Free tours at the Old Allegheny County Jail Museum

A portion of one of the cell blocks was preserved when the former Allegheny County Jail was renovated in 2001 to house the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. Tours take 30 minutes. Arrive by 12:30 to see and hear everything.

A Pittsburgh History & Landmark Foundation docent is on hand to tell you the story of the place. Completed in 1886 to the designs of Boston architect H. H. Richardson and in use until July 27, 1995, the former Allegheny County Jail was renovated between 1999 and 2001 to house the Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. A portion of one of the cell blocks has been preserved as the “Old Allegheny County Jail Museum.”

The Jail Museum was created through a grant from the Drue Heinz Trust to PHLF, in cooperation with the Allegheny County Juvenile Court and Curator Ed Urban, former Deputy Warden. The Jail Museum opened in 2005. Enter the Family Court Facility through one of two entrances. In both cases, you must go through security and NO cameras are permitted.

Cost: FREE

• Enter through the main Ross Street entrance.
• Or, enter through the great courtyard arch on Fifth Avenue.

Contact: Mary Lu Denny, marylu@phlf.org or 412-471-5808, ext 527