Why You Should Visit Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia
When people think of visiting Philadelphia, places like Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art come to mind. But did you know that one of Tripadvisor’s top attractions in Philadelphia is a prison? Not just any prison, but the historic, fortress-like Eastern State Penitentiary. Located in the Fairmount neighborhood, it’s just a short 5 or 6 blocks from the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art. My daughter and I decided to visit Eastern State during our recent road trip to Philadelphia. Please note, it’s not recommended for kids under the age of 7. Admission includes a free audio tour, best for ages 12 and up. Here’s 3 reasons why you should consider taking a tour, and why I included it in Unique Philadelphia – 5 Places to Add to Your List. Plus it’s definitely a fun thing to do with teens in Philadelphia.
*This post was updated December, 2021
*This post was updated December, 2021
1. Architecture. Walking up the sidewalk to the entrance, it’s hard to imagine having this imposing structure as your next door neighbor. It was like walking into a castle in the middle of a city. You almost expect someone to start firing a cannon over the walls as you approach. If you are into architecture, you’ll love touring the prison with its unique design made up of a center hub with each wing coming out like spokes on a bike. We learned that this famous design, by architect John Haviland, was a model for over 300 prisons in countries around the world.
2. History. Built as one of the first true penitentiaries, visitors can learn about the fascinating history of this prison that was the first of its kind and a model for the reform and penitence of its prisoners. The free audio tour offers lots of historical information, and you can customize your tour by listening or skipping over stops along the way. As with other famous prisons such as Alcatraz in San Francisco, Eastern State was home to many notorious criminals. William Sutton, one of the most famous bank robbers in history, spent 11 years at the prison. On the audio tour, you’ll hear about his famous escape attempt in 1945, and can also see the spot where it happened. There is also a re-creation of the “luxury” cell” of infamous mobster Al Capone, with oriental rugs and expensive furniture. The prison also offers short interactive experiences through its Hands-on-History program, which you can find throughout the complex.
3. Hauntings. Teenagers will love touring the prison once they hear that many people believe it to be haunted. It’s been abandoned since 1971, and has been featured on many popular television shows and movies since then. I have to say that it was definitely creepy when we stuck our heads into the dark cells (not the one above which was well lit), thinking about all the inmates that have spent time here over the years. For a truly frightening experience, visit the prison in the fall to experience Halloween Nights, with attractions inside the cellblocks. After visiting the prison during the day, I’m not sure I could walk through in the dark. If we ever decide to go, I’ll be sure to write part two to this blog post.
Extra Tips:
Consider purchasing a CityPASS to save money if you plan to visit several attractions while in Philadelphia. Passes include admission to Eastern State along with popular attractions like the Franklin Institute, the Museum of the American Revolution, and the Philadelphia Zoo, to name a few.
Also, the PHLASH bus has a stop right in front of the prison, and you can buy an all day pass for $5, which allows you to jump on and off the bus as many times as you want. It stops at many of the major attractions, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Reading Terminal Market.
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