Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Plan Your Visit

When to arrive, where to park, what to expect, and more. Learn more

Upcoming Events

The Searchlight Series, Terror Behind the Walls, Family Weekend: Pets in Prison, and more. Learn more

Featured Exhibit

Prisons Today: Questions in the Age of Mass Incarceration is a groundbreaking new exhibit. Included with admission. Learn more

Make a Gift

Here are three important projects that need your support. Learn More

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 once held many of America's most notorious criminals, including "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.

Explore the online tour

September 21, 2018, 7:00 pm – November 10, 2018, 7:00 pm

Terror Behind the Walls

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What We're Reading this Week

Racial disparities plague Pennsylvania’s life-without-parole system — but can it be fixed?, Philly.com, September 18, 2018

Instagram of the Week

Courtesy of @jennvondercrone