Eastern State Penitentiary

About Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary stands as one of America's most significant and haunting historical landmarks, offering visitors an unparalleled journey through the evolution of criminal justice and prison reform. Located at 2027 Fairmount Ave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we invite you to step inside the crumbling cellblocks of what was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world.

Our story begins in 1829 when Eastern State Penitentiary first opened its doors, revolutionizing the American prison system with an entirely new philosophy of incarceration. We were built on the radical idea that criminals could be reformed through solitary confinement and reflection, a concept that would influence prison design worldwide for over a century. The revolutionary wheel-spoke architecture, with its central hub and radiating cellblocks, became a model copied by more than 300 prisons across the globe.

A Legacy of Innovation and Influence

For 142 years, Eastern State Penitentiary housed some of America's most notorious criminals, including the infamous Al Capone, who spent eight months here in 1929. Our walls witnessed the daily struggles of inmates living in complete isolation, each confined to their individual cell with only a small exercise yard and a slot in the door for food. This system, known as "separate confinement," was designed to encourage penitence and rehabilitation through solitary reflection, giving birth to the very word "penitentiary."

The prison's innovative features extended far beyond its architectural design. We were among the first institutions in Philadelphia to have flush toilets and central heating, luxuries that many citizens of the city couldn't afford. Our underground tunnel system, vaulted ceilings, and castle-like facade created an imposing presence that served both as a deterrent to crime and a symbol of justice.

Transformation into a Historic Site

When Eastern State Penitentiary closed its doors as an active prison in 1971, we faced an uncertain future. The building sat empty for nearly two decades, slowly deteriorating as nature began to reclaim the structure. However, rather than allowing this important piece of American history to crumble into obscurity, we made the bold decision to preserve the prison in its authentic, deteriorated state.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary operates as a historic site and museum, offering visitors a rare glimpse into America's penal past. We believe in the power of preserved ruins to tell stories that polished restorations cannot. Our crumbling cellblocks, peeling paint, and overgrown courtyards create an atmosphere that allows visitors to truly understand the harsh realities of prison life and the evolution of criminal justice philosophy.

Immersive Educational Experiences

Our mission extends far beyond simply preserving history; we are committed to educating the public about the complex issues surrounding criminal justice, prison reform, and human rights. Through carefully curated exhibits, interactive displays, and authentic preserved spaces, we provide visitors with thought-provoking experiences that challenge preconceptions about crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.

We offer several ways to experience Eastern State Penitentiary:

• Self-guided audio tours narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, featuring the voices of former inmates and guards
• Guided tours led by knowledgeable historians who bring the prison's stories to life
• Special themed tours exploring specific aspects of prison history and criminal justice
• Educational programs designed for students and academic groups
• Interactive exhibits that explore the prison's impact on American society

Engaging with Contemporary Issues

Eastern State Penitentiary doesn't shy away from addressing contemporary criminal justice issues. We regularly host discussions, lectures, and exhibitions that examine modern prison systems, rehabilitation programs, and alternatives to incarceration. Our goal is to use historical perspective to inform current debates about justice, punishment, and social reform.

We believe that understanding the past is crucial to creating a better future. Through our programming, we explore how the philosophies that shaped Eastern State Penitentiary continue to influence American corrections today, for better and worse. We examine the unintended consequences of the solitary confinement system we pioneered and its ongoing impact on modern prison practices.

Preservation and Research

As stewards of this National Historic Landmark, we are committed to ongoing preservation efforts that maintain the authentic character of the site while ensuring its structural integrity for future generations. Our approach to preservation is unique in the museum world – we practice "stabilized ruins" conservation, which means we prevent further deterioration while maintaining the haunting beauty of the decaying structure.

Eastern State Penitentiary also serves as an important research facility, welcoming scholars, students, and researchers from around the world who study prison history, architecture, criminal justice, and social reform. Our archives contain thousands of documents, photographs, and artifacts that provide invaluable insights into American penal history.

Special Events and Seasonal Programming

Throughout the year, Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a variety of special events that attract visitors from across the globe. Our most famous annual event is Terror Behind the Walls, a Halloween attraction that transforms the prison into one of America's most acclaimed haunted houses. This seasonal event helps support our year-round educational mission while offering visitors a uniquely thrilling experience.

We also host art installations, historical reenactments, and community events that bring new life to these historic walls while respecting the gravity of the site's history. Our summer concert series and special exhibitions provide additional opportunities for visitors to engage with the site in meaningful ways.

Plan Your Visit

Eastern State Penitentiary is open to the public year-round, with varying seasonal hours and special programming. We are easily accessible by public transportation and offer ample parking for those driving to our Fairmount Avenue location. Our facility is committed to accessibility, with accommodations available for visitors with disabilities.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of criminal justice, an architecture lover, or simply someone seeking a unique and educational experience, Eastern State Penitentiary offers something profound and memorable. We invite you to walk through our cellblocks, stand in Al Capone's cell, and contemplate the complex questions that our history raises about justice, punishment, and human dignity.

Contact us at 215-236-3300 or visit our website to plan your visit and learn more about our current exhibitions and programs. Eastern State Penitentiary is more than a tourist attraction – we are a place of learning, reflection, and dialogue about some of the most important issues facing our society today.