Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Eastern State was an active prison from 1829 to 1971. Today, the penitentiary is a historic site and museum that interprets the legacy of American criminal justice reform ... from the nation’s founding to the present day. Admission includes an audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi, award-winning exhibits, a series of critically acclaimed artist installations, and more. At night every fall, Eastern State’s sprawling grounds transform into a Halloween festival of epic proportions. Halloween Nights does not affect daytime operations and all proceeds benefit the preservation and interpretation of Eastern State, which is a National Historic Landmark. This attraction is a stop on the Philly Phlash! The Philly Phlash is a quick, inexpensive, and easy trolley to key destinations throughout Center City. For $2 per ride (or free with select SEPTA passes), hop on and off popular stops for easy and convenient transportation to the city’s most popular sites.