Museum · Philadelphia

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Eastern State Penitentiary operated from 1829 to 1971. It pioneered the system of solitary confinement. Visitors walk the decaying corridors and view installations that address prison history and reform.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 4 of Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York in 7 Days

Visiting Eastern State Penitentiary: what to know

Tickets
Admission required; current prices listed on the official website.
Time needed
Allow 90 minutes to two hours.
Best time
Spring or fall for comfortable outdoor sections.
Getting there
SEPTA Broad Street Line to Fairmount station, then about a 15-minute walk west.

Philadelphia itineraries with Eastern State Penitentiary

Day 4 of Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York in 7 Days

Philadelphia's museums

How Eastern State Penitentiary fits into a day.
  1. 10:00Philadelphia Museum of ArtPhiladelphia
  2. 14:00Eastern State PenitentiaryPhiladelphia
  3. 17:00Reading Terminal MarketPhiladelphia
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Eastern State Penitentiary FAQs

Is Eastern State Penitentiary haunted?

It is famous for ghost stories, but the museum focuses on the history of American prisons and criminal justice.

How long does a visit to Eastern State Penitentiary take?

Most visitors spend between 90 minutes and two hours on site.

Can children visit Eastern State Penitentiary?

The museum is open to all ages, but some exhibits cover serious topics and may not suit young children.

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