History Museum
Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, opened in 1829, was the first true penitentiary designed to encourage prisoner reflection and reform through a system of solitary confinement, known as the Pennsylvania System.
Architect John Haviland designed the prison with a radial layout of cellblocks extending from a central hub, allowing strict isolation while ensuring daily contact with guards. Originally intended to house about 300 inmates, it grew overcrowded by the early 20th century, shifting from rehabilitation to harsher punishment.
The penitentiary housed notable criminals, including Al Capone, before closing in 1971 due to deteriorating conditions. After a period of neglect, it was preserved as a historic site and opened to the public in 1994. Today, it operates as a museum that educates visitors on the history of incarceration and justice reform, preserving the striking neo-Gothic architecture and prompting reflection on the evolution of the penal.
| Address | 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States |
| Construction Started | 1821 |
| Closed | 1971 |
| Opened | 1829 |
| Architect | John Haviland |
| Architectural Styles | Gothic architecture, Gothic Revival architecture |
| Area | 11 acres (45,000 m2) |
| Phone | +1 215-236-3300 |
Eastern State Penitentiary is located in Pennsylvania, United States.
Eastern State Penitentiary is situated in the state of Pennsylvania.
The main phone number for the Eastern State Penitentiary is +1 215-236-3300.
The address of Eastern State Penitentiary is 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States.
Yes, Eastern State Penitentiary is family-friendly and attracts visitors of all age groups.
Visitors usually spend a few hours to a full day exploring Eastern State Penitentiary.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania.
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