Eastern State Penitentiary was intended not simply to punish, but to move the criminal toward spiritual reflection and change. The design for the penitentiary became known as the hub and spoke plan which consisted of an octagonal center connected by corridors to seven radiating single story cell blocks, each containing two ranges of large single cells with hot water heating, a water tap, toilet and individual exercise yards the same width as the cell.

Its long cell blocks, worn walls, peeling paint and crumbling cells, all washed in beautiful natural light from overhead skylights, offers many unusual and haunting images. Close ups or wide views work both in color or black and white; whatever your preference. So explore and photograph the institution that notable visitors included Charles Dickens and Alexis de Tocquevillewhile notable inmates included Willie Sutton and Al Capone.

Tour Begins in front of Eastern State Penitentiary 2027 fairmount Ave.