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 held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.
Select Nights, Sept 20 - Nov 9
Halloween Nights
Step inside Eastern State's massive front gate and into a Halloween festival of epic proportions featuring five thrilling haunted houses plus historic tours, themed bars, live entertainment, and more!
Plan Your Visit
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is currently open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Revisit the past. Rethink the future.
Become a Member
Members support the work we do every day and receive exclusive benefits like free daytime admission, special discounts, Halloween Nights perks, and more!
September 17, 2024, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Justice 101 — Establishing Justice: Excessive Punishment and Mass Incarceration
Free. In Person & Online. Advance registration required. In partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Brennan Center for Justice, join us as we unpack why our criminal justice system is so punitive, examine the harms of the status quo, and offer insight into how we as a society can move toward a more effective and humane criminal justice system. Learn more
Help Us Redefine Justice in America
Eastern State has entered a bold new era, and one of the pillars of our future is to become the national leader in criminal justice education. Together, we can learn and foster meaningful action and productive change – in our communities, our society, and in ourselves.
Collaboratory for Justice Education
The Collaboratory for Justice Education at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a dynamic community of dedicated and enthusiastic people with a shared passion for justice education committed to generating innovative solutions for understanding intricate societal issues.
