$17 online in advance, $20 at the door (subject to availability).

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Experience an evening of immersive storytelling, live-action challenges, and history reimagined. As the sun sets over the historic site’s towering walls, 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.

Between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, stop by the activity table near Al Capone’s Cell to learn how to unlock access to live music and good vibes in the Secret Letter Speakeasy. Deliver a series of letters to locations around the historic site in this activity inspired by real love letters written by two people incarcerated at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1862. Access to the activity ends at 7:30 pm, and the Secret Letter Speakeasy closes at 8:00 pm.

From 6:30 to 7:45 pm, education team member Danny Seifert will moderate a discussion and book signing with Alexander Rosenberg and his project collaborator Brian Lemoine. Learn more about how and why Alex scaled the historic site’s perimeter wall as part of his art installation A Climber’s Guide to Eastern State Penitentiary or, Eastern State’s Architecture, and How to Escape It, currently on view in Cellblock 11. Purchase a copy of the guidebook he created for the installation and have it signed by the artist.

Finally, all evening long enjoy Mini Tours about Soup Alley, Al Capone, and the 1945 Tunnel Escape and take part in an escape-themed scavenger hunt.

About Wednesday Nights:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site opens its gates this summer for Wednesday Nights! With a different theme each week, Wednesday Nights provide a fun and meaningful night out—combining history, culture, and entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting. Enjoy immersive experiences, interactive events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of Philadelphia’s most unique landmarks.

Take a curated, self-guided audio tour by scanning QR codes throughout the historic site. Engage with exhibits, art installations, and pop-up talks highlighting the history of Eastern State Penitentiary and the impact of the criminal justice system today. Sit for artist Mark Loughney, and add your portrait to his growing installation Pyrrhic Defeat. Reflect and connect in The Fair Chance Beer Garden presented in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing. Grab a soft drink, beer, wine, or cocktail at the bar and some happy hour eats from The Hart of Catering.

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We strive to make the penitentiary and our site, programs, and exhibits accessible to all visitors. Click here to learn more about accessibility and accommodations at ESPHS.