Eastern State Penitentiary
- Hours today
- 10 AM – 5 PM
- Visit time
- 2 hours
- Best for
- History, Halloween
- Founded
- 1994
About this museum
The world's first true penitentiary, opened 1829, abandoned in 1971, preserved as a 'stabilized ruin' since 1994. Houses Al Capone's preserved cell. Operates Halloween Nights, the country's most-attended Halloween event, in October. Read the full review →
Don't miss
- CELLBLOCK 8 Al Capone's preserved cell, 1929
The full review
Eastern State was the prototype for the modern penitentiary system: complete solitary confinement was the design principle, and 300+ prisons worldwide copied its radial cellblock layout. Most famous inmate: Al Capone, who served eight months here in 1929–30 (his cell, with rugs, lamps, and a radio, is preserved). The audio tour is narrated by Steve Buscemi.
In October the entire complex transforms into Halloween Nights, a haunted-house experience that's been running since 1991 and books out far in advance.