How long is the tour at Eastern State?

The main audio tour, which provides a general overview of the penitentiary’s history, includes ten audio stops and lasts about 40 minutes total. From there, you can end your tour or continue to explore additional audio stops, artist installations, and exhibits.

Is Eastern State Penitentiary free?

Free. No reservations required. Explore America’s most historic prison for free! Free Museum Day admission includes “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, Hands-On History interactive experiences, history exhibits, and artist installations.

Is Eastern State Penitentiary Open this year?

CANCELED: Reception for the 2020 Season. Due to ongoing public health concerns related to the novel coronavirus, Eastern State Penitentiary will remain temporarily closed to the public until further notice.

Is Eastern State Penitentiary night tour scary?

Halloween Nights consists of 15 attractions: 4 haunted houses (scary!) 1 immersive walk-through experience (psychedelic) 3 live, interactive performances (entertaining)

How much does it cost to get into the Eastern State Penitentiary?

Save $2 per person when you buy your Daytime Prison Tour tickets in advance online.

Description Price Qty
Adult $17.00
Senior Ages 62+ $15.00
Student ID Required $13.00
Child Ages 7-12 $13.00

Why did the Eastern State Penitentiary close?

The solitary confinement system eventually collapsed due to overcrowding problems. By 1913, Eastern State officially abandoned the solitary system and operated as a congregate prison until it closed in 1970 (Eastern State was briefly used to house city inmates in 1971 after a riot at Holmesburg Prison).

Can the actors touch you at terror behind the walls?

At the start of the experience, you’ll be given two options: glow stick or no glow stick. Choosing the first signals that you’re ready for as much fright as you can get and allows the actors to touch you throughout the experience.

Where does the audio tour of Eastern State Penitentiary end?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll be asked to stay on a linear, one-way route as you listen to our main audio tour (audio stops 1-10). The main audio tour ends at The Big Graph and its climate-controlled companion exhibit Prisons Today .

What can you do at Eastern State Prison?

Admission includes “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi; our award winning exhibits on mass incarceration, The Big Graph and Prisons Today ; history exhibits; and a critically acclaimed series of artist installations. Planning a visit to Eastern State? Be sure to check out our Plan Your Visit page.

Is the Eastern State Penitentiary open on Christmas Day?

The penitentiary is currently open for daytime tours Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

How much is admission to Eastern State Penitentiary?

Admission is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $15 for students and children ages 7-12. (Not recommended for children under the age of seven.) Tickets for Night Tours: Summer Twilight are $19 for Thursday evenings, $26 for Friday evenings, and $32 for Saturday evenings.