Penitentiary Tours: "Alumni Weekend" Plus Death Row
A new season of prison tours at Pennsylvania's historic Eastern State Penitentiary starts this May 1 and 2, with "Alumni Weekend." Former inmates and correctional officers will mingle with tourists during the day.
Cellblock Fifteen, known as "Death Row" will open to the public for the first time in June. This modern cellblock was added to Eastern's complex of buildings in 1956. Although no executions were performed at Eastern State, inmates awaiting execution were held on the second floor of Cellblock Fifteen.
Eastern State Penitentiary was known worldwide for its grand architecture and revolutionary system of Quaker-inspired prisoner reform. It held some of America's most notorious criminals, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone.
The Penitentiary is now among the fastest-growing tourist attractions in the region. Tours include the central rotunda, solitary exercise yards and death row.
Eastern State Penitentiary is located at 22nd and Fairmount Avenue, just five blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Details are available at www.EasternState.com.
[04/18/1999]- Address:
- 2124 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA
- Directions:
- Northwest edge of downtown. I-676/Vine St. Expressway to Benjamin Franklin Parkway exit, turn north onto 22nd St., pass the Museum of Art on the left and continue five blocks north to Fairmount Ave.
- Hours:
- Daily 10-5 (last entry at 4) (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 215-236-3300
- Admission:
- Adults $19, online $17; 7-12 $15, online $13; Audio tour included.
- RA Rates:
- Major Fun
