Philadelphia

 

History

When Eastern State opened in 1829, visitors from around the world marveled at its grand architecture (John Havilland) and radical philosophy. The experiment, to reform criminals through strict isolation, soon became a model for prison design world wide. An estimated 300 prisons on four continents are based on Eastern’s distinctive “wagon-wheel” floor plan. Once the most expensive building in the USA, Eastern State was finally abandoned in 1971 after 142 years in use. It is a National Historic Landmark.

The Experience
Eastern State Penitentiary set the standard for penal reform, with its soaring, castle-like Gothic architecture and its founders’ Quaker-inspired belief that solitary confinement could reform criminals. The 11-acre prison even had central heat, running water and flush toilets before the White House! A Who’s Who of the underworld – bank robber Willie Sutton, who staged a breakout in 1945, and Al Capone, who furnished his cell with antiques, rugs and oil paintings – both served time here.
Tours include a restored 19th-century cell, the warden’s office, several cellblocks, exercise yards, death row and critically acclaimed art installations. The annual “Terror Behind the Walls” tours – running nightly for the entire month of October – are the region’s premier Halloween event!

Kids’ Stuff
Eastern State Penitentiary recently introduced its new family program, Keys to the Past, an interactive and inquiry-based program giving children an engaging and educational look at the rich history of the prison. Keys to the Past is free with regular admission to the historic site.

Other Information
The historic site is now effectively open seven days a week all year round, except Easter and Thanksgiving.

ESP has recently introduced Winter Adventure Tours during the “off season” from December through March. The tours consist of a one-hour guided walk through the empty penitentiary by a expert tour guide and a cup of hot cocoa in the center surveillance hub.
Reservations are recommended. Tours are offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Insider Tip
Bring a camera! Photographers travel from all over the country to capture Eastern’s cathedral-like cellblocks and haunting, sky-lit prison cells. Insiders call the Penitentiary