Photography at ESP:

General Policies for All Photographers:

Eastern State may be the most photogenic place you see in years! You are welcome to take photographs of the Penitentiary for your own use and enjoyment.

Photography is permitted in all spaces open to the public during our regular hours; however, during the winter months, the spaces open to the public are very limited. Please see the maps to the right to determine what spaces will be open during your visit.

We ask that you honor these policies when photographing at Eastern State Penitentiary:

• Do not block any pathways or exhibits, or leave backpacks or tripods in these areas.
• Refrain from loud conversations and avoid gathering along the audio tour route.
• No Smoking is permitted anywhere within the penitentiary complex.
• Please do not touch or move any objects or artifacts.
• Photography of models or props is not permitted in public spaces during public hours (Please see our Site Rental Page if you wish to photograph models).
• There is a $10.00 fee, per person for all non-members to bring a tripod, monopod, easel, sketching stool etc. onto the site. This pass is valid for the entire season. There is no fee for handheld cameras. (Groups of 15 or more purchasing tripod passes will receive a discounted rate of $5.00 per person, per pass).
• Visitors purchasing an Equipment Pass are required to sign a form agreeing to abide by our "General Policies for All Photographers" when purchasing a Tripod Pass. No equipment, other than a single tripod, monopod, easel or stool, are permitted during public hours.
• Photography with a handheld camera is allowed on guided tours as long as it does not distract or delay the group. Tripods may not be used while on a guided tour.
• Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site requires the location credit "Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA" in all uses of penitentiary photos in print, on the web, in broadcast, and in any other public medium.
• Eastern State Penitentiary assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to equipment.

Site Rental:

Any photographer (regardless if they are a professional, amateur or student), ad agency or other commercial entity wishing to photograph models at Eastern State Penitentiary or conduct shoots that require equipment aside from a single tripod, monopod, easel or stool are required to make reservations through our Site Rental Program. Please see our Site Rental Page for rates and additional information.