The world of Harry Potter is full of spectacular destinations, some less known than Hogwarts but no less stunning. One of those is the Ministry of Magic, the building where the laws of the Wizarding World are made. Each country has one – and the American Ministry is located in the Woolworth Building, one of the city’s earliest skyscrapers. It still stands tall today – but residents of the Keystone State don’t have to head to New York! We have our own Harry Potter lookalike in Pennsylvania – the Cathedral of Learning, one of the tallest buildings in Pittsburgh. This world-famous building in the University of Pittsburgh stands 42 stories tall and has some of the state’s most impressive architecture. When you step inside, it’s like you’ve been transported to a whole new world – one of magic and mystery.
Fans of the Fantastic Beasts series will recognize the Woolworth Building in New York as the original site of the Ministry of Magic in America.
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But its doppelganger - and maybe an even more impressive one - can be found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It’s also one of the tallest college facilities anywhere!
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From the minute you approach, you’ll be impressed by the old-school architecture with fountains and gardens everywhere you look.
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The wrought iron artwork that can be found around the campus only adds to the old-school, magical atmosphere of this towering building.
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It’s all Ministry of Magic on the outside - but inside, it’s all Hogwarts with massive meeting rooms and classrooms.
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The 31 nationality rooms, celebrating individual immigrant populations that helped make Pittsburgh what it is, is each a fascinating destination.
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Nowhere in the building looks more like it’s straight from the pages of Harry Potter than the massive commons room - a towering arched stone cavern filled with hard-working students.
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For an extra dose of magic, stick around at night when the victory lights are on, and the skyscraper turns into a torch illuminating the Pittsburgh sky.
Michael G. White/Wikipedia
Have you been to the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh? Let us know about your visit to this Harry Potter lookalike in Pennsylvania in the comments section. If you’re interested in paying a visit, you can learn more at the university website. It’s not the only college in Pennsylvania that offers a dose of Hogwarts magic, so consider a visit to this small college as well!
Public Domain/Wikipedia
Crazypaco/Wikipedia
Christopher Lancaster/Wikipedia
Kit/Wikipedia
Brian Donovan/Wikipedia
Michael G. White/Wikipedia
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Address: Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
