Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Plan Your Visit

When to arrive, where to park, what to expect, and more. Learn more

Upcoming Events

The Searchlight Series, Alumni Reunion, Bastille Day, and more. Learn more

Featured Exhibit

Prisons Today: Questions in the Age of Mass Incarceration is a groundbreaking new exhibit. Included with admission. Learn more

Make a Gift

Here are three important projects that need your support. Learn More

America's Most Historic Prison

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 criminals, including "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.

Explore the online tour

September 4, 2018, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Ann Adalist-Estrin and Charese Browning: Responding to the Needs of Children and Families of Incarcerated People

Learn more

What We're Reading this Week

How Philly spent $5 million and got … absolutely nothing, Philly.com, August 8, 2018

Instagram of the Week

Courtesy of @lulmakolli_