THE OLD ALLEGHENY COUNTY JAIL AND MUSEUM-FREE

Explore a fascinating piece of Pittsburgh history at this preserved museum housed within the historic Family Court Building downtown. Knowledgeable docents from the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation are on hand to guide your visit and share stories about the former jail, which was designed by renowned Boston architect H.H. Richardson and completed in 1886. The museum preserves a portion of the original cell blocks, offering visitors a window into the building's past before it transitioned to its current use as a courthouse. This free attraction welcomes families during limited hours on the first and third Mondays of each month (excluding court holidays). Visits happen on a drop-in basis between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.—no advance registration needed. Plan to enter through the main Ross Street entrance and pass through a security checkpoint to reach the museum. Note that photography is not permitted inside. This outing works well for curious kids and history enthusiasts interested in learning about local heritage.