Visitor Code of Conduct

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (ESPHS) welcomes people of all ages and perspectives with the mission of preserving America’s first penitentiary, advancing public understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on the lives of those affected by it, to inspire a more just future. We expect every person who visits our historic site to treat each other with respect and to help maintain a safe environment. ESPHS prohibits harassment or discrimination of any kind. We strive to provide a positive learning experience for all. 

By visiting ESPHS, you agree to comply with the following requirements of ESPHS’s Visitor Code of Conduct.  

 

ESPHS prohibits the following: 

• Weapons of any kind, pepper spray, pocketknives, lighters, flashlights, and any potentially dangerous objects are not permitted inside ESPHS. We have a strict "no guns" policy, which means that even persons licensed to carry a firearm, including off-duty law enforcement officers, will not be permitted to bring weapons into the ESPHS complex. 

• Displaying or carrying any placard, sign, or banner 

• Destroying, defacing, damaging, or removing any ESPHS property, including all artifacts and exhibits, as well at the site itself 

• Climbing upon any part of the building or exhibit spaces 

• Entering any restricted area of ESPHS, including rooms or hallways cordoned off by stanchions, metal barriers, signage, gates, or locks 

• Loitering, sleeping, or participating in unpermitted assemblies not previously approved by ESPHS in writing 

• Creating any hazard to persons or things 

• Performing or threatening to perform any obscene, violent, or abusive act and/or language on any other guest or employee  

• Using, possessing, or selling illegal drugs, or using alcohol not served by ESPHS 

• Soliciting for commercial or charitable purposes or distributing advertisements, pamphlets, handbills, or flyers 

• Smoking or carrying lighted cigarettes/electronic cigarettes, vapes, cigars, or pipes into the building, or having a fire of any kind on the premises. 

• Admission of emotional support animals, pets, or any other animals that are not permitted. Service animals or service animals in training are welcome.  

• Paranormal investigations (including the use of mediums, EVP recorders, or other pieces of paranormal investigation equipment)  

• Photographing models (professional or amateur), costumes, or props. No portrait photography is permitted during public hours. ESPHS defines portraiture as any posed photograph of an individual or group taken by a professional, amateur, or student photographer. This includes, but is not limited to, wedding photography, engagement photography, headshots, band photos, and family portraits. 

• Taking photographs or video footage for advertising, promotion, or any other commercial purpose without prior written approval of ESPHS 

• Live streaming, podcasting, or audio or video recording during public hours without prior written approval of ESPHS 

• Drone photography, or use of drones for any purpose 

• Unauthorized events and sales of tickets to the public by third parties 

Any bags, backpacks, and other belongings are subject to inspection upon the request of ESPHS staff. 

ESPHS reserves the right to require any visitor to leave the premises and/or refuse entry or membership to anyone who fails to abide by ESPHS’s Visitor Code of Conduct, in its sole discretion.  

ESPHS invites all feedback on your experience with us. Please locate a staff member while visiting ESPHS or email us at [email protected] with any concerns. 

This Visitor Code of Conduct applies to all ESPHS visitors during public visiting hours, and those present at events hosted at ESPHS, offsite, and in online programs.  

Photography & Filmmaking

Known for its grand architecture – with vaulted ceilings, crumbling cellblocks, and sky-lit cells – Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (ESPHS) is a unique location for film and photo shoots. There are two ways to photograph and film at ESPHS:

1. Non-Commercial / Personal Photography

Visitors wishing to photograph the building only (no props or models) can do so during regular public hours. However, we ask that you honor the following policies:

• Do not block any pathways or exhibits or leave items in these areas.
• Refrain from loud conversations, and avoid gathering along the main audio tour route.
• Do not touch or move any objects or artifacts.
• Models (professional or amateur), costumes and props are not permitted during public hours.
• There can be no nudity, semi-nudity, or sexually explicit images filmed at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.
• No portrait photography is permitted during public hours. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site defines portraiture as any posed photography of an individual or group taken by a professional, amateur, or student photographer. This includes but is not limited to wedding photography, engagement photography, headshots, band photos and family portraits.
• No videography is allowed during public hours.
• No l​ive streaming or podcasting is allowed during public hours.
• Drone photography, or use of drones for any purpose, is not permitted during public hours.
• Eastern State does not allow third parties to conduct fee-based photography workshops or classes on site during public hours. Any persons conducting unauthorized events will be asked to leave the site without a refund.

In addition to the general admission fee, non-members must purchase a daily "photography equipment pass” if they wish to use a tripod, monopod, or easel while on site. Equipment passes are $10 per person and are valid only on the day they are purchased. While we recommend you purchase your tickets online in advance, photography equipment passes can only be purchased at the admissions window on site. Want free daytime admission and free photography equipment passes all year long? Become a Member today!

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site requires the location credit "Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Philadelphia, PA" in all uses of penitentiary photos in print, on the web, in broadcast, and in any other public medium. Reproduction of any photos or videos depicting art installations at ESPHS, past or present, requires prior approval from ESPHS staff. To request, please contact us and include the name of the installation as well as how the photo or video will be used.

2. Private Photo or Film Shoots

We also accept bookings for private photo or film shoots at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. All private film and photo site rentals must take place outside of our public hours. There is an additional surcharge for before or after hour shoots that do not correspond with the start and end times of public hours. All time includes set up, breakdown and shooting. The total number of people includes all attendees present such as photographers, assistants, actors/models, etc. For more information, click here.