Highlights from Clash of Empires
Clash of Empires: The British, French & Indian War, 1754 - 1763
Permanent Exhibition
5th Floor


Clash of Empires: The British, French & Indian War, 1754-1763 presents the dramatic, wide-ranging story of the French & Indian War and its impact as a turning point in American history.

Following record-breaking runs at the Canadian War Museum and the Smithsonian Institution, highlights from the History Center's award-winning Clash of Empires have returned to Pittsburgh.


Select items from Clash of Empires can be seen on the History Center's fifth floor, including nine life-like figures created by the world-renowned Swiss model-maker Gerry Embleton.

These amazingly life-like models represent the war's most fascinating characters, including Seneca leader Tanaghrisson (pictured); an angry French officer burning his own flag; and a distraught young George Washington after he signed the Treaty of Fort Necessity.


Other highlights of the reloaded Clash of Empires exhibition include:
  • Six Robert Griffing paintings, including well-known works such as "The Wounding of General Braddock" and "Fort Pitt Under Seige." Griffing is considered one of the world's leading painters of 18th century historical events

  • A 26-foot long, specially-commissioned reproduction of a mid-18th century birch bark canoe

  • Two intricately created dioramas that depict key battle scenes from the French & Indian War

  • A Fort Pitt-shaped interactive station for kids

  • Video presentations and maps that provide context and understanding of the three-sided struggle

  • A special interactive kiosk highlighting the History Center's online curriculum, World's in Motion: American Indians on the Colonial Frontier