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The castle-like stone front wall and gate tower of Eastern State Penitentiary along Fairmount Avenue.
Official site

Davidt8 · Public domain · Source

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison in Fairmount, opened in 1829 to John Haviland's radial plan of cellblocks around a central hub, built to hold inmates in solitary confinement. It held prisoners such as Al Capone until it closed in 1971, and is now a historic site preserved in a state of partial ruin, visited with an audio tour.

Good to know

Opening hours
Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00

Hours checked October 15, 2026 · source easternstate.org

When to go

Today’s hoursAll weekHide week
Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
Wed10:00–17:00
Thu10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

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Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Eastern State Penitentiary?

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00.

Official site

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