Visiting Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia

A Visit to Eastern State Penitentiary

If walls could talk, the ones inside Eastern State Penitentiary would have centuries of secrets to tell. Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, this massive stone fortress was once the most advanced and expensive prison of its time, and today it’s a powerful (and slightly eerie) reminder of how our country once approached justice and rehabilitation.

Eastern State Penitentiary is located at 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130. The contact number is (215) 236-3300. We parked across from the penitentiary and paid $25. The parking lot has a pay machine that accepts credit cards and cash. We displayed our parking ticket on the windshield before proceeding. 

We walked through a tunnel that passed a gift shop of souvenirs you could take home. We showed our tickets and were given audio devices with preset tours of the prison. It was extremely hot on this day, so we recommend bringing water, comfortable shoes, and loose-fitting clothing. Although we were inside walking to different sections of the prison, the sun was scorching.  There are no air conditioners inside the cell. There are air conditioners inside the education centers.  We walked through the maze of sky-lit cells and learned what it was like to be a prisoner. Many cells were in a state of rumble and deterioration. Some cells were still intact, offering a glimpse into how someone lived in their cell.

A Radical Idea: The Birth of the Penitentiary

Eastern State opened its gates in 1829 and was the world’s first true penitentiary, built not to punish but to inspire penitence and reflection. The idea was revolutionary: keep inmates in complete solitude, on the belief that isolation would lead to spiritual redemption.

The mastermind behind its design was architect John Haviland, who modeled the structure like a wagon wheel, with a central surveillance hub and seven spokes extending outward as cellblocks. Each cell had its skylight (called the “Eye of God”), tiny exercise yard, and heavy wooden door. There were no group meals, no shared yard time, and no contact with the outside world.

A Fortress of Stone and Silence

The penitentiary’s Gothic architecture—complete with 30-foot-high walls, castle-like towers, and long, vaulted corridors—was both intimidating and inspiring. Made from local stone, the structure was designed to strike fear into anyone approaching its iron gates. At its peak, the prison held over 1,700 inmates, far beyond its intended capacity.

Over the decades, the solitary system faded, replaced by a more traditional prison format. Famous inmates, such as Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton, were housed at this facility. Capone’s cell, complete with rugs and a radio, still draws curious eyes from visitors today.

 

Abandonment, Decay, and a New Life

After operating for 142 years, Eastern State officially closed in 1971. For years, it sat abandoned, with vines creeping over it, plaster crumbling, and bars rusting. In the 1990s, a preservation effort transformed it into one of Philadelphia’s most fascinating historic sites.

Today, it’s a blend of preserved decay and interactive storytelling. Audio tours, art installations, and historic reenactments offer visitors a deeper look into what life was like behind those cold stone walls. For those brave enough, Eastern State is also known as one of the most haunted places in America, hosting nighttime ghost tours and Halloween events that sell out quickly.

 

FOOD

After spending over 2 hours in prison, we were hungry. I didn’t want to search for or pay for parking again, so we left our car in the lot and walked across the street. There are many restaurants in the area, and some offer outdoor seating. We visited the Urban Saloon at 2120 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, (215) 232-5359. I ordered a Monte Christopher Panini and had a house special drink. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the customer service was exceptional. They also have a bar and seem to be a great place to meet up with friends. 

 

My Philadelphia Bucket List of Places to Visit

• Philadelphia Magic Gardens
• Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
• Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
• Cave of Kelpius
• Philadelphia Museum of Art