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 lawbreakers, including "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.
Healthy & Safety
The health and safety of our staff and visitors remains our top priority. Learn more about what you can expect during your visit.
Select Evenings, Nov 26 - Dec 30
Night Tours: Winter Holidays
Experience Eastern State's historic cellblocks at dusk, and learn more about winter holiday celebrations throughout the penitentiary's history and in prisons today.
Support This Once-In-A-Decade Effort
Give Today
Help us add a 2020 bar to our centerpiece exhibit, The Big Graph. Our Board is matching gifts made through December 31, so give today and double your impact!
November 26, 2021, 12:00 am – December 22, 2021, 12:00 am
Holiday Toy Drive
BOGO Daytime Tour Admission for Anyone Who Donates. Donate a toy from November 26 through December 22, 2021 in exchange for "Buy One, Get One Free" daytime tour admission to Eastern State Penitentiary. Learn more
What We're Reading This Week
"He’s Remaking Criminal Justice in L.A. But How Far Is Too Far?" By Emily Bazelon and Jennifer Medina | The New York Times, Nov 17, 2021. Photo: Philip Cheung | The New York Times
Instagram of the Week
Share your best Eastern State photos on Instagram for a chance to be featured! Photo by @jil.dennis
