Students at the University of Pittsburgh already know their Panther Card provides them with access to the various university facilities and services. But what they may not know is that it also gives them access to an array of cultural experiences, off campus and free of charge.

According to The Pitt News, the university launched the PITT ARTS program, which lets students use their Panther Card – the University’s official student ID card – for free admission to some of Pittsburgh’s most popular museums, including the Carnegie, the Warhol, Phipps Conservatory and the Mattress Factory.

On campus, with the some help from their Panther Card, students are able to access residence halls, meal plans, libraries and computer labs and fitness centers. Through a partnership with PNC Bank, students can link to their Pitt Student Plan and use it as an ATM card to get cash and make purchases anywhere STAR and Plus are accepted.

Also, the University upgraded its campus card system to be compatible with the Port Authority’s new electronic fare system. This means that both students and staff can now show their Panther Card for free, convenient transportation around Oakland on University buses and shuttles, in addition to fare-free transportation through the Port Authority, including bus and light-rail rides.

The PITT ARTS program, originally established in 1997, is funded by the Office of the Provost and aims to educate students in international and cultural awareness. The program is designed to motivate students to continue their educations outside of the classroom with exposure to the arts, which help to develop students into well-rounded citizens and leaders.

Students can also sign-up to receive email notifications about the free events or discounted tickets to other events around the city through the PITT ARTS website.

Read more here.