Eastern State Penitentiary

Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Neighborhood: North Philadelphia

Social Media:

Instagram and Twitter - @easternstate
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Eastern-State-Penitentiary-125028907507788/?ref=sg

Contact: 215-236-3300

Description: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site interprets the legacy of American criminal justice reform, from the nation’s founding through to the present day, within the long-abandoned cellblocks of the nation’s most historic prison. Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held approximately 80,000 men and women during its 142 years of operation, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone.

Resources for Researchers

Research
- https://www.easternstate.org/research
Online Tour
- https://www.easternstate.org/explore/online-tour
“The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour
- https://www.easternstate.org/explore/audio-tour
Exhibits
- https://www.easternstate.org/explore/exhibits

Information for Visitors

Hours
- Mon. - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Admission
- Adults: $15 (online) / $17 (at the door)
- Seniors: $13 (online) / $15 (at the door)
- Students and Children 7-12: $11 (online) / $13 (at the door)

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