Travelogue: Eastern State Penitentiary

7/24/10

If you ever get a chance to visit Eastern State Penitentiary, you won't be disappointed. Whether you're into penal history, art, urban decay or historic preservation projects, this Philadelphia landmark has everything. As they state on their website, "Bring a camera: And extra film. Eastern State may be the most photogenic place you see in years!" They're not kidding. I'm no photographer by any stretch but, with subject matter this rich, my amateur shots looked pretty cool.

Left: Barber Shop Chair, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA

The self-guided audio tour is narrated by Steve Buscemi, and offers just enough detail to keep you informed but moving through at a steady pace. There are additional stops along the way where you can delve deeper with the audio component. Special tours are offered as well, though I'm not sure if these are a daily happening.

They hold a haunted house called "Terror Behind the Walls" that helps fund artist installations. Very cool.

Here's a slideshow from the visit. Go full screen with 'em -- the textures and colors are amazing there.