How are Night Tours different from daytime tours? As a result, all remaining 2020 Night Tours dates have been cancelled. At the moment, all tours are self-guided. It's a self-guided experience featuring an audio tour, exhibits, and large-scale projections throughout the historic prison complex. Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary is set to kick off another frightening, if unconventional, Halloween season.. The final entry time varies by date. Considered to be one of the most haunted locations in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary first opened its doors in 1829. Would you want to run into one of these guys in the dark?!? At night, the cellblocks fall into darkness and the penitentiary takes on a different energy -- its imposing architecture emphasized by dramatic lighting, its quiet stillness even more striking. Buy Now & Save On Tickets! 'Night Tours' at Eastern State Penitentiary takes you inside America's 'haunted jail' October 26, 2020, 2:44 PM. Some of America's most notorious criminals were held in Eastern’s cells. Self-guided tour starts from 10am until 5pm (you can attend anytime between this... read more, Eastern State Penitentiary is the #1 Most Haunted location in Philadelphia. It was the first of its kind, aiming to reform prisoners rather than purely punish them for misdeeds. In the 1890s, Eastern State Penitentiary's seven cellblocks radiated from a room known as "Center." Face masks must remain on at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. written by Angela Ancarana December 4, 2020 Eastern State Penitentiary is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is considered one of the most haunted prisons in the world. Choose from two unique locations -- Soup Alley (up to 25 people*) or Kitchen Courtyard (up to 50 people*). So if you're looking for something to do this weekend, stop by here and indulge in a world of culture. The fully-electronic confinement system inside separated the inmates from the guards at virtually all times. During the filming of Paranormal Challenge, host Zak Bagans called Eastern State Penitentiary “one of the most haunted places in the world.” Jack Osbourne, host of the Travel Channel’s Portals to Hell, agreed. You'll pick up an audio guide and disposable earbuds on your way into the penitentiary and follow a linear, one-way path through the site. To prevent distraction, knowledge of the building, and even mild interaction with guards, inmates were hooded whenever they were outside their cells. The City of Philadelphia purchased the site in 1980, intending to reuse or develop it. Sign up for updates here! The same is true of Brown Street, which borders our back wall. By 1929, when the Penitentiary administration produced a silent movie to boast of their modern improvements, the cells were used for two or three men who were allowed to work together in the weaving shops, bakeries and workshops. If wanting to visit, seeing the … NEW! Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania. Instead, we are offering smaller-scale, historical Night Tours on select evenings. All prices, availability and tour information are subject to change without notification, and while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the prices, availability and tour information displayed on this website they are not guaranteed to be accurate. In the aftermath of the American Revolution all public institutions were radically revolutionized with the rational and humanistic principles of the Enlightenment. Insider Tips Just touring through Eastern State Penitentiary on a beautiful sunny day can be a pretty haunting experience, so imagine how terrifying the building is after dark. Ghost Hunts USA have exclusive access to this most haunted prison, and you will be ghost hunting with the Ghost Hunts USA team, your time will be spent in the most active areas. Hand sanitizer will be available, and visitors will be asked to sanitize their hands before entering the site. Thus the new word, penitentiary. For all other questions, email [email protected] or call 215-236-3300 during the hours we are open to the public. The penitentiary has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Live , Ghost Adventures , and Paranormal Challenge ; Fox Television’s World’s Scariest Places ; TLC’s America’s Ghost Hunters ; and MTV’s FEAR . Due to COVID-19 precautions, the size of your group must adhere to the 25% capacity guidelines per timeslot. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more. This is a special event, available only for a limited time and limited capacity. To book a group visit, please fill out this online form or email Francine Schiffman, Group Sales Manager, at [email protected]. When you arrive, you’ll follow a one-way route through the penitentiary, which begins with our main audio tour. This massive new structure, opened in 1829, became the most expensive American building of its day and soon the most famous prison in the world. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and high heels are not recommended. The chance to explore the cellblocks and yards of Eastern State Penitentiary at night, with the moon shining through skylights above, Historic locations in the penitentiary complex, including, Large-scale projections onto the penitentiary's 30-foot walls, including a silent film shot at Eastern State in 1929 and. The method was a Quaker-inspired system of isolation from other prisoners, with labor. Some portions of the tour route are inside; however, the line and other sections of the tour are outdoors, and the penitentiary is not heated. This prison first opened in 1829 and operated until 1971, it was designed to hold 253 inmates. Can I explore the penitentiary freely? Inmates were issued hoods with--for the first time--eye holes. Most eighteenth century prisons were simply large holding pens. var _ctct_m = "be4ff7dd7c1a361ec56e60b931cb350b"; Please Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Eastern State Penitentiary is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Visit our Photography and Filmmaking page for more information about setting up a private photo shoot. Second only to the ideals of American democracy was the institution of prison design and reform. Eastern State Penitentiary Thirty years of campaigning on their part led to the revolutionary new building on farmland outside of Philadelphia. Additionally, some new activities are available exclusively for Night Tours, including two large-scale video projections on the interior of the penitentiary’s 30-foot-high perimeter walls. The Penitentiary would not simply punish, but move the criminal toward spiritual reflection and change. Once you have your audio guide, you'll follow a linear, one-way path through the site to help ensure physical distancing. Learn more about the changes we've made with this in mind. Eastern's seven earliest cellblocks may represent the first modern building in the United States. Once the most expensive and notorious prison in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary now stands in ruin, on display as an empty, haunted relic that offers tours of its cell blocks and a history that will send chills down any visitors’ spine. Each prisoner had his or her own private cell, centrally heated, with running water, a flush toilet, and a skylight. The first time I visited the city was in 2019, and I was struck by the abandoned prison's dark force as my family drove past. Timed tickets must be purchased online in advance. Press the button below to open the tour operator's website to make a booking, When? Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) was part of a controversial movement in the early 1800s that advocated the use of solitary confinement and hard labor to alter the behavior of inmates. Bank robber Willie Sutton joined eleven other men in a doomed 1945 tunnel escape. The main audio tour, which provides a general overview of the penitentiary’s history, includes ten audio stops and lasts about 35 minutes total. Private event rentals are available for groups of up to 50 people*. Submit. Parking costs vary. Night Tour tickets start at $19 and vary by night. Thank you for your understanding! Our ghost and paranormal tours are a guaranteed fun and frightening experience! With his cruel reign prisoners were introduced to forms of torture like the ice cold water baths, being strapped immobile to chairs for days on end and forced starvation. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod. He spent most of that sentence in relative comfort at Eastern State, where he was allowed to furnish his cell with antiques, rugs, and oil paintings. All spaces include a set portion of self-serve beverages and “Philadelphia Favorites” treats. Want to receive emails with the latest news and offers? While there are no dining facilities within the penitentiary complex, there are many wonderful restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. The very haunted Eastern State Penitentiary is one extremely harrowing location, it has been featured on many paranormal programs and from the evidence gathered and unexplained experiences of guests and investigators - it … America's Most Historic Prison. Self-guided tour starts from 10am until 5pm (you can attend anytime between this time for for the self guided audio tour).Guests will need to vacate the prison by 5pm and return by 7:45pm.Event ghost hunt starts at 7:45pm (prompt) and finishes at 12:30am. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. The last major addition was made to Eastern State Penitentiary’s complex of buildings in 1956: Cellblock Fifteen, or Death Row. After filming the series, he noted, “Eastern State Penitentiary really freaked me out… The place is … Closure Updates. Night Tours offer the chance to tour the prison at night and learn about its history and relevance today. Can you recommend any local restaurants? Planning a trip to Philadelphia? Each cell was solitary confinement for the prisoner’s entire sentence. Here's what you really need to know before visiting Eastern State Penitentiary, the infamous haunted prison. Eastern State Penitentiary is currently doing night tours in the fall, starting at 6pm and closing at 10:30pm. From there, you can end your tour or continue to explore other one-way paths that feature additional audio stops, artist installations, and exhibits including large video projections exclusive to Night Tours. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the size of your group must adhere to the 25% capacity guidelines per timeslot. In 1787, a group of well-known and powerful Philadelphians convened in the home of Benjamin Franklin. From Alphonse "Scarface" Capone to William "Blackie" Zupkoski, the former residents make up a melee of murders, mobsters and bank robbers. Will I have a tour guide? Since 1995 Eastern State Penitentiary has been offering a nighttime tour of the Penitentiary, which transforms the prison into America’s creepiest haunted house. Discounts, coupons, and complimentary or BOGO passes for daytime prison tours are not valid for Night Tours. Night Tours include everything we offer by day, plus more! Reinforced concrete replaced stone. For questions related to tickets, please email [email protected]. Again, parking is free and unlimited only on the Eastern State side of the street. Virtual Group Tours. I haven't been to Eastern State Penitentiary in many years, and thought it would be a good time to revisit. Whether you want to learn the ghostly stories of inmates that some say still roam the halls or you want to roll up your sleeves and learn to ghost hunt or investigate paranormal activity, our ghost and paranormal tours are a great way to experience the otherworldly side of the Missouri State Penitentiary! The cellblocks were invisible from the Rotunda. A Terrifying Tour Of This Haunted Prison In Philadelphia Is Not For The Faint Of Heart. The early system was strict. This haunting but fascinating former prison refined the revolutionary system of separate incarceration, and housed criminals such as Al Capone. Any photographer (professional, amateur, or student), ad agency, or other commercial entity wishing to photograph models (professional or amateur); wear costumes or use props; photograph the building without visitors; photograph in non-public spaces; or conduct shoots that require equipment must make reservations in advance. A silent film shot at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1929, with flickering images of prisoners in the mess halls and officers patrolling the corridors, plays in the Cellblock 3 courtyard. But the cells did not include exercise yards. Our main audio tour ends at The Big Graph and its climate-controlled companion exhibit Prisons Today where you’ll learn more about modern-day mass incarceration. Night Tours runs rain or shine. Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, closed in 1970, is now a historic site open for tours. We do, however, offer special rates for groups of 15 or more. In the vaulted, skylit cell, the prisoner had only the light from heaven, the word of God (the Bible) and honest work (shoemaking, weaving, and the like) to lead to penitence. Dr. Benjamin Rush spoke on the Society's goal, to see the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania set the international standard in prison design. The new cells were small, square, and lit by ordinary windows, but the halls had the catwalks and skylights typical of the early Eastern cellblocks. Or stay late and sip on a night cap while enjoying reserved seating for a viewing our Hidden Lives Illuminated (HLI) film series, plus exclusive use of our HLI Hospitality Lounge (up to 15 people*). Other dark presences said to still be lurking the hallways are those of the more notorious inmates that served time in the prison. Click through the pins below to explore Eastern State. Exc amet, reserve space inside the penitentiary complex, Learn more about the changes we've made with this in mind. Prices start at $19 and vary by night. No portrait photography is permitted. Who can I contact if I have questions about Night Tours? Ghost Hunts USA have exclusive access to this most haunted prison, and you will be ghost hunting with the Ghost Hunts USA team, your time will be spent in the most active areas. *capacity is dependent on current social distancing guidelines. Yes! Visit this page for the latest closure updates and ways to connect with us online. Timed tickets must be purchased online in advance. Experience our dark, abandoned cellblocks like never before with Night Tours. Many of the programs available during the day are also offered at night, including "The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour, award-winning exhibits, and artist installations. In these challenging times, one of the best ways to show your support is to become an Eastern State Member.Take advantage of our virtual member programming from the comfort of home, and shop our online store with your 20% discount. Arrive early, and enjoy a happy hour, complete with drinks and snacks, before your Night Tour. For any questions or enquiries please contact the tour operator: There are no reviews yet. Full-bodied apparitions have been seen wandering aimlessly and sightlessly still adorning the sack over their heads. What are the days and hours of operation? You'll pick up an audio guide and disposable earbuds on your way into the penitentiary. Groups must follow all new health and safety guidelines, including social distancing, and enter the site 6 visitors at a time. Can I conduct a paranormal investigation during Night Tours? Most visitors spend about 1.5 hours. Carlos longed for a rendering of “red sky at sunset off the coast of Southern California.” Timed entry allows us to space out visitors and ensure physical distancing between groups, but that does not mean that your visit is limited to 30 minutes. We strongly recommend calling ahead to make reservations for large groups. Objects moving, cell doors slamming, prisoners roaming, disembodied moaning - Eastern State Penitentiary will leave you shaken to the core. Just like our daytime tours, Night Tours are designed to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors. Do you offer space for private events during Night Tours? Want to receive weekly emails with the latest news and offers? He proposed a radical idea: to build a true penitentiary, a prison designed to create genuine regret and penitence in the criminal's heart. The tour operators and suppliers provide services and products directly to customers. The attack, in a state gripped by a jihadist insurgency for more than 10 years, took place the same day as long-delayed local elections in the state. The system of solitary confinement at Eastern State did not so much collapse as erode away over the decades. Ghost Adventures investigate the Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison infamous for its solitary confinement cells, in Philadelphia, PA. Eastern State is so large that it occupies one full city block. Eastern State Penitentiary Arguably the most famous haunted location in America, the Eastern State Penitentiary began its life as a correctional institution in October of 1829. Here are some important changes to note: Before you visit, please review our Health and Safety page for details on other changes. But the proponents of the system believed strongly that the criminals, exposed, in silence, to thoughts of their behavior and the ugliness of their crimes, would become genuinely penitent. Eastern State Penitentiary broke sharply with the prisons of its day, abandoning corporal punishment and ill treatment. Mirrors provide continued surveillance into the new cellblocks from the Rotunda. When you arrive, you’ll follow a one-way route through the penitentiary, which begins with our main audio tour. WHERE HISTORY MEETS MYSTERY! The lighting design for Night Tours highlights the prison’s iconic, gothic architecture. The Eastern State Penitentiary looms over Philadelphia like an ominous fortress.. To book a group visit, please fill out this online form or email Francine Schiffman, Group Sales Manager, at [email protected]. Do eiusmod. Night Tours are eerie yet educational. The best ways to experience Eastern State Penitentiary are: Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour; Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Eastern State Penitentiary Admission; Philadelphia Combo Tour: Hop-on Hop-off, Eastern State Penitentiary, Franklin's Footsteps; Go Philadelphia Explorer Pass; See all Eastern State Penitentiary experiences on Viator. The historic site is debuting “Night Tours” — a self-guided experience fit for pandemic times. Within the Penitentiary’s perimeter wall, built with the belief that all people are capable of redemption, prisoners awaited execution. Once inside the site, groups must stay in small clusters of no more than 6 visitors. Many people believe that Eastern State Penitentiary is haunted. Ghost Tour Bookings is not a provider of tours, experiences or products and has no responsibility for any tours, experiences or products provided or not provided by the tour operator, supplier or any other party. Guests are strongly advised to bring extra warm clothing with them. Eastern State Penitentiary: Night Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary - See 6,283 traveler reviews, 4,595 candid photos, and great deals for Philadelphia, PA, at Tripadvisor. Terror Behind the Walls, our annual haunted house, is cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19. Yes! If you choose to park anywhere else in the neighborhood, just exercise caution and read all signs. Visit this page for the latest closure updates and ways to connect with us online. Please dress for the weather, and be sure to wear appropriate footwear. The cells were nicknamed “Klondike.”. Additionally, you can find parallel parking bordering the penitentiary. Guided tours are offered during the winter, and during the warmer months, self-guided recorded tours with headphones are also available (narrated mainly by Steve Buscemi, with … The 76 House (Andre's Prison) Dinner and Ghost Hunt, I'd Rather be Ghost Hunting Unisex Light T-Shirt, I'd Rather be Ghost Hunting Unisex Dark T-Shirt, Gone (Ghost) Hunting Unisex Light T-Shirt, You will be ghost hunting in the most active areas of this very haunted location, Exclusive access to areas that aren't available to the public, Access to the most haunted areas of this penitentiary, Ghost hunt with experienced ghost hunting team, Use of equipment which includes, trigger objects and EMF meters, Unlimited refreshments available throughout the night including: tea, coffee, hot chocolate, Coca Cola, Diet Coke, and bottled water. When it’s safe to reopen, you can enjoy our full array of benefits including free admission, guest passes and more. 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