Included with admission.

From November 25 through December 1, 2024*, join us for special tours of Soup Alley that incorporate new research from the Pennsylvania Prison Society about the status of food service throughout the state’s prison system. Visitors will learn about the quality and quantity of food in Pennsylvania prisons, recent changes to dining areas, health outcomes related to food service, and more. 

During the penitentiary's operational years, Soup Alley contained a fully equipped kitchen and, as of 1924, two massive but narrow mess halls where prisoners ate together. This communal dining area is located on a wedge of land between Cellblocks 4 and 5.

Tour times will vary day by day. Ask a staff member on site about the Soup Alley tour during your visit. This activity is included in all types of admission to the historic site.

* Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site will be closed on Thursday, November 28, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

 

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About the Pennsylvania Prison Society:

 The Pennsylvania Prison Society is an unbiased, expert source of information on Pennsylvania prisons. The Society is the sole organization in the Commonwealth with legal authority to visit any prison or jail. They put their unique access to good use to resolve individual requests for assistance and report without bias on what happens behind bars. Learn more >