Page Updated: February 18, 2024
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia PA
The first of its kind in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary received its first prisoner in 1829.
Over the next 141 years, the historic 10-acre prison housed and worked to reform nearly 85,00 inmates, including infamous American Gangster “Scarface” Al Capone.
Today, visitors can walk the prison ruins and see its deteriorating cellblocks and yards alongside complimenting art installations and exhibits. Both Audio and Guide-Led Tours are available to further the experience.
It’s horrible that Eastern State Penitentiary ever had to be built, but as lovers of both history and ruins, this place was epic.
We chose to do the Audio Tour, which to our delight is narrated by Steve Buscemi and couldn’t have been better. Personal accounts from wardens, guards, and inmates weave with the narration creating a dynamic presentations as you walk the crumbling cell blocks.
Would love to return and do some of the short Guided Hands-On History options just for the history.
Maybe when we come back for Halloween Nights!
scenes from Eastern State Penitentiary
-b&b
The Liberty Bell
Valley Forge
