THE OLD ALLEGHENY COUNTY JAIL AND MUSEUM-FREE

Explore a fascinating piece of Pittsburgh history at this free museum housed within the historic Old Allegheny County Jail building. Completed in 1886 by renowned Boston architect H.H. Richardson, the jail operated for over a century before closing in 1995. Today, a preserved section of the original cell blocks serves as a museum where knowledgeable docents share the building's rich story and its transformation over time. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about local history in an authentic setting. Visits are welcome on the first and third Mondays of each month (closed on court holidays) between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and admission is completely free. Plan to enter through the main entrance on Ross Street and pass through a security checkpoint to reach the museum. Note that photography is not permitted inside. This educational experience works well for curious kids and history-loving families who want to discover more about the Pittsburgh area's past.