The Carnegie Science Center's beloved Miniature Railroad & Village is ready to charm visitors again with a notable new piece that captures the essence of Pittsburgh's history. A meticulously detailed model of the Chinatown Inn, an emblematic figure of Pittsburgh's Chinatown and its rich cultural tapestry, was unveiled today, hinting at the miniature exhibit's grand reopening scheduled for Saturday.
As the last standing sentinel of what was once a bustling enclave, the Chinatown Inn is deeply ingrained in the locality's Asian American legacy. More than just another restaurant, it's a symbol of heritage, made even more poignant given that the voice behind Disney's warrior princess, Mulan — Ming-Na Wen — has familial ties to the establishment. WPXI detailed that the Chinatown Inn on Third Avenue secured its place in this miniature universe after a public vote, edging out the Rodef Shalom Synagogue and National Opera House.
The Carnegie Science Center is seizing this moment to launch a new exhibit and foster a deeper appreciation of Pittsburgh's Chinese American community. The celebration, dubbed 'Pittsburgh’s Chinatown,' will take place during the Science Center's birthday on Saturday, offering a three-hour event filled with cultural acknowledgment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. "We are thrilled to reopen the Miniature Railroad & Village® and celebrate the legacy of Chinatown on such a special day for the Science Center," Jason Brown, Henry Buhl, Jr., Director of Carnegie Science Center, stated, as per WPXI.
This reopening marks the end of a hiatus for the Miniature Railroad & Village®, which has long stood as a nostalgic reflection of the region, pre-dating the 1940s. Patrons have been pouring into this attraction since 1954 to get a glimpse of Pittsburgh's storied buildings and locations now, they'll get to see intricate models of 'Night of the Living Dead' chapel, Gus & Yiayia's ice ball cart, and the Allegheny County Airport among others. Jason Brown emphasized the importance of community interaction in the continuation of this tradition, according to a statement cited by CBS News, noting their "close collaboration with the community has been key to the Miniature Railroad tradition, allowing us to highlight local history and share amazing stories from Western Pennsylvania with our visitors."
