoor playground where kids can create, learn, and explore with their families. Or join us in September for Ignite, our fire-fueled annual fundraiser featuring live metal forging, glass blowing, fire dancing, and more. Throughout the year, families can tour the Period House together with built-in scavenger hunts, or explore our hands-on Activity Center to deepen their understanding of what’s on view in the galleries.
Complete Your Itinerary: Things to Do in New Castle, PA & Lawrence County
Make a day out of your visit to the Hoyt Arts Center. Nestled in a region well-known for its history, outdoor recreation, and local dining, there are plenty of nearby Lawrence County attractions to explore before or after your visit:
- McConnells Mill State Park: Located just a short drive away, this breathtaking National Natural Landmark features a historic 19th-century gristmill, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails along the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Living Treasures Wild Animal Park: A massive hit for families on vacation, offering interactive animal encounters just down the road.
- The Volant Mill & Amish Country: Take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of New Wilmington to explore traditional Old Order Amish farmlands, shops, and the historic Volant Mill.
- Local Culinary Icons: No trip to New Castle is complete without sampling excellent local eateries, including The Tavern on the Square, Theo’s Creperie, Georgetown Eats, Le Resto, Edward’s Restaurant & Lounge, VentiSei Wine Bar & Pizzeria, and Ben Franklin’s Taproom & Grille.
Visit www.visitlawrencecounty.com for more things to do and explore in Western Pennsylvania.
Getting here
- From Downtown Pittsburgh: ~50 minutes via I-376 North.
- From Youngstown, Ohio: ~30 minutes via US-422 East.
- From Erie, PA: ~1.5 hours via I-79 South.
Plan your visit today and discover why the Hoyt is Lawrence County’s home for transformative arts and culture experiences.