Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
| Type | Historic site, museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 2027 Fairmount Avenue |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Fairmount |
| Phone | (215) 236-3300 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1829 (prison); 1994 (museum) |
| Founder | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
| Director | Sally Elk |
| Hours | Daily 10 AM - 5 PM |
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a former prison turned museum in the Fairmount neighborhood, known for its revolutionary architecture and troubled history as America's most influential prison. Built in 1829, Eastern State pioneered the "separate system" of incarceration—complete solitary confinement meant to inspire penitence (hence "penitentiary"). Its Gothic architecture and spoke-like design were copied by over 300 prisons worldwide. Famous inmates included Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton.[1]
Today, the crumbling prison operates as a museum that explores incarceration past and present. The site preserves the ruins as a reminder of the prison's history while presenting exhibitions and programs examining the American criminal justice system. Annually, the prison transforms into Terror Behind the Walls, one of the nation's largest haunted attractions.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Revolutionary Design
[edit | edit source]Eastern State was designed to be revolutionary:
- 1821: Construction authorized
- 1829: Prison opened
- Designer: Architect John Haviland
- System: Complete solitary confinement
The prison was the largest and most expensive public structure ever built in America at the time.
The Separate System
[edit | edit source]Eastern State pioneered the "Pennsylvania System" or "Separate System":
- Prisoners in complete solitary confinement
- Individual exercise yards attached to each cell
- Food delivered through small door slots
- Minimal human contact—even guards wore socks to muffle footsteps
- Goal: Silent reflection leading to penitence and reform
This system was controversial even then. Charles Dickens visited in 1842 and called it cruel.
Global Influence
[edit | edit source]Eastern State's design was incredibly influential:
- Over 300 prisons copied its architecture
- The spoke-like radial plan became standard
- Prisons from Argentina to China followed the model
- The building itself became a tourist attraction while operating
Famous Inmates
[edit | edit source]- Al Capone (1929-1930): His cell was lavishly furnished
- Willie Sutton: Bank robber who escaped in 1945
- Pep the Cat-Murdering Dog: Allegedly sentenced to life (actually a governor's joke)
Closure and Preservation
[edit | edit source]- 1971: Prison closed
- 1988: Stabilization began
- 1994: Opened to the public
- Deliberately preserved as "stabilized ruin"
Visiting Today
[edit | edit source]The Experience
[edit | edit source]Visitors explore the prison through audio tours and exhibitions:
- Cellblocks: Walk through crumbling corridors
- Al Capone's Cell: Reconstructed lavish furnishings
- Hospital wing, death row, chapel
- Exercise yards: Individual walled yards attached to cells
Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]The site presents exhibitions on:
- Prison history
- The failure of the separate system
- Mass incarceration today
- Criminal justice reform
- Art installations
The Searchlight
[edit | edit source]A giant searchlight on the prison grounds shines during peak incarceration hours:
- Represents prison populations
- Changes based on incarceration rates
- Links past and present
Terror Behind the Walls
[edit | edit source]Each fall, the prison transforms into one of America's largest haunted attractions:
- September-November
- Multiple haunted attractions
- Thousands of visitors nightly
- Separate tickets required
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Daily: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
- Open year-round
- Extended hours for events
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $21 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children (7-12): Discounted rates
- Audio tour included
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Allow 2 hours for a full visit
- The audio tour is excellent—Steve Buscemi narrates
- Dress appropriately—the prison is not climate controlled
- Visit during daylight for best photography
- Terror Behind the Walls requires separate tickets
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Bus: Routes 7, 32, 33, 48
- Walking: 15 minutes from Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Parking: On-site lot (fee); street parking
Nearby Attractions
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia Museum of Art (10-minute walk)
- Barnes Foundation (5-minute walk)
- Fairmount, Philadelphia
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Fairmount, Philadelphia
- Criminal Justice in Philadelphia
- Architecture in Philadelphia
- Haunted Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About Eastern State". Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Eastern State Penitentiary". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025