Delta Sky Magazine

Philadelphialove and liberty

Eastern State Penitentiary

Courtesy Eastern State Penitentiary

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14861

Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Ave.

215-236-3300

www.easternstate.org

Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price: Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children (7-12) $10; Not recommended for children under 7.

Type: Museums & Galleries

It's hard to believe that when it opened in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary was the most expensive building constructed in the United States. This hulking National Historic Landmark is now a crumbling pile of stone (11 acres of stone to be precise), with trees growing through roofs and every piece of metal rusted. But it's also one of Philadelphia's most compelling museum experiences. Built as a bold experiment in penitence, it was considered a model of penal reform, rooted in the belief that solitary confinement could rehabilitate America's worst criminals. Abandoned in 1971, the prison today offers an eerie glimpse of life inside. Take a tour to see the historic cells of Al Capone and notorious bank robber, “Slick Willie” Sutton. The annual "Terror Behind the Walls" attraction, held from September through November, is known as one of the most inspired Halloween events in the nation.

39.96833073000571

-75.17269492149353

Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Ave.

Philadelphia

19130

215-236-3300

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