America'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. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.
Fridays & Saturdays, Now - July 27
Summer Nights
Explore the profound impact of recreation on prison life through engaging talks, family-friendly activities, and interactive experiences. Plus, grab a beer, soft drink, or food and relax and reflect in The Fair Chance Beer Garden.
Plan Your Visit
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is currently open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Revisit the past. Rethink the future.
Become a Member
Members support the work we do every day and receive exclusive benefits like free daytime admission, invitations to members-only experiences, special discounts, and more!
June 19, 2024, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Juneteenth Celebration
Join us as we come together to commemorate Juneteenth. Featuring a live performance of "Unshackled" by The Black Breath Collective, family-friendly storytelling by Thembi Palmer, and a panel discussion. Learn more
Collaboratory for Justice Education
The Collaboratory for Justice Education at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a dynamic community of dedicated and enthusiastic people with a shared passion for justice education committed to generating innovative solutions for understanding intricate societal issues.
Help Us Redefine Justice in America
Eastern State has entered a bold new era, and one of the pillars of our future is to become the national leader in criminal justice education. Together, we can learn and foster meaningful action and productive change – in our communities, our society, and in ourselves.
