In short
- Completed a $15 million renovation in January 2024.
- Upper floors operate as Twenty-One Magazine event space.
- Ground floor remains unrestored for exclusive guided tours.
In this article
After operating as a county jail from 1802 to 1939, the historic property underwent massive structural repairs. Today, it serves dual purposes. The top levels host private events, while the basement level offers public ghost walks.
Was the Old Charleston Jail recently renovated?
Yes, the building underwent a seven-year, $15 million restoration that finished in January 2024.
The project stabilized the 1802 structure. The exterior retains its 1855 Romanesque Revival facade, designed by architects Barbot & Seyle. The building was originally four stories tall, but the top floor and octagonal tower were removed after the 1886 earthquake.
What is Twenty-One Magazine in Charleston?
Twenty-One Magazine is the high-end event and office space occupying the restored upper floors of the Old Charleston Jail.
These levels are completely private. They host weddings and commercial offices. Visitors cannot access the Twenty-One Magazine areas during public jail tours. The property address is 21 Magazine Street, which inspired the venue's name.
Can you go inside the Old Charleston Jail?
Yes, but you can only access the unrestored ground floor through a guided evening tour.
You cannot walk into the building on your own. Bulldog Tours runs exclusive 45-minute ghost and history walks through the basement and ground level. These areas were left intentionally unrestored to preserve their 19th-century conditions.
What will I see on the unrestored ground floor?
The tour route covers dimly lit holding cells, including spaces that housed Civil War prisoners and Lavinia Fisher.
You will walk through the Punishment Room, which displays ropes and primitive floor shackles. The environment is dark and drafty, so you need a flashlight or phone light. The ground floor now includes air conditioning, added during the recent renovation.
How much do tours of the renovated jail cost?
Adult tickets cost between $37 and $39, and tickets for ages 10 to 12 cost $29.
Prices depend on the booking platform and can change. Children under 10 years old are strictly prohibited from entering the jail. You must book your tickets in advance because walk-in access is not allowed.
Where should I park for the Old Charleston Jail tour?
Street parking on Magazine Street is strictly residential and very scarce.
Do not expect to find parking right outside the building. You should walk from the Historic Charleston City Market, which takes 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ride-share from downtown directly to the jail entrance.
Questions travellers ask
Is the Old Charleston Jail still open for tours?
Yes, but tours only run in the evening. You can exclusively tour the unrestored ground floor via a 45-minute guided walk run by Bulldog Tours.
What happened to the top floor of the Old Charleston Jail?
The original fourth floor and its octagonal tower were removed after they sustained heavy damage during the 1886 Charleston earthquake.
Are kids allowed on the Charleston jail ghost tour?
No, children under 10 years old are strictly prohibited from entering the Old Charleston Jail tours.