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Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 27, 28, and 29
Girl Scout Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, August 7 and 8.
Prison Break Weekend (Family Events All Day!)
Free with Admission
Join us for family events all weekend long! Learn first hand about some of the nearly 100 daring escape attempts that happened during Eastern State’s 142 years in operation, including the famous 1945 tunnel escape. Two actors—one portraying tunnel mastermind Clarence Klinedinst and one portraying bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton— will give their conflicting accounts of who designed the 1945 tunnel, how it was built, and why the escapees got caught. Meet each inmate and see how their accounts vary. Based on actual conflicts in the accounts of Willie Sutton and Clarence Klinedinst. Kids and brave adults will even have the chance to try crawling through a replica of the narrow escape tunnel, which measured only 2 ft x 2 ft.
Saturday, July 10, 5:30 pm.
Bastille Day!
Reenactment and Street Party Free
One of Philadelphia’s most popular summertime events! Local businesses
team with Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site for a playful reenactment of
the Storming of the Bastille (influenced more by Monty Python than the French
Revolution), followed by a French-themed street party. Come early and take a tour of Eastern State (standard
admission), or stay late and take a 25-minute evening tour following the
Reenactment ($10 Adults, $5 Kids age 7-12).
Sunday, June 20
Father's Day
Dads visiting with their kids (of any age) get a free Eastern State Penitentiary embroidered baseball cap.
*Free baseball cap available upon request while supplies last. Offer valid only with full price adult admission.
Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13
Behind the Scenes Tour: Parole, Intake, Bertillion, and New Staff Offices
Free with Admission
Current Historic
Site Members receive priority registration and free admission
The Parole and Intake Offices (sometimes called by their historic name,
“Bertillion”) were added to Eastern State Penitentiary’s complex of buildings
in 1944. They included records rooms, showers, photography rooms and a
dark room. The spaces had been in serious disrepair by the time the tour
program began in 1994, and served as the temporary dressing rooms for Terror
Behind the Walls for many years. The historic site has retrofitted them
as staff offices, leaving as many details of the original architecture as
possible (including bullet holes in some of the windows). Tour the
offices, and see photographs and artifacts related to this historic, evocative
place.
Saturday, May 22, 1:30 pm.
Alumni Reunion
Free
with Admission
People are sometimes surprised to find that many of Eastern State's
former officers and inmates are still quite young, and enjoy returning to the
cellblocks to remember old times. This weekend only, our Alumni — both officers
and inmates — answer questions and meet the public.
Friday, May 14, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
Reception for the 2010 Artists
Sharyn O'Mara: Victim Impact Statement
Free & Open to the public.
Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a changing series of artist installations as
part of the historic site’s exhibits on history and criminal justice. In
2010 there will be several installations on view during all public
hours. Join us for a chance to meet the artists and see the new
work! Light refreshments served.
Sunday, May 9
Mother's Day
Mothers visiting with their kids (of any age) get a free* Eastern State Penitentiary canvas tote bag. Show Mom you care!
*Free tote bag available upon request while supplies last. Offer valid only with full price adult admission.
Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11.
Tunnels and Towers Weekend
Free with Admission.
Visitors
have long wished to see two perspectives of Eastern State Penitentiary: the
view from the guard towers and of the underground punishment cells, “the
hole.” Neither has ever been open to the public.
This weekend, see the debut of the “TowerCam!,” a set of remote, high
definition cameras that visitors control to gain the officers’ perspective five
flights above. The images are played on oversized screens, giving a rich,
vivid perspective of the view from the central tower.
The weekend also provides the debut of the new “Prison in a Prison” tour,
taking visitors under Cellblock 14 for a look at the tiny, cramped, windowless
cells used to punish inmates. In most prisons, these cells are called “The
Hole.” At Eastern State they had the additional nickname of “Klondike.”
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made using the online reservation system.
Monday, March 15
2010 Season Sneak Peek
Free
Eastern
State Penitentiary is free all day for a sneak peek at the 2010 exhibits and
tours.
Sunday, February 14
Valentine's Day
What better
place for a date than Eastern State Penitentiary? Couples get "Buy One,
Get One" tickets upon request. Valid with one full-price adult admission
only.
Friday, January 1
Closed for New Year's Day
Friday, December 25
Closed for Christmas Day
Thursday, December 24
Closed for Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 10, 11:00 am
Eastern State Penitentiary kicks off "Winter Adventure Tours" with ice sculpting performance
To
kick off the Winter Adventure Tour season, Fear No Ice, the world's first and
only performance ice sculpting company, located right here in Philadelphia,
will create a piece entitled "Frozen in Time." The 1200 pound ice
sculpture will incorporate iconic images of former inmates suspended in blocks
of ice and arranged to form a towering sculpture on the penitentiary grounds.
The event will take place on Thursday, December 10, beginning at 11 am and the
sculpture will be on view for visitors throughout the weekend, subject to
weather.
Wednesday, December 1.
First Day of 2009 Winter Adventure Tours
An hour-long tour of the beautiful, winter cellblocks with an expert guide. Reserve your tour now.
Tuesday, November 30
Last Day of the 2009 Standard Tours
Thursday, November 26
Closed for Thanksgiving
Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15
Behind the Scenes Tour: The Punishment Blocks (a.k.a. “The Hole”)
Historic Site Members: Free / General Public: Free with Standard Admission
Eastern State is often compared to a small city. It has workshops, recreational spaces, kitchens and, of course, housing. But is there a prison in the prison? Join Eastern State administrative staff and senior guide staff for a Behind the Scenes tour of spaces modern visitors don’t see—and most inmates never saw either. See the punishment cells in Cellblock 1, with artifacts describing the 1945 tunnel escapee’s hunger strike there. See also Cellblock 15 and, never before open to the public, the windowless basement cells under Cellblock 14. The punishment cells were called “Klondike” at Eastern State, and “The Hole” in all prisons.
These tours are sure to fill up fast. Current Eastern State Penitentiary Members have first priority to reserve a tour. Don't miss your chance to schedule a visit! Members may make reservations online starting on Thursday, October 1. Registration will open to the general public on Monday, November 2.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW.
September 18 – November 7.
“Terror Behind the Walls” Haunted House
Called “perfect for Halloween” by the New York Times and ranked No. 1 in the nation by AOL City Guide, Terror Behind the Walls is the region’s premier haunted attraction. Tickets go on sale Sept. 10, 2009. Check the Halloween website for coupons, previews, photos and ticketing.
Saturday, October 3, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.Judging 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Members’ Photo Contest
Free with Admission
Eastern State is one of the most photogenic locations in America. Each year photographers travel from as far away as California and Canada to photograph the penitentiary. Each Member may submit one color and one black and white Eastern State photograph for our 2009 Members’ Only photo competition.
Download the Guidlines.
Download the Guidlines.
(Date Tentative)
College Day on the Parkway
Free for Students with I.D.
Special programs and free admission to Eastern State Penitentiary and other local museums for college and high school students. Free shuttle busses will run among participating attractions.
Special programs and free admission to Eastern State Penitentiary and other local museums for college and high school students. Free shuttle busses will run among participating attractions.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
College Day on the Parkway
Free for Students with I.D.
Special programs and free admission to Eastern State Penitentiary and other local museums for college and high school students. Free shuttle busses will run among participating attractions.
Friday, September 11, 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Secret Cinema
Admission $8
Now entering their second decade of collaboration with Eastern State Penitentiary, Secret Cinema will present their first screening here of an outright comedy film. That's when they will unreel PARDON US (1931, Dir: James Parrott). This is the first prison-themed (naturally!) feature-length film to star beloved comedy duo Laurel & Hardy. One of the pair's best effort's, this will be a one time opportunity to see this classic film as never before -- inside a genuine prison, with real steel bars in the screening room echoing the scenes on screen in a unique twist on "3-D" movies.
PARDON US will be shown with a prison-themed short film to be announced. As always at our annual partnership with Secret Cinema, seating is limited, so early arrival is suggested. All Secret Cinema presentations are projected in 16mm film on a giant screen (not video).
Now entering their second decade of collaboration with Eastern State Penitentiary, Secret Cinema will present their first screening here of an outright comedy film. That's when they will unreel PARDON US (1931, Dir: James Parrott). This is the first prison-themed (naturally!) feature-length film to star beloved comedy duo Laurel & Hardy. One of the pair's best effort's, this will be a one time opportunity to see this classic film as never before -- inside a genuine prison, with real steel bars in the screening room echoing the scenes on screen in a unique twist on "3-D" movies.
PARDON US will be shown with a prison-themed short film to be announced. As always at our annual partnership with Secret Cinema, seating is limited, so early arrival is suggested. All Secret Cinema presentations are projected in 16mm film on a giant screen (not video).
Photo credit: Robert Brown
Saturday, September 5th, 2009, at 8:30pm Tickets: $10
Rusted Gates, Volume 1 - Leopard's Mouth
Northern Valentine, a Philadelphia based collective of musicians and artists,
will debut their multimedia performance, entitled "Rusted Gates, Volume 1 - Leopard's Mouth", at Eastern State Penitentiary on Saturday, September 5th, 2009, at 8:30pm, as part of the 2009 Philly Fringe Festival.
The performance consists of an original film that will be accompanied by live, improvisational music and sound art, which will provide the score for the film. The performance will take place in the Rotunda, the center of Eastern State Penitentiary, and will also features some unique photographs from the penitentiary.
will debut their multimedia performance, entitled "Rusted Gates, Volume 1 - Leopard's Mouth", at Eastern State Penitentiary on Saturday, September 5th, 2009, at 8:30pm, as part of the 2009 Philly Fringe Festival.
The performance consists of an original film that will be accompanied by live, improvisational music and sound art, which will provide the score for the film. The performance will take place in the Rotunda, the center of Eastern State Penitentiary, and will also features some unique photographs from the penitentiary.
Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2, 11:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M..
Prison Break Weekend
Free with admission
Two actors, one portraying inmate Clarence Klinedinst and one portraying bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton, give their conflicting accounts of who designed the tunnel, how it was built, and why the escapees got caught. Meet each inmate in his cell, and see how their accounts vary. Based on actual conflicts in the accounts of Willie Sutton and Clarence Klinedinst.
The event will also feature interactive and activities for families surrounding the subject of prison escapes.
Two actors, one portraying inmate Clarence Klinedinst and one portraying bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton, give their conflicting accounts of who designed the tunnel, how it was built, and why the escapees got caught. Meet each inmate in his cell, and see how their accounts vary. Based on actual conflicts in the accounts of Willie Sutton and Clarence Klinedinst.
The event will also feature interactive and activities for families surrounding the subject of prison escapes.
Saturday, July 11, 5:30 p.m..
Bastille Day!
Reenactment and Street Party Free
One of Philadelphia’s most popular summertime events! Local businesses team with Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site for a playful reenactment of the Storming of the Bastille (influenced more by Monty Python than the French Revolution), followed by a French-themed street party. Come early and take a tour of Eastern State (standard admission), or stay late and take a 25-minute evening tour following the Reenactment ($10 per person for adults, $5 per person for kids age 7 to 12 -- cash only).
One of Philadelphia’s most popular summertime events! Local businesses team with Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site for a playful reenactment of the Storming of the Bastille (influenced more by Monty Python than the French Revolution), followed by a French-themed street party. Come early and take a tour of Eastern State (standard admission), or stay late and take a 25-minute evening tour following the Reenactment ($10 per person for adults, $5 per person for kids age 7 to 12 -- cash only).
Saturday, July 4
Independence Day
Standard Admission
The penitentiary is open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 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 the prison, have dinner at one of the great local restaurants, and stay for the fireworks! Happy Independence Day!
Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14
Behind the Scenes Tour: Terror Behind the Walls Costume and Makeup Shops
Historic Site Members: Free / Non-Members: $12
Terror Behind the Walls, one of the nation's largest and most ambitious haunted houses, takes over the cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary each fall.
The event has been called "perfect of Halloween" by the New York Times and ranked among the "Top 10 Haunted Houses in the U.S." by AOL City Guide, the Travel Channel and Hauntworld Magazine.
In 2008, Eastern State Penitentiary built new costume and makeup shops into former workshops along Cellblock 1. They include state of the art makeup stations (shown at right) and storage for the 150 costumes necessary to get the show up and running every night.
Meet the makeup artists and costume designers in this rare "Behind the Scenes" glimpse of one of America's most successful haunted houses.
Click here to reserve your spot now.
Terror Behind the Walls, one of the nation's largest and most ambitious haunted houses, takes over the cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary each fall.
The event has been called "perfect of Halloween" by the New York Times and ranked among the "Top 10 Haunted Houses in the U.S." by AOL City Guide, the Travel Channel and Hauntworld Magazine.
In 2008, Eastern State Penitentiary built new costume and makeup shops into former workshops along Cellblock 1. They include state of the art makeup stations (shown at right) and storage for the 150 costumes necessary to get the show up and running every night.
Meet the makeup artists and costume designers in this rare "Behind the Scenes" glimpse of one of America's most successful haunted houses.
Click here to reserve your spot now.
Wednesday, June 3
First Day of 2009 Twilight Tours
Eastern State Penitentiary will remain open until 8 pm on Wednesday nights in June, July and August. Standard admission rates apply, and all audio tours, guided tours and art installations will remain open. The Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue and accompanying exhibit will also be open during Twilight Tours.
Sunday, May 17, 2:30 p.m..
Alumni Reunion
Standard Admission
People are sometimes surprised to find that many of Eastern State's former officers and inmates are still quite young, and enjoy returning to the cellblocks to remember old times. This weekend only, our Alumni — both officers and inmates — answer questions and meet the public.
Friday, May 8, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m..
Reception for the 2009 Artists
Mary Jo Bole's new installation Purge Incomplete features sculptures demonstrating the history of plumbing at Eastern State
This is a Free Event
Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a changing series on artist installations as part of the historic site’s exhibits on history and criminal justice. In 2009 there will be nine installations on view during all public hours, including two brand new installations. Join us for a chance to meet the artists and see the new work! Light refreshments served.
April 24 & 25 AND May 1 & 3; 8 pm.
Chamber Music Now
Chamber Music Now stages a concert production of original musical works inspired by Eastern State Penitentiary. Four composers have accepted the commission of new work, all addressing aspects of the penitentiary’s complex history. All work will be performed by Chamber Music Now’s ensemble, comprised of clarinet, violin, cello, percussion and voice. Tickets are on sale now and limited in quantity. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.chambermusicnow.org/cellblock.html.
Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5.
The Restored Synagogue / Lost Chaplain's Office Weekend
The installation of the ark as part of the synagogue restoration process
Standard Admission
Eastern State Penitentiary’s beautiful, freshly-restored synagogue opens to the public for the first time. Come meet the archaeologists, see the artifacts, and visit this beautiful, reborn holy space. The trip to the synagogue is followed by a look at the long-abandoned Catholic Chaplain’s Office, prior to its renovation and stabilization. The office, with its beautiful Catholic and Prison-themed murals, has never been open to the public. See it now, before restoration begins in this beautiful, spiritual space. One weekend only. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online now or by calling our ticket office at (215) 236-3300 between 10 am and 5 pm daily.
Eastern State Penitentiary’s beautiful, freshly-restored synagogue opens to the public for the first time. Come meet the archaeologists, see the artifacts, and visit this beautiful, reborn holy space. The trip to the synagogue is followed by a look at the long-abandoned Catholic Chaplain’s Office, prior to its renovation and stabilization. The office, with its beautiful Catholic and Prison-themed murals, has never been open to the public. See it now, before restoration begins in this beautiful, spiritual space. One weekend only. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online now or by calling our ticket office at (215) 236-3300 between 10 am and 5 pm daily.
Wednesday, April 1
First Day of 2009 Standard Tours
Tuesday, March 31
2009 Season Sneak Peak
Eastern State Penitentiary is free all day for a sneak peek at the 2009 exhibits and tours.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc.
2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130