December through March
Eastern State's Winter Adventure Tours run from December through March, are limited to 25 people, and pair each small group with an expert Eastern State guide for a one-hour tour of the penitentiary complex. The tour route changes to accommodate the weather, but may include the cellblocks, center surveillance hub, Al Capone's Cell, Death Row, and the newly restored Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue. There are even photographs of the inmates' holiday celebrations on view.
New this season, the Winter Adventure Tour program is expanded to include select artist installations and Hands-On History interactive experiences. You will be able to unlock one of Eastern’s intricate “escape-proof” cells, see inmate-painted murals in the Chaplain’s Office, and see rare marks left by inmates and carpenters throughout the prison complex. Also, back by popular demand, hot chocolate is available before or after your tour and is included in admission.
Eastern State Penitentiary is beautiful in the stark, cold months of winter. But as striking as the unheated building is, it's also very cold. We recommend dressing for the weather, minus ten degrees. Bundle up!
| Visitor Center Hours: | Every day, 10 am to 5 pm, free to the public. |
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| Tour Times: | Weekdays: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm Weekends: Every hour, 10 am to 4 pm |
| Admission: | Adults: $12, Seniors: $10, Students & Kids (7-12): $8 Not recommended for children under the age of seven. |
| Tour Length: | 1 hour |
| Heating: | The small ticketing office and center surveillance hub (mid-point of the tours) are heated to about 60 degrees, but the rest of the property remains totally unheated. |
| Dress: | We recommend dressing for the weather, minus ten degrees. Bundle up! |
| Tickets: |
We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance. On most days, some tickets will be available at the Ticket Office. There are no guarantees, however, and many tours (especially on Saturdays and Sundays) will sell out. ESP Members: Call (215) 236-3300 between 10 am and 5 pm to reserve your free tickets. |
| Photography: | Photography is allowed, as long as it does not distract or delay the group. Tripods may not be used during the tour. |
| Group Tours: | We recommend groups schedule between April 1 and November 30, but private tours can be scheduled during the winter months. Call (215) 236-5111 x10 |
