Explore an American First
Step inside the world’s first penitentiary, a bold 19th century experiment in justice reform. With architectural, social, and historical significance, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site harnesses the power of place to deepen our collective understanding of the American justice system and inspire us to consider how we can build a more just future together.
Discover. Discuss. Share.
Every visit to Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is unique! ESPHS offers a variety of tours, exhibits, programs, and other dynamic ways to engage with this iconic site’s powerful history and reflect on the impact of the justice system.
Experience ESPHS your way – with an audio tour, a guide-led tour, or a self-guided exploration – all included with admission.
Visiting with 15 people or more? Interested in a private Guide-Led Tour? Learn more about Group Visits.
100% of ticket sales proceeds go directly to benefit our mission.
Included with Admission
Audio Tour
Explore at your own pace with a narrated tour featuring voices from the penitentiary’s past.
Guide-Led Tour
Join an educator for a deep dive into the penitentiary’s history and modern-day relevance.
Mini Tours
Take a quick detour to experience unique spaces and topics in 20 minutes or less.
Art
View powerful art that illuminates history and explores incarceration today.
Exhibits
Engage with exhibits that connect our legacy to today’s criminal justice system.
Plan your visit!
Get ready to experience Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. Learn more about what to bring, where to go, and how to make the most of your visit.
Know Before You GoUpcoming Historic Site Events
Drop-In Art Activity with Mark Loughney
Saturday, January 17, 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join artist Mark Loughney for a family-friendly, hands-on art activity
January 2026: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Sunday, January 18, 2026
11:00am - 12:00pm
Subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
Public Tour with Artist Talk
Saturday, February 14, 2026
11:00am - 12:00pm
Subject to availability. Purchase timed tickets online to secure your spot. Join us for a special iteration of our Guide-Led Tour & Discussion featuring a Q&A with artist Mark Loughney.
Public Portrait Session with Mark Loughney
Saturday, February 14, 2026
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Visitors are invited to sit for a portrait with artist Mark Loughney. The portraits will be included in the next phase of his art installation "Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration," which is now on view at the historic site.
February 2026: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Sunday, February 15, 2026
11:00am - 12:00pm
Subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
March 2026: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Saturday, March 14, 2026
11:00am - 12:00pm
Subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
Spring Break: Escape and Resistance
Friday, March 27, 2026
All Day
Uncover real accounts of daring escape attempts, test your problem-solving skills in a hands-on challenge, and step back in time to the era of Prohibition through immersive storytelling, live-action challenges, and history reimagined.
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Memorial Day Weekend Preservation Fest
Friday, May 22, 2026
All Day
Program details to be announced. Whether you're a history buff, preservation enthusiast, or looking for a meaningful way to honor those who served and sacrificed, Eastern State offers a unique blend of education and remembrance.
Freedom Summer 2026
Thursday, June 11 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
Details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Closed for Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26, 2026
All Day
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is closed for Thanksgiving. We resume normal hours on Friday.
Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Friday, December 25, 2026
All Day
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is closed December 24 and 25. We resume normal hours on December 26.