Eastern State Penitentiary

About

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks & guard towers.

Description

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.

Eastern State Penitentiary is open every day, 10 am to 5 pm. Admission includes "The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tours, guided tours, Hands-On History interactive experiences, and a critically acclaimed series of artist installations. For more information, visit http://www.easternstate.org/home

"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. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious lawbreakers, including "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.Admission includes “The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi; our award winning exhibits on mass incarceration, The Big Graph and Prisons Today; history exhibits; and a critically acclaimed series of artist installations."