Old Jail Museum
Explore the Old Jail Museum, a restored 1891 Romanesque Revival prison in St. Augustine, Florida, offering guided tours, historical exhibits, and paranormal investigations.
Planning your visit
The Old Jail was built in 1891 by Henry Flagler, the railway magnate developing St Augustine as a resort, who wanted the existing jail moved away from his hotel. He paid for a new one and had it designed to look like a hotel itself, painted in a soft colour so as not to alarm his guests — the sheriff and his family lived in the front portion.
Behind that facade were the cells, which held prisoners until 1953 in conditions the tours describe directly: the maximum security block, the gallows, and the punishment devices.
Guided tours run in character, and the museum leans into the site's reputation for paranormal activity with separate investigation offerings.
The contrast between the domestic front and the jail behind is the most telling thing about it.
It sits north of the historic district. Allow an hour. The main booking is a guided tour ticket. Current availability is listed below.
Before you book
Where is Old Jail Museum?
Old Jail Museum is in St. Augustine, United States. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Old Jail Museum?
Allow an hour. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Is Old Jail Museum free to enter?
Yes, general admission to Old Jail Museum is free. Guided tours and special exhibitions may still be charged separately.
Do I need to book Old Jail Museum in advance?
Guided tours run to a fixed schedule and small group sizes, so they are usually booked ahead.
