Exploring the Old Allegheny County Jail

If you’re looking for an unusual place to visit downtown, you just might land in jail.

Most people spend their time trying to stay out of jail, but the Old Allegheny County Jail is one that you might want to visit—temporarily anyway.

The building dates to 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as architecturally significant. It was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson of Boston.

It is actually the third courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh. The first was constructed in Market Square. The second was built on the current property, but unfortunately fire destroyed that structure. A competition was held to find the best architect to design the third one, and Richardson won the honors.

The jail has a distinctive arch linking it with the Allegheny County Courthouse. It has been nicknamed the Bridge of Sighs, after the famous one in Venice that connected the Doge’s Palace with the prison—supposedly, the convicted would sigh as they tasted their last bit of freedom before being confined.

This Allegheny County Jail location ceased operations as a lockup in 1995.

Its interior was apparently formidable enough to be used as a shooting location for the 1991 horror film “Silence of the Lambs.” The jail depicted the holding cell of Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins.

Despite the maximum-security appearance of the jail in the film, 17 prisoners did manage to escape in 1977—and it took five years to return them all to their rightful place behind bars.

The Old Allegheny County Jail Museum opened in 2005 and is a fascinating place. It may be entered at 440 Ross Street. It’s important to note that no photography is allowed inside! Free self-guided tours are available year-round, on the first and third Mondays of the month (unless it is a holiday) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Although the tours are self-guided, there are docents on hand to answer questions, and reservations are not required.

You can find more information on visiting the Old Allegheny County Jail and Museum at phlf.org/events or call 412.471.5808, ext. 527.