Aluminum Casting Session

Explore the metal casting process at the Carrie Blast Furnaces!

Buy ticketsBuy tickets

Create a unique work of art from aluminum. Using everyday materials, you’ll create a one-sided design in resin-bonded sand—then watch as Rivers of Steel’s foundry crew casts your artwork from molten metal!

The Aluminum Casting Session is a great way to try something new. Take a class with a friend. Create a special gift or unique memento to keep. You’ll take your cast aluminum objects home at the end of the workshop.

No prior experience or artistic background necessary.

Hours & Admission*

Aluminum Casting Sessions are offered on April 17, May 15, June 5, July 10, August 14, September 11, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Workshops are limited to 20 participants. Purchase tickets in advance.

General Admission 

$65

Buy ticketsBuy tickets
sample of finished casting from a workshop participant
Sample sand mold prior to casting in aluminum
two clay positives are ready for the sand molding making set in the process
a women cleans out her mold that will be cast with aluminum
multiple aluminum molds being cast for workshop
a woman show off her finished aluminum cast project
two participants hold up their completed castings
two participants hold up their completed castings
workshop participant shows off his final casting

"We were at Rivers of Steel through the Wounded Warrior Project and it was awesome. I would recommend visiting these guys and having a ball!" —Paul Stajduhar, Metal Arts Workshop Attendee

Read more Google reviews

Location & Directions

The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.

The address for the National Historic Landmark is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Get DirectionsGet Directions

What to Know Before You Go

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

  • What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty.  The workshop space is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
  • Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
  • Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
  • Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not  be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
  • COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies.
  • Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
  • Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  • Location: The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com.

Learn more about the events

such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.