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.
Health & Safety
The health and safety of our staff and visitors remains our top priority. Learn more about what you can expect during your visit.
Thursday - Sunday, Now - Sept 4
Night Tours: Summer Twilight
Experience Eastern State's historic cellblocks as the sun goes down. Relax and connect outdoors in The Fair Chance Beer Garden. Reflect with hands-on activities like trivia, letter-writing, and art.
Last Sunday of every month, 10:30 am
ASL Guide-Led Tour & Discussion
Join us for an in-depth, guide-led tour with American Sign Language (ASL) and voice interpretation. Explore the history of Eastern State. Engage in dialogue about criminal justice reform today.
August 13, 2022, 7:00 pm – August 14, 2022, 10:00 pm
The BOX: End of Isolation Tour
Separate admission ($20-$50). Tickets on sale now. The BOX is a piece of transformational theater that asks the audience to re-examine long-held notions of punishment and solitary confinement. Learn more
What We're Reading
"U.S. prison officials resist making inmates pay court-ordered victim fees" by Devlin Barrett | The Washington Post, August 4, 2022. Photo: Amr Alfiky/AP
Pic of the Week
Share your best Eastern State photos on Instagram for a chance to be featured. Be sure to tag us @easternstate! This week's photo by @dr.apples
