Welcome FIFA Fans!

Welcome to Philly! While you’re in town for FIFA World Cup or FIFA Fan Festival, make a stop at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, one of America’s most iconic historical landmarks. Located on Fairmount Avenue, walking distance from Lemon Hill and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, this jaw-dropping Gothic fortress is just minutes from all the World Cup action.

Step inside the world’s first penitentiary, a bold 19th century experiment in justice reform, and learn more about the penitentiary’s fascinating history, from its Quaker founding to its notable residents like Al “Scarface” Capone. Explore the site’s dramatic architecture and experience ESPHS your way – with an audio tour (now available in 16 languages!), a guide-led tour, or a self-guided exploration – all included with admission.

Whether you're a history buff, a lover of architecture, or just looking for something uniquely Philly between matches, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site delivers, offering a variety of tours, exhibits, and other dynamic ways to engage with this iconic site’s powerful history and reflect on the impact of the justice system today. Plus, we’re offering a daily lineup of special programs during FIFA World Cup:

• Baseball Pop-Up Talks & Home Run Hits (every day at 12:00): Step onto the penitentiary's historic baseball field where you'll learn more about the impact of baseball and the freedom of expression in prisons, past and present, from one of our educators. Then, step up to the "plate" and see how far you can hit a wiffle ball toward Eastern State's tall perimeter wall.
   
• Sports & Recreation Scavenger Hunt (ongoing): Pick up a packet at the entrance and complete this sports-themed scavenger hunt to receive an exclusive sticker prize! Designed with kids and their caregivers in mind.
   
• Bocce (ongoing): Challenge your friends to a game of Bocce. This hands-on activity allows visitors to learn about the role of sports in prison and the ongoing struggle for social connection behind prison walls.
   
• Mini Tour: Race, Baseball, & The Legend of Charles "Jack" Blackburn (daily, times vary):  Join an Eastern State educator for a 10-minute tour that shares the fascinating story of a renowned boxing champion turned Eastern State Penitentiary baseball player.

About Eastern State:
When it opened in 1829, Eastern State became the world’s first penitentiary—a bold experiment in justice reform designed to encourage regret or “penitence” through a strict system of solitary confinement with labor. Eastern State Penitentiary saw more than 85,000 people pass through its front gate before it ceased operations in 1971. After sitting abandoned for two decades, the building was then reopened as a historic site and museum.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is open to the public year-round, inviting visitors to explore one of America’s most historic prisons, reflect on the impact of the today’s justice system, and consider how we can build a more just future together. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour, a 45 minute Guide-Led Tour and Discussion, Mini Tours, art, exhibits, and more. Visit EasternState.org to learn more.