6/4/2026
PITTSBURGH — UPMC today celebrated the grand opening of the new UPMC Children’s Heart Institute, a state-of-the-art facility designed to advance care for children with heart conditions and support their families throughout every stage of treatment. The $85 million project is the biggest addition to the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh campus since 2009, when the hospital moved from Oakland to Lawrenceville.
Serving patients locally, from across the region and around the world, UPMC Children’s Heart Institute provides comprehensive, lifelong care for congenital heart conditions—from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. The new space further enhances clinical capabilities, fosters collaboration among specialists and reflects a continued commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex heart conditions.
“This is a powerful moment for our hospital and for the families we serve,” said Diane Hupp, president, UPMC Children’s Hospital. “The Heart Institute reflects our commitment to delivering seamless, coordinated care for children and adults with heart conditions—bringing together expert teams, advanced technology and thoughtfully designed spaces that support healing, innovation and hope for every patient and family who walks through our doors.”
The three-story, 50,000-square-foot institute includes three state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs—one directly connected to a cardiac MRI suite—along with nine private pre- and post-procedural rooms, a modern waiting area and enhanced staff and support spaces. The upper level will house an expanded cardiac clinic with 14 exam rooms, eight ECHO labs, a cardiac exercise lab and space for a new pediatric cardiac rehabilitation program, which will open in 2027.
“Today’s unveiling of the Heart Institute marks an important new chapter,” said Leslie Davis, president and CEO, UPMC. “It reflects UPMC’s investment in innovation, our commitment to clinical excellence and—most importantly—our dedication to patients and families. Every element of this institute is designed with them in mind—expanding access to advanced care, supporting families every step of the way and helping deliver better outcomes for the children who need us most.”
“The Heart Institute brings together the unmatched expertise of our multidisciplinary team—from highly specialized surgeons and cardiologists to nurses, technologists and support staff—alongside advanced technology and coordinated care, all in one place,” said Victor Morell, M.D., chair, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and co-director of the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital. “Families come to UPMC Children’s from across the country and around the world seeking care for the most complex heart conditions, and this new space allows us to build on that collective expertise to continue advancing lifesaving care.” 
UPMC Children’s is nationally recognized for excellence in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery and treats thousands of patients each year with congenital and acquired heart conditions. The new Heart Institute supports the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate, cutting-edge care while expanding capacity to meet the growing needs of patients and families.
The new Heart Institute was made possible through UPMC investment and the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporate partners to UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, whose contributions are helping to redefine what is possible for heart patients.
Photos (click for high-resolution version)
First Photo
Caption: Exterior of the new UPMC Children's Heart Institute
Credit: UPMC
Second Photo
Caption: UPMC Children’s Heart Institute Interventional Cardiac MRI Suite
Credit: UPMC
Third Photo
Caption: Waiting area at UPMC Children's Heart Institute
Credit: UPMC
