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Eastern State Penitentiary and its collection

Eastern State Penitentiary
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The Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a former prison that operated from 1829 to 1971. Since 1994, it has been repurposed as a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into the history of the American penal system.

Notable Inmates of the Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary has housed several notable inmates, including Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Visitors to the museum can explore a reconstructed version of Al Capone's cell, offering a glimpse into the life of one of America's most infamous criminals.

Visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary Museum

The Eastern State Penitentiary Museum is open to the public from April to November. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any potential closures.

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Specialized & Alternative Specialized & Alternative History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house Person & Artist

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#6 History & Anthropology in Philadelphia #7 Historic houses in Philadelphia #6 Person & artist museums in Philadelphia #7 History & Anthropology in Pennsylvania #7 Historic houses in Pennsylvania #6 Person & artist museums in Pennsylvania #80 History & Anthropology in United States #57 Historic houses in United States #39 Person & artist museums in United States

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Eastern State Penitentiary
Fairmount Avenue 2027
PA 19130 Philadelphia
Pennsylvania

Images of Eastern State Penitentiary

Visitor information Eastern State Penitentiary

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00
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Admission

Please check the website for details on ticket prices.

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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Eastern State Penitentiary.

Location & Map

Fairmount Avenue 2027, Philadelphia

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Eastern State Penitentiary have been found.

Eastern State Penitentiary Reviews

Eastern State Penitentiary has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia offers visitors a compelling look into America's prison history. This former prison-turned-museum provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to explore its decaying cellblocks and learn about its infamous inmates, including Al Capone. The audio tour, narrated by Steve Buscemi, is informative and engaging, guiding visitors through the facility's history and architecture.

    The site's preservation in a state of "controlled ruin" adds to its eerie atmosphere, making it particularly popular during Halloween when it hosts a haunted house event. However, some visitors find this event overly commercialized and prefer the regular historical tours.

    Exhibits cover various aspects of incarceration, both historical and contemporary, prompting reflection on criminal justice issues. The art installations scattered throughout add depth to the experience, though some visitors find them hit-or-miss.

    While many praise the educational value and historical significance of Eastern State Penitentiary, a few visitors feel the ticket price is steep. Additionally, some areas may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the nature of the old structure.

    Overall, Eastern State Penitentiary offers a thought-provoking and memorable experience, balancing historical education with a unique, atmospheric setting. It's generally well-received by history enthusiasts and those interested in criminal justice topics, though it may not appeal to all visitors due to its somber subject matter.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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