Pittsburgh’s maker scene is buzzing with DIY spirit, from tech lovers to art enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these maker spaces offer the tools, space and community to bring your wildest ideas to life. Ready to get your hands dirty? Check out the best places to design, build and create around the Burgh.HackPGH 1936 Fifth Ave., UptownHackPGH has been a staple of Pittsburgh’s maker scene for more than 15 years. This 100% volunteer-powered, 24/7 accessible playground is where you can tinker with everything from wood and metal to circuits and fiber arts. Want to build a robot or perfect your welding technique? HackPGH has the tools and the experts to help, plus a community that’s always up for a challenge. Their monthly game nights and Dungeons & Dragons sessions are a perfect way to geek out with fellow makers. Protohaven 214 N. Trenton Ave., WilkinsburgProtohaven’s massive 13,000+ square foot facility is a DIY paradise. With 87 tools across 19 specialized areas—including blacksmithing, laser cutting, CNC routing and even jewelry making — this is where beginners can learn and experts can fine-tune their skills. They’re all about hands-on learning, offering workshops like Intro to Product Photography or Soldering an RC Car. Whether you want to learn a new craft or perfect your tech, Protohaven has the resources and the know-how to make it happen.Outside Prototype PGH’s Sharpsburg location at its grand opening in September. Photo by Cristina Holtzer. Prototype PGH Oakland and SharpsburgWith 24/7 access to cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, laser cutters and heat presses, Prototype is for creators looking to turn ideas into reality. From workshops on salary negotiation to laser cutting, Prototype empowers everyone to learn, build and grow. Its coworking spaces in Oakland and Sharpsburg foster collaboration and inclusivity, championing feminism, racial justice and cooperative economics. Whether you’re soldering or strategizing, Prototype PGH is redefining who belongs in tech — and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.Oakmont Library Makerspace 700 Allegheny River Blvd., OakmontThe Oakmont Library Makerspace (in the basement of the Oakmont Carnegie Library) is a vibrant, multifunctional spot for creators of all kinds. Think: a 3D printer, Cricut vinyl cutter, sewing machines and even VR headsets. Whether you’re working on a craft project or looking to record some music, they have the gear — and the expert guidance — to bring your ideas to life. Plus, it’s free to drop by during open hours, so you can pop in whenever inspiration strikes.MuseumLab  6 Allegheny Square East, North SideMuseumLab, with a setting in the former historic Carnegie Free Library is where kids (10+) can go full throttle with creativity. This space is right next to the Children’s Museum and offers interactive exhibits like Chroma Maze and Gymlacium. But what really sets it apart is the hands-on workshops and residencies that let you create your own art, tech and innovations.Photo courtesy of Matt’s Maker Space.Matt’s Maker Space Several locationsMatt’s Maker Spaces began in 2016 in the Mt. Lebanon School District as a tribute to Matt Conover, a young boy who passed away from non-Hodgkins lymphoma. His family, determined to keep his spirit alive, funded the creation of a makerspace program to foster creativity and innovation in children. The initiative started at seven Mt. Lebanon elementary schools, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).Since then, Matt’s Maker Spaces has expanded to 50 locations, offering kids the opportunity to learn through collaboration and problem-solving. Each space is tailored to the unique needs and personalities of the schools and their communities. Cut & Sew Studio 1747 Chislett St., MorningsideFounded by fashion designer Catherine Batcho, Cut & Sew Studio offers classes and private lessons for kids and adults of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Cut & Sew provides personalized guidance to bring your projects to life. Located in Morningside, the studio also shares space with Firecracker Fabrics, making it a hot spot for all things fabric and fashion.Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. MAKESHOP at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny Square, North SideMAKESHOP is a space for both kids and adults who have never outgrown their curiosity. Whether you want to create something with wood, textiles, or tech — or take apart old gadgets to see how they tick — this interactive space is your creative playground. From sewing and jewelry making to mini robotics, MAKESHOP offers endless opportunities for exploration.Artists Image Resource (AIR) 518 Foreland St., Pittsburgh, North SideArtists Image Resource (AIR) got its start in 1996 with a vision to create a space where artists could experiment and make new work. They found a 10,000-square-foot space on the North Side and officially became a nonprofit in 1997, earning 501(c)(3) status a year later. Whether you’re into screen printing or sculpture, or just need to take your art to the next level, AIR offers the resources and the mentorship from professionals who’ve been there, done that. The space also provides educational programs to nurture emerging artists, making it a place for both making and learning.Photo courtesy of the Citizen Science Lab. The Citizen Science Lab Hill District and South HillsThe Citizen Science Lab is Pittsburgh’s first community life sciences lab, founded in 2017 by Dr. Crystal E. Williams, a Black research biologist. The nonprofit aims to increase diversity in STEM fields by providing interactive, hands-on science experiences for underrepresented communities. Offering programs in anatomy, biology and engineering, this lab provides a unique space to explore science in an accessible, fun and meaningful way.Y Creator Space at YMCA 7140 Bennett St., Homewood-Brushton YMCAKids ages 9-12 have access to this cool after-school hangout in the Y Creator Space. Located at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA, the Y Creator Space is a free STEAM program with hands-on activities like 3D printing, robotics, graphic design and engineering.Creation Labs 1500 Washington Road, Mt. LebanonA hub for 3D printing, scanning and design, Creation Labs is Pittsburgh’s go-to space for turning digital ideas into physical realities. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Creation Labs offers top-tier equipment and workshops to refine your skills in robotics, coding or 3D modeling.Assemble 4824 Penn Ave., GarfieldNestled in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood, Assemble is a nonprofit that champions STEAM education through hands-on workshops, events and community-powered learning. Kids can dive into solar-powered experiments or hack future innovations, while adults sip craft brews at “Crafts and Crafts” nights or try their hand at making something new during 21+ workshops. With approachable instructors and free-flowing ideas, Assemble provides an energizing, inclusive experience for all ages.Learn to make this shelf and other types of furniture in one of WorkshopPGH’s hands-on classes. Photo courtesy of WorkshopPGH. Workshop PGH 321 Pennwood Ave., Wilkinsburg (plus retail stores at 5131 Penn Ave. in Garfield and 700 S. Trenton Ave. in Wilkinsburg)Looking to unleash your inner maker without having to buy a hundred tools? Head to Workshop PGH, where you can wield a hammer, thread a needle, learn how to make kimchi or just try your hand at crafts. This DIY spot in Wilkinsburg is part workshop, part shop-shop, with everything from woodworking to embroidery classes. Bonus: Their retail stores are stocked with rad kits for when you’re ready to unleash chaos at home. Grab a glue gun and get crafting!Contemporary Craft  5645 Butler St., LawrencevilleContemporary Craft in Lawrenceville isn’t your typical gallery. From cutting-edge exhibitions showcasing local and international artists to their diverse workshops in metals, weaving and mixed media, this place is all about pushing the boundaries of craft. Whether you’re an experienced maker or a curious beginner, their classes cater to all levels, offering everything from bookbinding to fiber arts to a Loom Club (yes, that’s a thing). The best part? The space also offers an open studio for independent projects, and the store is packed with unique handmade pieces from over 150 artists. The post Pittsburgh’s makerspaces offer a creative playground for all appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.