Skip to main content

Purchase Tickets

Event Rentals

Eastern State Penitentiary is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The historic site is open to visitors year round.

In addition, the site is available for private event rentals from April through August each year. A selection of preset packages are available. We are also happy to work with you to create a custom rental package that meets your needs.

Ready? Book your event today! Questions? Contact us at [email protected].


  • Private After Hours Reception

    Eastern State Penitentiary’s historic baseball field, complete with views of the city skyline, is the perfect space for any group that wants to enjoy an outdoor reception. This package includes market lights and picnic tables and allows you to select the caterer of your choice.

    April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
    June - August 2024 | Sunday - Thursday after 6:00 pm

    Capacity | 50 - 1,000 people



  • Private Custom Events

    Whether you’re entertaining friends, family, employees, or clients, guests are sure to be amazed by the high-quality event experience at Eastern State. Pick a select area, or rent the entire site for a completely customized event. Our installed LED lighting system allows the look of each event to be easily customized. And the music of your choice will echo through your event as your guests mix and mingle for a memorable evening! Our experienced, in-house event professionals will work with you to craft a unique, unforgettable event for your group.

    April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
    June - August 2024 | Sunday - Thursday after 6:00 pm



  • Wedding Ceremonies

    While we do not host wedding receptions, we consider requests to host wedding ceremonies in the central rotunda on a case-by-case basis. Please fill out the booking form below to inquire.

    April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
    June - August 2024 | Monday - Thursday after 6:00 pm

    Capacity | 100 people



  • Movie Screenings

    Gather your group in an outdoor courtyard or the central rotunda (rain location) to watch the movie of your choice projected onto the site's tall, stone walls. We will provide the chairs, beverages, and individual bags of popcorn. Movie screening starts at civil twilight on date booked. 

    April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
    June - August 2024 | Sunday - Thursday after 6:00 pm

    Capacity | 50 people



  • Book Your Event

    Interested in hosting your event at Eastern State Penitentiary? Please complete and submit this online form. If you have questions or need support, contact us at [email protected].



  • Disclaimers

    Event rentals are for private, pre-existing groups only. Tickets cannot be sold to the general public and events cannot be advertised online. Eastern State will not advertise nor publicly endorse any private event rentals. If it is determined tickets are being sold for an existing site rental, it will be immediately canceled without a refund. Eastern State does not rent the site for ticketed events, graduations, proms, wedding receptions, dance parties, concerts, paranormal investigations or any event in conflict with the mission of our organization. Respect for the people who lived and worked at the penitentiary must be exercised at all times. Costumes and décor, including but not limited to prison uniforms, handcuffs, straitjackets, etc. are prohibited. Availability is based on a first come, first serve basis and is not secured until the deposit is received. Eastern State stands as a stabilized ruin without climate control. Events operate rain or shine, and we encourage guests to dress for the weather! For all outdoor events during the public hours, we require that a rain hold be placed on a tent. The tenting fee is separate from the rental fee and is not included in our base rental costs. Tenting estimates can be obtained by contacting our exclusive tenting company, Anthony Party Rentals.



2017 American Aliance of Museums Excellence in Exhibitions Overall Winner