Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

Came for a history lesson and educational tour while visiting Philadelphia. Arrived right at opening during the week and there was not any line at all. Purchased the Daytime Self-Guided tour as you receive a audio headset that gives you prerecorded info for each area. As you go from one area to another, you'll see signs which tell you the audio clip to play on the headset. This allowed you to tour the facilities at whatever pace you wanted in whatever order you preferred. It also had many extra audio clips that weren't part of the main tour, but you could listen to you if you wanted. The paper map also gives the locations of the various areas the audio clips reference. There was no time limit, so you could stay as long or as short as you wanted. I'd say the main tour lasted about 45 minutes. As far as the tour overall, this was very interesting, educational, and somber all in one. They did a great job of preserving the penitentiary just as it was until the closing in 1971. There were also many interactive stops along the way and several artists exhibits throughout the facilities. It wasn't just about the penitentiary itself, but also the role the penitentiary system played in the 1800's - 1900's and even to current days. It also looks at different perspectives from punitive, restorative, or reformative justice. This was a nice tour full of interesting and educational facts.

Great experience! Lots of history. Some of the cells have been preserved and used for Art Installations. Hand sanitizing stations throughout walk. Didn't understand why some areas were closed off but are open at certain times of the year (cell block 12 for example) still had a really nice time reading and listening to the Steve Buscemi narration of audio guide. Would love to return for a night time visit!