Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

www.easternstate.org
Tripadvisor (6,539) · History museum in Philadelphia, PA
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Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of … See more

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 6,539 reviews
5-star
79%
4-star
16%
3-star
3%
2-star
1%
1-star
1%
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Aug 8, 2024
It was a lot of fun. Very interesting history. Go on all the mini tours. You get in to spaces not open to the general public. No need to reserve the minis in advancem Full review by chitownrunner
Jul 10, 2024
This jail is huge with so much history! I visited on a week day morning and there were not too many other visitors. Going through the jail, visitors learn about various offenses committed by the pris… Full review by CharlieV2011
Jul 9, 2024
It was a great tour. Sammy who works there took time with our young kids and answered all of the crazy questions about how people might have escaped lol. They hit him with every question a 7 and 8 ye… Full review by Christopher A
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Articles

Operated for 142 Years
The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia consists of several buildings that operated for 142 years and housed the likes of Al Capone …
minube.co.uk
Cold, Haunted Hallways
Formerly a prison holding the likes of Al Capone, this building is now more of an experience than a museum - take the guided t…
arrivalguides.com
Meant to Be Humane, Drove Men Insane
Thrust into the middle of urban Philadephia is what looks like a great castle, a massive and haunting building. However, these walls were…
atlasobscura.com
One of the Most Haunted Buildings
Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) was part of a controversial movement in the early 1800s that advocated the use of solitary confinement an…
theculturetrip.com
Hauntingly Fun
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. works to preserve and restore the architecture of Eastern State Penitentiary; to make the Pe…
maps.roadtrippers.com
Rehabilitating Criminals
The Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1829 with the aim of rehabilitating criminals through solitary confinement. At the time of its openin…
planetware.com
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Facts

Opened:1829
Architect:John Haviland
Architectural style:Gothic Revival

Questions & answers

Q:
Can u wear leggings at the eastern state penitentiary can you wear a v neck
A:
Sure. No dress code. Just dress for the weather
A:
Q:
Is it temperature controlled? Heating for winter visits?
A:
Definitely not temperature controlled. A couple of small exhibits have climate control, but some of the visit will be outdoors. Dress for the weather. It's a fascinating place.
A:
Q:
Can my friends and I go if we're all under 18 without an adult accompanying us? We see that there's a waiver that we …
Q:
Can my friends and I go if we're all under 18 without an adult accompanying us? We see that there's a waiver that we can easily get signed by our parents but idk if we need an adult ticket and said adult.
A:
Hi I am not sure about the age requirement there is a phone number on the website you can call and ask them.
A:
Q:
Are there bathrooms available to use?
A:
Yes!!! At the entrance before you start the inside tour
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
There are lots of tours, exhibits, and programs on your website. What's the best way to see the penitentiary?
A:
All of our daytime programming (, Mini Tours, artist installations, and exhibits) is included in one admission price.
A:
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Check in: Oct 13 · Check out: Oct 14

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