Attractions - Historic Homes and Buildings

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Description

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone. Eastern State was an active prison from 1829 to 1971. Today, the penitentiary is a historic site and museum that interprets the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the nation's founding through to the present day. Admission includes an audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi, award-winning exhibits, a series of critically acclaimed artist installations, and more. At night every fall, Eastern State's sprawling grounds transform into a Halloween festival of epic proportions. Halloween Nights does not affect daytime operations and all proceeds benefit the preservation and interpretation of Eastern State, which is a National Historic Landmark.

This attraction is a stop on the Philly Phlash!

The Philly Phlash is a quick, inexpensive, and easy trolley to key destinations throughout Center City. For $2 per ride (or free with select SEPTA passes), hop on and off popular stops for easy and convenient transportation to the city's most popular sites. More information >>>

Distance from Independence Visitor Center: 1.69 miles
Distance from Sister Cities Visitor Center: 0.80 miles
Distance from Pennsylvania Convention Center: 1.23 miles

General

Facility Amenities

  • Accessible by Public Transit
  • Comp for Guides
  • Handicap Access
  • Non Smoking
  • Senior Discount

Facility Information

  • Family Friendly
  • LGBT Friendly
  • Student Friendly

Group Information

  • Group Friendly
  • Francine Schiffman
  • fs@easternstate.org
  • 215-236-5111 x240

Venue Amenities

  • Guided Tours Available

Shopping

Facility Amenities

  • Gift Shop

Hours

Hours Sun

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours Mon

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours Tue

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours Wed

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours Thurs

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours Fri

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours Sat

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours Special

  • Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Attraction

Facility Amenities

  • Audio Tours Available
  • Guided Tour Available

Must See List at this location

  • - Audio Tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi - Hands-On History Experiences - Exhibits Prisons Today and The Big Graph - Al Capone's Cell - Alfred Fleisher Memorial Synagogue - Critically Acclaimed Artist Installations

Register & Save

Register with DiscoverPHL.com for free to save your favorites for future visits

View My List

See what you've added to "Favorites"