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Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description

The Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison that was operational from 1829 until 1971 in Philadelphia. It was known for being one of the first to use separate confinement of inmates. Many famous criminals were incarcerated here including Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton. Since 1994 the penitentiary has reopened for public tours. This review is for the daytime tour which includes an audio-guide with ten stops lasting bout 40mins followed by an unguided exploration of artist installations and exhibits.

Access & Transport

The complex is 2km north of City Hall, just over 1km west of N Broad St and Fairmount underground station (BSL) and a 10mins' walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Bus 49 stops close to the entrance on Fairmount Ave. There is a parking lot at 22nd St & Fairmount Ave. On the Eastern State side of 22nd Street, parallel parking is free and unlimited. The same is true of Brown Street, which borders the back wall. Directions and accessibility info: https://www.easternstate.org/access

Instructions & Recommendations

Management states that ESP is not recommended for children under the age of seven as the building is in 'a state of semi-ruin' and some audio tour stops include adult content.

Meta review

ESP is one of the top-ranking attractions in Philadelphia according to travel guides and online review portals. The self-guided tour is well done and covers a wide range of topics including interview with guards and prisoners, break out stories, but it is the information and reflection around the premises of the US penal system, its origin and evolution, that leaves a mark on most visitors.

Environmental & Social

Low carbon footprint and educational

Conclusion

Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary may not appeal to everybody on paper, but we do think it is very much worth considering, including traveller and residents looking for cultural activities. To us, it is both educational and acting as a memorial that invites reflection rather than a commercialized attraction that just needs watching and listening to.

Key positive

Very instructive

Kept 'authentic'

Key negative

Lacks suggested route beyond the initial 10 audio stops

Suitability

The attraction is not recommended for children under 7. Most of the building and outdoor area is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Thanksgiving, 24/25 Dec and 01 Jan

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 17:00

Tuesday10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday10:00 - 17:00

Thursday10:00 - 17:00

Friday10:00 - 17:00

Saturday10:00 - 17:00

Sunday10:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
62 - 99
US$19
Adult
18 - 61
US$21
Teen & Young
13 - 17
US$17
Child
7 - 12
US$17
Infant
0 - 6
US$0
Online price for the daytime tour. Student price is $17. Onsite price is $2 extra

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