Organization

Home > Organization Directory > Organization Detail

• Tweet
• Email
• Feedback

• Tell-a-friend
• Official Website

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Comment on Facebook

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world's first true penitentiary: a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious criminals, including bank robber ''Slick Willie'' Sutton and Al Capone. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone's Cell, and Death Row. A critically-acclaimed series of artists' installations is free with admission. Just five blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Contact Info

    Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

    2124 Fairmount Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19130

    Phone: 215-236-3300   |   Official Website

  • Current Events

    05/23/11- Ongoing

    Hands-On History Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Hands-On History Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site May 23, 2011 - Ongoing New for 2011, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site literally hands visitors the keys to the cellblocks with new Hands-On History interactive experiences. These short demonstrations take place throughout the penitentiary complex, each lasting five minutes or less. An expert Eastern State tour guide leads each activity, although visitors do the bulk of the physical activities themselves. These interactive experiences run throughout the day and change monthly so be sure to check our website...

    04/06/09- Ongoing

    Daytime Historic Site Tours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Daytime Historic Site Tours Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site April 6, 2009 - Ongoing Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone's Cell, and Death Row. Admission includes “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi. Want to get tickets for this event and others like it at half-price?

  • Upcoming Events

    06/04/13- 08/06/13	Photographers' Twilight Hours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Photographers' Twilight Hours Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site June 4-August 6, 2013 Photographers have Eastern State Penitentiary to themselves in the beautiful dusk light. Tripods, models, and hand-held lighting equipment are all welcome during these hours. $15 admission for any person entering. Tickets on sale now. Available online or at the door, subject to availability.
    06/08/13- 06/09/13	Prison Food Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Prison Food Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site June 8-June 9, 2013 What did prisoners eat nearly 200 years ago? What do prisoners eat today? Visitors to Eastern State Penitentiary will sample meals served to prisoners from three periods in the prison’s history, including “Indian Mush” from the 1830s and Neutraloaf, a “food product” that is still issued as punishment in many prison systems today. Also on view will be sample menus, archival photographs, prison reports, and firsthand accounts of the...
    06/22/13- 06/23/13	Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site June 22-June 23, 2013 Some furry (and some creepy-crawly) creatures once lived behind Eastern State Penitentiary's walls. Some prisoners kept pets in solitary confinement, and a colony of feral cats occupied the property when the prison was abandoned. Officers once patrolled the grounds on horseback, and kept German Shepherds for security. Families will discover unique stories about animals all weekend long! Kids will learn more about Eastern State Penitentiary’s most famous four-legged...
    07/04/13- 03/22/13	Independence Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Independence Day Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site July 4-March 22, 2013 The penitentiary is open from 10 am until 5 pm. Eastern State is located just three blocks from the Ben Franklin Parkway, site of the some of the best fireworks in the nation! So tour Eastern State, have dinner at one of the great neighborhood restaurants, and stay for the fireworks! Happy Independence Day!
    07/13/13- 03/22/13	Bastille Day Cabaret! Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Bastille Day Cabaret! Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site July 13-March 22, 2013 One of Philadelphia’s most popular summertime events! Eastern State Penitentiary teams with The Bearded Ladies cabaret group to present one of Philadelphia’s largest free theatrical performances, which culminates with a playful reenactment of the Storming of the Bastille (influenced more by Monty Python than the actual French Revolution). Following the performance, the many wonderful restaurants surrounding the penitentiary come alive with French-themed entertainment as well as...
    08/17/13- 08/18/13	Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison! Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison! Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site August 17-August 18, 2013 Some furry (and some creepy-crawly) creatures once lived behind Eastern State Penitentiary's walls. Some prisoners kept pets in solitary confinement, and a colony of feral cats occupied the property when the prison was abandoned. Officers once patrolled the grounds on horseback, and kept German Shepherds for security. Families will discover unique stories about animals all weekend long! Kids will learn more about Eastern State Penitentiary’s most famous four-legged resident, Pep the...

• Current &
  Upcoming Events

  • Current Events

    05/23/11- Ongoing

    Hands-On History Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Hands-On History Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site May 23, 2011 - Ongoing New for 2011, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site literally hands visitors the keys to the cellblocks with new Hands-On History interactive experiences. These short demonstrations take place throughout the penitentiary complex, each lasting five minutes or less. An expert Eastern State tour guide leads each activity, although visitors do the bulk of the physical activities themselves. These interactive experiences run throughout the day and change monthly so be sure to check our website...

    04/06/09- Ongoing

    Daytime Historic Site Tours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Daytime Historic Site Tours Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site April 6, 2009 - Ongoing Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone's Cell, and Death Row. Admission includes “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi. Want to get tickets for this event and others like it at half-price?

  • Upcoming Events

    06/04/13- 08/06/13	Photographers' Twilight Hours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Photographers' Twilight Hours Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site June 4-August 6, 2013 Photographers have Eastern State Penitentiary to themselves in the beautiful dusk light. Tripods, models, and hand-held lighting equipment are all welcome during these hours. $15 admission for any person entering. Tickets on sale now. Available online or at the door, subject to availability.
    06/08/13- 06/09/13	Prison Food Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Prison Food Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site June 8-June 9, 2013 What did prisoners eat nearly 200 years ago? What do prisoners eat today? Visitors to Eastern State Penitentiary will sample meals served to prisoners from three periods in the prison’s history, including “Indian Mush” from the 1830s and Neutraloaf, a “food product” that is still issued as punishment in many prison systems today. Also on view will be sample menus, archival photographs, prison reports, and firsthand accounts of the...
    06/22/13- 06/23/13	Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site June 22-June 23, 2013 Some furry (and some creepy-crawly) creatures once lived behind Eastern State Penitentiary's walls. Some prisoners kept pets in solitary confinement, and a colony of feral cats occupied the property when the prison was abandoned. Officers once patrolled the grounds on horseback, and kept German Shepherds for security. Families will discover unique stories about animals all weekend long! Kids will learn more about Eastern State Penitentiary’s most famous four-legged...
    07/04/13- 03/22/13	Independence Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Independence Day Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site July 4-March 22, 2013 The penitentiary is open from 10 am until 5 pm. Eastern State is located just three blocks from the Ben Franklin Parkway, site of the some of the best fireworks in the nation! So tour Eastern State, have dinner at one of the great neighborhood restaurants, and stay for the fireworks! Happy Independence Day!
    07/13/13- 03/22/13	Bastille Day Cabaret! Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Bastille Day Cabaret! Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site July 13-March 22, 2013 One of Philadelphia’s most popular summertime events! Eastern State Penitentiary teams with The Bearded Ladies cabaret group to present one of Philadelphia’s largest free theatrical performances, which culminates with a playful reenactment of the Storming of the Bastille (influenced more by Monty Python than the actual French Revolution). Following the performance, the many wonderful restaurants surrounding the penitentiary come alive with French-themed entertainment as well as...
    08/17/13- 08/18/13	Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison! Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Family Weekend 2013: Pets in Prison! Presented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site August 17-August 18, 2013 Some furry (and some creepy-crawly) creatures once lived behind Eastern State Penitentiary's walls. Some prisoners kept pets in solitary confinement, and a colony of feral cats occupied the property when the prison was abandoned. Officers once patrolled the grounds on horseback, and kept German Shepherds for security. Families will discover unique stories about animals all weekend long! Kids will learn more about Eastern State Penitentiary’s most famous four-legged resident, Pep the...

• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    07/13/13- 03/22/13	Bastille Day Cabaret! Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    07/04/13- 03/22/13	Independence Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/18/13- 03/22/13	Dance Party at the Pen: A Masquerade Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/10/13	Reception for Eastern State Penitentiary's 2013 Season Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/04/13	Alumni Reunion Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    04/02/13- 04/23/13	Searchlight Series Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    03/23/13- 04/01/13	Pop-Up Museum! Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    03/15/13	2013 Season Sneak Peek at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    02/14/13- 01/17/13	Valentine's Day Love Stories at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    01/19/13- 01/21/13	Martin Luther King Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    12/15/12	Winter Adventure Tour and Holiday Concert Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    12/05/12- 12/07/12	Donate a Book for Free Museum Admission Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    09/21/12- 11/10/12	Terror Behind the Walls Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    09/21/12- 11/10/12	Terror Behind the Walls After Dark VIP Tour Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    08/17/12	Film Screening: Breath Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    07/14/12	Bastille Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/16/12	Dance Party at the Pen: A Masquerade Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/09/12- 06/10/12	Prison Break Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/12/12	Alumni Reunion Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    03/31/12- 04/01/12	Life and Death Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    03/30/12	2012 Season Sneak Peek Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    02/11/12- 02/14/12	Valentine's Day at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    12/15/11	Holiday Concert and Book Drive Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    09/23/11- 11/12/11	Terror Behind the Walls Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    08/19/11	Book Signing with Author Carrie Hagen Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    07/26/11	Haunting Histories: The Intertwined History of Prisons and Mental Asylums Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    07/16/11	Bastille Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    07/03/11	Field Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/25/11- 06/26/11	Behind the Scenes Tour: Death Row Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/19/11	Father's Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/11/11- 06/12/11	Prison Break Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/03/11- 08/26/11	Twilight Tours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/15/11	Alumni Reunion at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/13/11	Reception for the 2011 Season at Eastern State Penitentiary Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/08/11	Mother's Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    04/02/11- 04/03/11	Hands-On History Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    02/14/11	Valentine's Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    11/13/10- 11/14/10	Behind the Scenes Tour: Film Locations Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    09/17/10- 11/06/10	Terror Behind the Walls Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    08/07/10- 08/08/10	Prison Break Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    07/10/10	Bastille Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/12/10- 06/13/10	Behind the Scenes Tour: Parole, Intake and New Staff Offices Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/02/10- 08/25/10	Twilight Tours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/22/10	Alumni Reunion Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/14/10	Reception for 2010 Artists Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    04/10/10- 04/11/10	Tunnels and Towers Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    03/29/10- 06/27/10	Ceramic Interactions: Crosses, Bones, Cherry Trees Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    12/01/09- 03/15/10	Winter Adventure Tours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    09/18/09- 11/07/09	Terror Behind the Walls Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    08/01/09- 08/02/09	Willie Sutton Tunnel Escape Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    08/01/09- 08/02/09	Prison Break Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    07/11/09	Bastille Day Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    06/03/09- 08/26/09	Twilight Tours Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/17/09	Alumni Reunion Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    05/08/09	Reception for 2009 Artists Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    04/27/09- 05/03/09	Museum Week at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    04/04/09- 04/05/09	The Restored Synagogue/Lost Chaplains Office Weekend Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
    03/31/09	2009 Season Sneak Peek Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

• Video &
  Images

  • Video & Image Gallery

    Video | Images Images