With US Airways in decline, mass transit cuts threatened and new taxes needed to rescue the city, it may appear as if the region's quality of life is inching inexorably downhill. Yes, Pittsburgh is facing challenges on several fronts, but the health of its major cultural institutions has been a consistent bright spot.

We've already applauded the renovation and expansion of several branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. It's only fitting that we also praise the independent expansions of the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center and the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.

Last week, the Children's Museum, located on the North Side, held a black-tie gala to celebrate its $28 million addition and renovation. Recently, Harrisburg kicked in an additional $1 million on top of the $8 million it granted the museum in 2002. Because of the state's generosity, the Children's Museum was able to surpass the goal of its capital campaign.

The expansion of the Heinz History Center couldn't have come at a better time either. When the Strip District facility officially opens to the public today, it will become the biggest museum in the state at 200,000 square feet.

Along with its primary mission to interpret the history of Western Pennsylvania comes a new mandate. Get out your Terrible Towels, you Steelers fanatics: There's a 55,000-square-foot sports museum that's been added.

Now every fan can get close to the shoes that Franco Harris wore when he made the "Immaculate Reception." Arnold Palmer's sweater is on display, too, as is Satchel Paige's glove and Lauryn Williams' spikes. In other words, our region's sports-drenched legacy will be front and center in its own shrine both on and off season.

With the Steelers having their best season in years, there's been a lot of talk about how today's sports triumphs stack up against yesterday's. The new $27 million wing of the history center gives these debates a fresh and visual context.

Congratulations, Pittsburgh. With the expansions of the Children's Museum and the Heinz History Center, the city continues its embrace of cultural innovation. Though things could be better on other fronts, the quality at these museums is a challenge for Pittsburgh to get the rest of itself in order.