Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is open to visitors year-round. Below you’ll find the latest information regarding our hours of operation, including any notices regarding unexpected closures or delays. All hours of operation are subject to change.
Current Hours of Operation
Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Seasonal & Holiday Schedule
- January – February: Open Wednesday – Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
- March – November: Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 1 – 22: Open Wednesday – Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
- December 23 – 31: Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The historic site is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Special Event Hours
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site also operates select evening events throughout the year:
Halloween Nights
Select evenings, September through November. Dates to be announced soon.
LEARN MOREPlanning a visit to Eastern State?
Explore, visit, and gain perspective as you walk the preserved historic grounds—plus get details on what to bring, where to go, and how to make the most of your visit
Know Before You GoUpcoming Historic Site Events
Wednesday Nights
Wednesday, May 07 - Wednesday, July 02, 2025
Wednesday evenings, May 7 to July 2. $17 online in advance, $20 at the door. Enjoy immersive experiences, interactive events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of Philadelphia’s most unique landmarks. With a different theme each week, Wednesday Nights provide a fun and meaningful night out—combining history, culture, and entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting.
June 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Saturday, June 28, 2025
11:00am - 11:45am
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
Public Portrait Session with Mark Loughney
Saturday, June 28, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
From 12 pm – 4 pm, visitors are welcome to sit for a portrait drawn by Mark Loughney, artist of "Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration."
Public Portrait Session with Mark Loughney
Saturday, July 05, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
From 12 pm – 4 pm, visitors are welcome to sit for a portrait drawn by Mark Loughney, artist of "Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration."
July 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Saturday, July 26, 2025
11:00am - 11:45am
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
August 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Saturday, August 30, 2025
11:00am - 11:45am
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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CollegeFest 2025
Sunday, September 21, 2025
11:00am - 3:00pm
Free daytime admission* for Campus Philly CollegeFest registrants. *Please note, a $1 service fee applies to each ticket. Timed tickets required. Students, sign up for CollegeFest and enjoy free daytime admission to Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site!
September 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Saturday, September 27, 2025
11:00am - 11:45am
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
October 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Sunday, October 26, 2025
11:00am - 11:45am
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
November 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Saturday, November 08, 2025
11:00am - 11:45am
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
December 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Saturday, December 27, 2025
11:00am - 11:45am
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.