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 lawbreakers, including "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.
Connect and Learn
The conversation about the legacy of American criminal justice reform continues virtually! View the schedule and tune in on social media for this week's programming.
Closure Updates
Due to ongoing public health concerns related to the novel coronavirus, Eastern State Penitentiary will remain temporarily closed to the public until further notice.
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Your support today means we can continue our work – virtually for now and in person again when our site reopens.
July 18, 2020, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Member Saturday: Draw Your Own Conclusions | 1920s Cartoons of Eastern State
What We're Reading this Week
Hours after a 5-to-4 vote by the Supreme Court, Daniel Lewis Lee was put to death by lethal injection, the first federal execution in 17 years, The New York Times, July 14, 2020
Phase 1 Construction
This initial phase of construction will include upgrades to electricity and plumbing infrastructure and will lay the groundwork for the eventual construction of a visitor center.
