Tours run from March - November each year. There are no tours during December, January or February .
Infamous Prison Tours
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Ready to discover the history of Missouri’s prison that was once called “the bloodiest 47 acres in America?” We have three fun and unique ways to explore this infamous landmark. With our history tours, learn all about the facility and its notorious inmates. Are you an aspiring ghost hunter who wants a fun and frightening experience? We have ghost hunting and paranormal investigation tours that will guarantee a “spooktacular” time. And if you’re a shutterbug looking to snap some unique photos for your portfolio, our private photography tours let you see MSP through a whole new lens. Just select your tour type and see history come alive!
History Tours
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- Most Popular History Tour
- Users 5 and Under Not Permitted
- Hour Glass 2 hours
- Tags History
2-Hour History Tour
Step back in time and discover the intriguing history of the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary on this guided tour! Hear about escape attempts, riots, female inmates, and more.
- Users 9 and Under Not Permitted
- Hour Glass 3 hours
3-Hour In-Depth History Tour
Learn the fascinating history and tales of Missouri’s most notorious state penitentiary with this in-depth three-hour tour that covers more details than the two-hour tour.
3-Hour Former Inmate Tour
Learn about the Missouri State Penitentiary from a unique angle on this tour that includes a Q&A with a former inmate! Discover how the inmates spent their days within the walls.
- Most Popular Ghost Tour
- Users 13 and Under Not Permitted
2-Hour Ghost Tour
Tour the spooky halls of the Missouri State Penitentiary and experience a fascinating part of Jefferson City’s history as you walk through the dungeon cells and other areas of the prison.
3-Hour Ghost Hunt
Go ghost hunting through the eerie halls of the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary on this guided hunt! Get your EMF meters ready to see if you can find any paranormal activity.
- Users 17 and Under Not Permitted
- Hour Glass 5 hours
5-Hour Overnight Paranormal Investigation
Explore the strange and unbelievable occurrences at the Missouri State Penitentiary on this guided overnight ghost hunt. Face the ghosts of the most infamous prisoners in the dark!
- Hour Glass 8 hours
8-Hour Overnight Paranormal Investigation
Join our staff for an overnight paranormal investigation of the Missouri State Penitentiary! Book a tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary and spend the night searching for paranormal activity.
- 5/18/24 & 9/14/24
- Hour Glass 6 hours (Including Meet & Greet)
These Walls Still Talk – Overnight Investigation with MSP Staff
Spend a night investing paranormal activity with the Missouri State Penitentiary staff. This special ghost-hunting event includes a meet-and-greet and after-investigation recap.
Private 2-Hour History Tour
Discover Jefferson City’s lawless past with a private tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary! Perfect for groups of 25 or more, this private tour includes everything you want to know.
Private 3-Hour In-Depth History Tour
Explore the Missouri State Penitentiary with a group of 25 or more on this private experience that goes more in-depth than the private two-hour tour of the facility.
Private 2-Hour Ghost Tour
Book a special private tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary and explore Jefferson City’s uncanny history with a personalized touch. Call us for more details!
- Hour Glass 5 hours & 8 hours
Private Overnight Paranormal Investigation
Discover the Missouri State Penitentiary on an overnight ghost tour for a more personalized experience in this haunted prison! Call us for more details.
- Users Ages 5 or 10 years old
- Hour Glass 1 hour & 2 hours
Private Student History Tour
Bring your students to learn the fascinating history of Jefferson City’s most notorious penitentiary! This private tour is perfect for student groups and includes age-appropriate content.
- Users Ages 12+
- Hour Glass 1 hour
Private Student Ghost Tour
Give your students a lesson in fright with this ghost tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary! Content is age appropriate and includes state history and MSP facts and details.
- Hour Glass 2 hours , 3, 5 or 8 hours
- Tags Photography
Private Photography Tours
Grab your camera and photography equipment and snap great shots of the Missouri State Penitentiary on this private photography tour.
Prison Museums You Can Visit Across The US
With over 100,000 prisons and jails around the globe, historic jail cells and prison museums have become a huge draw for tourists, and the US is no different – the states has over a dozen historic prisons to discover. From Alcatraz Island’s remote location off the shores of San Francisco to Eastern State Penitentiary’s famous haunted cells, learn about the histories and tales that characterize the past of these seven U.S. prisons.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .
Alcatraz, California
Alcatraz is reputed to have housed some of the most dangerous prisoners of the 20th century, including mobster Al Capone and gangster Alvin Karpowicz ; referred to as ‘the prison system’s prison,’ Alcatraz received the most difficult inmates. Built on an island off the coast of San Francisco, ‘The Rock,’ as it was nicknamed, made for a challenging escape, although over a dozen attempts were made – none of which were successful. Alcatraz was originally built in the 1850s as a U.S. military fortress and housed military prisoners until 1933, when it was renovated as a maximum-security prison. Alcatraz could hold 260–275 prisoners during its time of operation, less than one percent of the entire federal inmate population, but officially closed its doors in 1963 due to its high operating costs.
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. Designed in a ‘radial-style’ floor plan, ESP was one of the most costly buildings of its time, with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and 253 cells, each with its own toilet, running water, and heat. The layout and practices at ESP were so popular that they were replicated in over 300 other prisons worldwide; by the early 1930s, however, the prison abandoned the solitary confinement system, replacing it with other severe forms of punishment. Operating from 1829–1971, the prison held some of the nation’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone (before his time at Alcatraz) and Willie Sutton ; today, it’s considered one of the most haunted buildings in the world.
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Sing Sing Prison, New York
Home to the first electric chair (‘Old Sparky’), the famous Babe Ruth baseball game , and some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, like Albert Fish and David Berkowitz , Sing Sing is one of America’s most famous prisons. Built by 100 prisoners from another local prison, Sing Sing was one of the most impressive prisons of its kind upon its completion in 1828. Originally modeled after Captain Elam Lynds’ ‘silent system’ – the use of ‘hard work, community activity and silent reflection’ to alter inmate behavior – the prison eventually moved to a more modern approach that used sports to teach discipline, introduced by Warden Lewis Lawes . While the prison still holds more than 1,500 inmates today, plans for turning the prison’s 1939 power plant into a 22,000-square-foot museum are in the making. Visit the museum in the meantime, located in The Ossining Historical Society Museum .
Ohio State Reformatory, Ohio
The Ohio State Reformatory , also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, was constructed between 1886 and 1910 to act as an ‘intermediate penitentiary’, or the half-way point between the Boys Industrial School and the Ohio Penitentiary. In the mid-1800s, the land was originally used as Civil War training grounds; in 1884, plans for the new prison were approved by the state. Designed by Levi T. Scofield, the reformatory featured Victorian and Romanesque architectural styles, believed to encourage inmates to get in touch with their spiritual side. In 1990, the Boyd Consent Decree deemed the prison overcrowded and unsanitary – over 200 inmates had died during its operation – forcing it to close its doors. Today, the prison operates as a museum, and has been included in many famous films like The Shawshank Redemption ( 1994).
West Virginia State Penitentiary, West Virginia
After separating from Virginia at the height of the Civil War, West Virginia lacked many public institutions, including a prison. After repeated denials, the West Virginia Legislature finally purchased the land for the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1886. Completed using prison labor in 1887, the prison’s design featured stone walls and Gothic architectural elements like turrets and battlements, modeled after a prison in Illinois , and included a hospital and chapel, adding a school and library later on. There were other services, like a carpentry shop and bakery, that provided jobs for inmates, making the prison self-sufficient. Despite its good conditions at the turn of the century, the prison went into a state of decline: there were over 36 homicides, a prison break in 1979, and a riot in 1986. The prison was ordered to shut down by the Supreme Court in 1986; it officially closed its doors in 1995. It was listed as one of the US Department of Justice’s Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities and played host to 94 executions from 1899–1959: 85 by hanging and nine by electric chair. It is also considered one of America’s most haunted prisons.
Old Idaho Penitentiary, Idaho
Old Idaho Penitentiary , once known as the Territorial Prison, was constructed in 1872 as a single-cell house; over the years, the prison expanded to include several buildings, as well as a 17-foot-high wall surrounding the complex. Over 101 years, until it closed in 1973, the Old Idaho Penitentiary received over 13,000 inmates, 215 of them women, and housed infamous convicts like Harry Orchard and Lyda ‘Lady Bluebeard’ Southard . The prison, however, was known for having unsuitable living conditions, and many inmates responded to these conditions with riots in 1971 and 1973. After its closing in 1973, the prison was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona
Yuma Territorial Prison , now a historic state park , opened its doors in 1876, and its first inmates were seven men who were responsible for constructing the prison. During its 33 years of operation, the prison housed 3,069 prisoners, 29 of them women, and despite its infamous reputation, it is said to have had humane conditions – prisoners made hand-crafted items that were sold at Sunday public markets and they received regular medical attention; the prison also had one of the first public libraries in the territory, where prisoners learned how to read and write. No executions took place here, but over 26 inmates escaped and over 100 died (most from tuberculosis). By the turn of the century, the prison was overcrowded, so a new facility was built in Florence, Arizona , and the prison officially ceased operations in 1909.
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History. Redemption. Legacy.
Experience the beauty, hope, and restoration of the Ohio State Reformatory.
Everyone Who Visits Comes Away With Their Own Reformatory Story. Start Yours Now…
Experience firsthand the history and legacy of the Ohio State Reformatory, a building with countless stories that range from terrifying and tragic to inspiring and hopeful. Come learn about our history while creating your own Reformatory Story.
Choose an Adventure
Decide what your visit will look like by choosing one or more of our customizable tours or experiences.
Select Your Date
Don’t miss out! Book your tour or experience to ensure your spot is reserved. We often fill up, so don’t wait.
Embrace the Past
As you enter the gates, the striking architecture marks the beginning of your memorable visit.
Tell Your Story
Whether it involves Shawshank, the paranormal, or a historical deep dive, share your unforgettable experience.
Offered Tours
Tour all 250,000 square feet of the prison and learn about its history, Hollywood connections, and paranormal activity.
Follow in the footsteps of Andy and Red by exploring the filming site of The Shawshank Redemption — IMDb’s all-time highest-rated film.
Whether you want to hunt for ghosts or be haunted by them, you’re in the right place!
Keep an eye on our calendar so you never miss out on any harrowing happenings here.
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The Ohio State Reformatory As Seen On
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Five of the Most Fascinating Prison Museums in America
From Alcatraz to Cell Block 7, these jails now hold tours instead of prisoners
Jennifer Billock
Travel Correspondent
Since the 1980s, mass incarceration has become a booming business in the United States, with 670 people out of every 100,000 becoming a prisoner. And it’s not because we have more criminals, either—research shows that this change is thanks to alterations of sentencing law and policy. The boom has led to prison overcrowding , which in the 1990s meant we needed to build bigger and better prisons. Many states simply didn’t have the capital to remodel or demolish the prisons. So instead, they turned to dark tourism.
Dark tourism is the travel industry surrounding places that are linked to suffering or death—think Chernobyl and the Sedlec Ossuary , a "church of bones" in the Czech Republic. Abandoned prisons easily fell in line with that ethos, and so in order to save the costs of drastically altering or removing a building, prison museums began to open inside the former facilities. With some dating back 180 years, these prison museums offer a fascinating look into the lives of some of our country's most notorious prisoners.
Squirrel Cage Jail; Council Bluffs, Iowa
Built in 1885, this Iowa jail was one of the most unique styles in prison history. It’s a rotary jail—meaning the facility has a cylinder of pie-shaped cells attached to a central pole. When the warden turned a hand crank, the entire jail shifted, locking prisoners away without access to a door. It was meant to be a simple way to control an entire jail at once. Many of these types of jails popped up in the Midwest in the late 1800s. Squirrel Cage was the only one with three stories. This unique style of jail fell out of fashion thanks to accidental amputations when the cells turned, poor lighting and ventilation, mechanical issues and fire hazards. Only three of the original 18 or so built remain, and they all operate as museums: Squirrel Cage, Gallatin and Montgomery County (which is the only one that can still rotate).
Alcatraz; San Francisco, California
Alcatraz may only have operated federally from 1934 to 1963, but it quickly took its place as one of the most infamous prisons in the world. Al Capone faced time here, as did killer Robert Stroud. Prior to "The Rock" as we know it today, though, Alcatraz Island served as a military prison in the 1800s. Inmates consistently worked to build new cellblocks, and when the work finished in 1912, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in the world. The prison finally shut down in 1963, when it became too expensive to operate as the salty sea wind was causing buildings to deteriorate. Now, several tour options of the facility are available, and it sees about a million tourists come through each year.
The Wyoming Frontier Prison; Rawlins, Wyoming
When construction on Wyoming’s first state prison began in 1888, it was meant to handle the criminals of the wild west—but thanks to weather and funding problems, it didn’t actually open until 1901, when the wild ways were on the decline. Still, the prison stayed open for about 80 years and housed around 13,500 prisoners. In the beginning, it had no electricity, minimal heating and no running water. The Wyoming Frontier Prison (named so in 1988) was more than just cellblocks, though. It also had a dungeon, a punishment pole that men were handcuffed to and then whipped, solitary confinement cells, and a building with six cells for death row inmates called the death house. The penitentiary closed for good in 1981. Today’s tours include the prison itself, a museum about peace officers, a gift shop and the old prison cemetery.
Cell Block 7; Jackson, Michigan
To get to Cell Block 7 , you’ll have to actually go into the real State Prison of Southern Michigan. Its first iteration was built in 1839, a small log building that could only hold 35 prisoners. By 1934, though, the prison had evolved into a massive fortress housing more than 5,000 inmates. With Cell Block 7 included, it became the world’s largest walled prison, though it no longer holds that distinction. Cell Block 7 closed in 2007, and it now exists as a museum within the walls of the still working state prison. The museum today runs tours and holds a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, like one about the prison farm and another on prison-made furniture.
Museum of Colorado Prisons; Cañon City, Colorado
The Museum of Colorado Prisons isn’t exactly inside a working prison like Cell Block 7, but it is adjacent to one—the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. This museum is in what used to be the women’s prison, and it shares a wall—and a tower with armed guards—with the current prison. The facility was built in 1871. Now, the former women’s prison houses 30 cells, all outfitted with unique exhibits related to incarceration in Colorado over the past 148 years. Visitors will also learn about famous past inmates, like convicted cannibal Alfred Packer , and see prison artifacts like a hangman’s noose and a gas chamber.
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Jennifer Billock | | READ MORE
Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. She is currently dreaming of an around-the-world trip with her Boston terrier. Check out her website at jenniferbillock.com .
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Eastern State Penitentiary
The radical nineteenth-century prison designed to create social change...
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Location & Contact:
- 2027 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130
- (215) 236-3300
- Visit Website
When Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829, spectators from around the world marveled at its grand architecture and radical philosophy.
The experiment, to reform criminals through strict isolation other than daily visits from the warden and guards, soon became a model for prison design worldwide.
Once built, it was the most expensive construction in the United States at the time.
After 142 years in use, Eastern State finally closed its doors as a prison in 1971. It has since been named a National Historic Landmark.
An estimated 300 prisons on four continents used Eastern’s distinctive “wagon-wheel” floor plan as a blueprint.
Located in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Eastern State Penitentiary remains one of the most famous prisons in the world, with a list of former inmates that includes bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and legendary gangster Al Capone.
In its day, Eastern State set the standard for penal reform, with its soaring, castle-like Gothic architecture and its founders’ Quaker-inspired belief that solitary confinement could help reform criminals. An estimated 300 prisons on four continents used Eastern’s distinctive “wagon-wheel” floor plan as a blueprint.
Today, tours offer a glimpse of life inside the prison’s historic cell blocks through exhibits like Al Capone’s restored 19th-century cell, stories of inmate escapes, and critically acclaimed art installations.
Events & More
Each year, Eastern State hosts Terror Behind the Walls , one of the region’s most anticipated Halloween haunted houses.
Designed with a high-startle factor, the terrifying attraction includes Hollywood-quality special effects and lighting, digital sound, animatronic creatures and custom props. More than 200 performers help instill fear in all who dare to enter.
Zombies roam the former prison during Terror Behind the Walls, the popular annual haunted house at Eastern State Penitentiary. — Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
Admission & Info
General admission tickets i nclude “The Voices of Eastern State” audio tour, hands-on interactive experiences, history exhibits and artist installations.
If space is available on the day of your visit, you may also reserve a spot at the admissions desk for a guided group tour and discussion at no additional cost.
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Tours at the penitentiary offer a glimpse at life inside the prison’s historic cell blocks. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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West Virginia Penitentiary
Historical and paranormal tours in moundsville, wv, featured tours.
- Hour Glass 90 mins
- Users All Ages
Guided Day Tours
This guided 90-minute tour walks you through this gothic-style structure and focuses on the main level of our facility.
- Roam at your own pace
- Hour Glass 4 hours
- Users 18+ y/o
Photography Tour
Introducing West Virginia Penitentiary’s Photography Tour! This is not a guided tour; you can roam at your own pace and leisure.
- Hour Glass 1 hour
- Users 12+ y/o
Escape the Pen
Escape games are a type of adventure game in which you are locked in a themed room with other participants trying to find your way out.
- Most Popular Tour
- Hour Glass 6 hours
Public Ghost Hunt
Want to see what it is really like to spend the night in prison — but with no living residents? Tour the facility with a guide for a 90-minute guided tour, and then roam the halls on your own.
Private Paranormal Investigations
If things aren’t spooky enough during the day, you can visit the prison overnight. If you are searching for paranormal activities or just want to experience the penitentiary at midnight, here is a great chance.
- Hour Glass 3 hours
- Users 13+ y/o
Twilight Tour
Enjoy an evening at the prison during the twilight hours on select Fridays and Saturdays!
- Users 15+ y/o
Thriller Thursday
Why wait for the weekend to have fun? Get started early with Thriller Thursdays! Spend three thrilling hours with us that you won’t soon forget!
- Users 12 and Under
Princess Tea
Join all of your favorite Princesses for a Magical afternoon of fun!
Hard Day's Night - Beatles Tribute Band
MEDC presents a Hard Day’s Night! Jump in your Yellow Submarine and join us in the Moundsville Center for a Beatles Tribute CONCERT!
We’re so excited to announce the West Virginia Penitentiary Paranormal Convention! We will have multiple paranormal speaking events, vendor booths, psychics, concessions and much more!
- Hour Glass 45 mins
The Dungeon
Join us on a Nightmarish trip through our Dungeon of Horrors haunted house!
Guided Paranormal Walk through the some of the oldest and most active parts of our facility. This 45-minute tour is only offered during our haunted house season.
WHERE HISTORY MEETS MYSTERY!
Built in 1866 and decommissioned in 1995, this former state penitentiary now offers day tours, paranormal investigations, escape rooms, a haunted house in October, and large events in our event center!
ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES IN WEST VIRGINIA
The location is amazing! Whether you are looking for a paranormal experience or just a historical one, this place never disappoints! Our tour guide, Chuck, was wonderful as well.
We had a great time. We took the history tour and were very pleased. Our tour guide Jason was excellent. The tour was very informative and we saw many different parts of the prison. Would definitely recommend.
Had a great time attending the overnight ghost hunt. Prison is beautiful and so creepy! You will not be disappointed we had a lot of activity.
This escape run was so much fun!! We enjoyed every part of it !! It was so exciting and we were happy to escape and save lefty!!
Folsom Prison Museum
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Prison Tours
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HERITAGE TOURS AT SHREWSBURY PRISON
Guided Tour
A Prison Officer shines light on what life was like for prisoners. Bringing the prison to life through a no-holds-barred tour.
Self-Guided Tour
Explore the whole prison at your leisure, take photos and CELLfies as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing Victorian prison.
Shrewsbury Prison is the 6th Dark Tourism Destination in the World – come and discover and hear the tales of what lurks behind the high prison walls in the dead of night.
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm
Shrewsbury Prison The Dana Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 2HP
© Copyright 2024 | Shrewsbury Prison is part of Cove Group Ltd.
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Shawshank Prison
Historic ohio state reformatory, shawshank museum & bus tours.
Y our Shawshank Trail begins at the famous Historic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. This building is one of the top five castle resembling structures in the country! The Reformatory is home to the world’s tallest freestanding steel cell block, consisting of six tiers, 12 ranges, and 600 cells. Major motion pictures have been filmed here including Tango and Cash , Harry and Walter Go To New York , Air Force One , Escape Plan: The Extractors, Judas and the Black Messiah, and The Shawshank Redemption . Notable YouTube videos filmed at the Reformatory include TrunkFest and Mr. Beast . (millions of views!), as well as Buzzfeed and the Science Channel .
The building lives as a grand architectural achievement with large granite pillars and elegant construction within over 250,000 square feet. With its variety of architectural styles like Victorian Gothic, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Queen Anne, The Ohio State Reformatory is something you have to see to believe!
Do time in the Shawshank Museum where you’ll immerse yourself in props, set pieces, costumes, and other treasures involved in the movie. And bring home souvenirs from the Museum Store, so you can relive your visit to the cherished movie site. Included in the admission price. As screenwriter and director of The Shawshank Redemption, Frank Darabont collected many posters and original artwork related to Shawshank. His collection now graces the hallways at OSR in the Frank and Rae Darabont Gallery Shawshank Collection.
Be sure to check out Brooks’ hotel room, Andy’s office, the Warden’s office, the fresh fish yellow line, the tunnel Andy crawled through to freedom, and so much more. We don’t want to give away all the surprises!
Shawshank Bus Tours : Tour the Shawshank Trail in style! Visit 10 local filming locations in 3 hours while being led by a professional guide. Included is a full 90 minute guided Hollywood Meets History walking tour of the Ohio State Reformatory. Total tour time – approximately 4.5 hours. If you are interested in booking the bus for a private group, please reach out to Ashleigh Ramey at [email protected] .
The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield, OH 44905 OhioStateReformatory.org (419) 522-2644
Hours: Click HERE
Self-Guided Tours
$5 additional for audio wand.
Guided Tours
Shawshank Trail Fun Fact
The Ohio State Reformatory starred in the movie as Maine’s fictional Shawshank State Prison. Do time in the Shawshank Museum: five rooms of props, costumes, set pieces, and other treasures from the film. Also see the safe in Warden Norton’s office, Red’s Parole Board room, Andy’s escape tunnels, and more. You can even take a photo with your favorite Shawshank character from the movie!
EXPLORE THE PRISON AFTER DARK!
THE CLOCK IS TICKING...CAN YOU ESCAPE?
EXPERIENCE A NIGHT BEHIND BARS
As featured in
Guided Tours
A guide with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the prison's history, shines a light on what life was like for prisoners through a no-holds-barred tour.
The Cell Escape Room
The Cell Escape is a fully immersive, state-of-the-art escape room experience, where you get to do the time without committing the crime! Experience the pulse racing, mind-manipulating, adrenaline-charged rush of ‘The Cell Escape Room’.
Self-Guided Tour
Explore the whole prison at your leisure, take photos and CELLfies as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing prison.
Paranormal Investigations
Led by paranormal professionals and using state-of-the-art equipment in your search, you'll spend the night ghost hunting within the haunted prison.
NEWS & ARTICLES
Shepton mallet prison to remain open in the new year.
Shepton Mallet, Somerset, Thursday 21st December 2023 – Following discussions between the site operators, Cove Group, and landlords, City & Country, we are pleased to announce that we will now be keeping Shepton Mallet Prison open in the new year. The building and visitor attraction are extremely important to the local community, and we are sure […]
Night Behind Bars Returns To Shepton Mallet Prison
Delve into an extraordinary adventure at Shepton Mallet Prison with our Night Behind Bars experience. This immersive journey offers a fascinating blend of Guided Tours, overnight stays in authentic prison cells, and the exhilarating chance to explore the prison’s eerie corridors in the dark. Led by our officers, your Guided Tour will unveil the hidden […]
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm
Shepton Mallet Prison, Frithfield Lane, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5FQ
© Copyright 2024 | Shepton Mallet Prison is part of Cove Group Ltd.
Designed & Built by Reech
Yuma's #1 Tourist Destination
Every visit to yuma should include the territorial prison museum • gift shop • park • interactive exhibits.
Tour the Yuma Territorial Prison
Come, do time with us at the prison! Storyteller, Smokey Dryer, will entertain you with tales of old Yuma’s lawmakers and breakers of the Yuma Territorial Prison. Walk through the century-old cell block, enter the dreaded Dark Cell, and ring the bell alerting Yuma’s citizens of a prisoner escape. Tours are approximately 1 hour. Tickets are $10, sold at the door. Tour group size is limited so please arrive early. Comfortable shoes recommended. The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is located at 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364. For more information, call 928-783-4771 or visit yumaprison.org .
See you in prison!
Walk the grounds of Yuma's historic Territorial Prison with Storyteller, Mike Erfert as he introduces you to the Guns, Guards, Gals, and Ghosts that made it famous. Join us as the Legends live again!
Mike Erfert worked for the Yuma Police Department for 26 years and served as Public Information Officer for the Yuma Fire Department for the past 17 years.
What happened behind the bars? Storyteller, Brian Lay, will give you a glimpse of 19th-century prison life behind the iron bars of the Yuma Territorial Prison. If cells could speak, these are the stories they would tell.
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16 Best Prison Museums To Visit in the UK
Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by Louise
In the UK, there are numerous prison museums. These historical tourist attractions explore the darker side of the UK’s history.
Most were converted from former prisons to museums quite recently. Many offer guided tours.
Discover how criminals were punished for their crimes in the past. Hear tales of inmates who were unjustly imprisoned. Learn about the daily life of prisoners. Find out what they ate, how they exercised and the conditions in which they lived. Listen to stories of how criminals were executed and see where it happened.
As well as guided tours, many prison museums offer other events such as paranormal investigations and airsoft games.
Read on to discover the top prison museums in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island.
Table of Contents
Shrewsbury Prison
The first prison building on the site in Shrewsbury was opened to prisoners in 1793. There were 204 cells (179 for men and 25 for women). Many public executions took place here.
The first execution at the new gaol took place on Saturday, the 15th of August 1795, when John Smith, aged 25, was hanged for stealing 10 cotton handkerchiefs in the shop of John Miner. The last public hanging was of 30 year old Edward Cooper who was executed for murder in 1863. From 1902 and to 1961, there were 8 executions that took place inside the prison.
The prison still standing housed 330 men and 22 women across two wings. The last prisoners vacated the prison in 2013
Today you can embark on a guided tour with a former prison officer. Hear tales of the crimes committed by the inmates and daily life inside the prison.
See the processing areas where prisoners arrived, step into the exercise yard and experience the execution room.
Book Your Visit online at Shrewsbury Prison .
Bodmin Jail, Cornwall
Bodmin Jail was built in 1779. The history of the prison is gruesome, overseeing over 55 public hangings, 8 of them women for crimes which included murder, rape and stealing.
It was the first prison to hold prisoners in individual cells. The last male prisoner left the prison in 1916 and it was officially closed in 1927.
Bodmin Jail has undergone a major refurbishment with part of it being turned into a hotel. If you’ve visited in the past, it may be time to go back.
Gloucester Prison
Gloucester Prison opened in 1791.
It has a fascinating if gruesome history, over 123 people were executed there.
In the modern era, HMP Gloucester was classified as a Category B adult male local prison and young offenders institution. It was intended to hold mainly those on remand or newly sentenced and waiting to be sent to another prison.
It was closed in 2013 due to overcrowding.
A guided tour is highly recommended. Learn about the daily life of the prisoners and be informed about the technical aspects of hanging. Gruesome stuff. There are 3 daily tour times. The 5.30pm tour isn’t recommended for kids under 14, so make sure you choose the right one.
Today there are many other regular events that you can go to there. They include a paranormal investigation with haunted happenings event and airsoft games!
Oxford Castle and Prison
Oxford Castle and Prison is over 1000 years old. It was built after the Norman invasion in 1066 by Norman baron Robert O’Doyly.
Over time the Castle transformed from castle to a prison. It closed its doors to prisoners in 1996 and is now a tourist attraction.
To get the best out of a visit to Oxford castle and prison, book a guided tour. A costumed guide shows you around the prison.
See the prisoner cells, hear tales of the prisoners and discover how a prison worked for children in bygone times.
Enjoy the thrill of the 100 stair climb up a winding staircase to the top of the tower, where the views are excellent.
Shepton Mallet Prison, Somerset
Shepton Mallet Prison was built in 1625 and closed in 2013. In the early years, prison conditions were grim. Men, women and children were housed together. They weren’t separated by seriousness of their crime. Gaolers weren’t paid. They earned money doing things like selling alcohol to inmates. Promiscuous and drunken behaviour were common. Outbreaks of diseases and fever occurred regularly.
The Victorian era led to different types of punishment such as hard labour and separating and silencing prisoners. Seven executions took place here between 1889 and 1926. The bodies were buried in the prison grounds where they remain today.
In World War 2 the prison became a British Military Prison and was then taken over by the US army. Hundreds of US servicemen were imprisoned here. 18 US soldiers were killed either by firing squad or hanging during this time.
After the war, the prison one again held civilians. At one time the Krays were held here. It finally closed its doors on 18th March 2013.
Clink Prison Museum
The Clink Prison dates back to 1144 making it one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. It held prisoners for over 500 years. In 1780 it was burned down in a riot and was never rebuilt.
The museum today is built on the original site. Just one wall remains from the original prison.
The museum is on the gory side and is a great way to bring history to life.
See the torture devices and read the information boards with more in-depth details. View archaeological artefacts, experience the sights, sounds and smells of the prison and hear stories of torment and misfortune of the inmates.
It is a quick attraction to visit. Allow at least an hour, but you might get around even quicker.
Dartmoor Prison Museum
Dartmoor Prison has been a prison for over 200 years.
It has a fascinating history. It’s first prisoners in 1809 were prisoners of war from the Napoleonic War.
In Victorian times, it housed criminals of some of the worst crimes.
One of the most famous prisoners at Dartmoor was Frank Mitchell (the ‘Mad Axeman’). He escaped but was never recaptured. It last transpired he was murdered by the Krays.
Today Dartmoor is still a prison. It holds low category prisoners who live in single cells. The aim is to reform the prisoners and they are encouraged to go on training courses to help them on release.
The museum itself is small but packed with well curated exhibits and information. To get the most out of your visit reading the information is required. There are some fascinating things to see including prisoner contraband and weapons.
Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle dates back to Roman times and has served many functions. It was originally a medieval fortress but over the years the castle has also welcomed numerous Royal visitors and served as a hub of justice with courtrooms, dungeons and a prison.
The castle has been a prison in one capacity or another from the 12th century until 21st Century. HMP Lancaster, a Category C prison was operational right up until March 2011.
Visitors can explore the castle’s extensive grounds and visit the former prison cells. It’s worth taking a guided tour to make the most of your visit. Guided tours of the Castle include visits to its 18th century cells, Pentonville-style male penitentiary, dedicated debtors’ prison area and female penitentiary
The castle and prison has a grim but fascinating history. One notable aspect is Lancaster Castle’s association with the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. The trials involved the persecution and execution of several individuals accused of witchcraft in the nearby Pendle Hill area. The accused were held in Lancaster Castle before and during their trials, and ten of them were ultimately found guilty and sentenced to death.
It was also the first prison to segregate inmates by age and gender.
At the time of writing (May 2023) part of the castle is closed to visitors due to updating a fire alarm system. However, Limited tours, lasting 30 minutes, take place throughout the day but only cover the external courtyards and one of the prison buildings.
Find out more at Lancaster Castle .
Inveraray Jail, Argyle, Scotland
A visit to Inveray Jail is a great family day out. The building houses both a courtroom and a jail
Travel back into the 1800s. Hear stories of men, women and children who were tried and served sentences there. Some of the children were as young as 7. Learn about how grim conditions were and find out the punishments they faced.
The history is fascinating. The details such as the prisoner names, numbers, ages and dates of the stories really bring the inmates to life.
Costumed jail officers walk around and you can ask them questions about what life was like
The National Justice Museum, Nottingham
The National Justice Museum shows the history of crime and punishment from medieval times up to the modern day At one time, it was a one stop shop for criminals. It acted as a Victorian police station, gaol, courtroom and execution site. There are many real prison cells to see that span a long period of history.
Public executions were held on the front steps of the building. Richard Parker was the last person to be executed on the front steps. His crime was murdering his parents after a drunken row.
Today you can book online and visit the museum’s original courtrooms, prison cells and dungeon.
Exhibits include prisoner and prisoner office uniforms throughut the 20th century. Also see objects such as the balustrade from Strangeways prison during the 1990 riot.
Ruthin Gaol, Wales
Ruthin Gaol was closed in 1916. There has been a gaol on the site since the end of the 1700s. It was small but grew from having just 4 cells to being able to hold 37 inmates in 1837. By the end of the 1800s a new four story building was in place that held over 100 prisoners.
One execution took place here. William Hughes was hanged for murdering his wife in 1903.
A famous escapee was John Jones, known as Coch Bach y Bala. He escaped twice. Once by climbing out of a window using a rope made of bedsheets! He was recaptured both times.
Today you can visit Ruthin Gaol. Discover what life was like for prisoners. Learn about their daily routines, what they ate, how they worked and the punishments they suffered (sometimes for stealing an apple!) Visit the condemned cell. Experience the ‘smells’. Hear the tales of its most colourful prisoners.
Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The first 106 inmates of Crumlin Road Gaol , were forced to walk from Carrickfergus Prison in chains in 1846. These inmates, were men, women and children. Children from poor families were often imprisoned for offences such as stealing food. Sadly, thirteen-year-old Patrick Magee, who had been sentenced to three months, hanged himself in his cell in 1858.
Public executions were carried out here until 1901. The last hangings took place in 1961.
Some well known prisoners included Éamon de Valera, Martin McGuinness, Michael Stone and Bobby Sands. Two prisoners were killed in 1991 when a IRA bomb went off in one of the wings.
The gaol closed its doors as a prison in 1996.
Dorchester Prison
Dorchester Prison was built in 1795.
The last public hanging that took place outside Dorchester prison was of Elizabeth Martha Brown a grocer aged 45 and mother of 2. She was convicted of the murder of her husband John Brown. She was said to have attacked him with an axe after he took a whip to her. The execution was said to have been witnessed by the writer, Thomas Hardy, who was 16 at the time. He later wrote 70 years later that he was ashamed to have been there.
Later Dorchester prison incarcerated only men. The prison was closed in 2013.
Today, you can go on a guided tour lead by a former prisoner officer, Eddie.
Peterhead Prison Museum, Scotland
Peterhead Prison operated between 1888 and 2013. It was designed to hold 208 prisoners who were sentenced to hard labour. In reality numbers averaged more than 350 with a peak of 455 in 1911.
Known as Scotland’s toughest jail, Peterhead Prison had a history of poor conditions for prisoners.
In 1987, there was a hostage situation where an officer was held on the roof for 4 days. The SAS were called in to end the siege.
The Tower of London
Although not it’s primary use, The Tower of London served as a prison throughout most of it’s fascinating history with some very famous inmates.
Its use as a prison began in the 1100s, during the reign of King Henry I and continued until as recently as the mid 20th century.
During the medieval period, the Tower of London was primarily used to imprison high-profile individuals, such as nobles, members of the royal family, and religious figures. Many of these prisoners were held for political reasons, such as treason or plotting against the monarchy. The Tower was also used to hold prisoners of war.
One of the most famous prisoners of the Tower was Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. She was accused of adultery, treason, and incest and was held at the Tower before her execution in 1536. Other notable prisoners included Sir Thomas More, Queen Elizabeth I before she became queen, and Guy Fawkes, who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Prisoners were held in various parts of the Tower, including the Bloody Tower, the Wakefield Tower, and the Beauchamp Tower. Some were held in relatively comfortable conditions, while others were subjected to harsh treatment, torture, and execution.
The Tower of London was still being used as a prison in the early part of the 20th century. Inmates during this time included Nazi criminals Rudolph Heiss and Josef Jacobs (the last person to be executed at the Tower). In 1952, the Kray twins were also imprisoned at the Tower for a few days.
The Victorian Prison in Lincoln Castle
If you visit Lincoln Castle, there is Victorian prison inside. The prison has a fascinating history.
Men, women and children as young as eight were held here from 1848 to 1878 for crimes ranging from stealing a waistcoat and Bible, to highway robbery and murder. There were 7 hangings of murderers here. Their bodies were buried in the Lucy Tower where they remain til this day.
Many of the prisoners were segregated from other prisoners to help them reflect on their actions and reform their behaviour.
A visit here is very interactive. Dress up as a prisoner or member of staff. Explore the cells. Imagine the solitude of the single cell, the chaos of the crowded cell, and the desperation of the dark cell.
Find out more at Lincoln Castle
Littledean Jail
Littledean Jail is a former prison located in the village of Littledean, Gloucestershire. Built in 1791, its was originally a debtors’ prison. Later, it became a house of correction and a police station.
Conditions within the prison were often harsh and overcrowded, with little regard for the welfare of the inmates.
In 1968, Littledean Jail was closed as a prison and subsequently fell into disrepair. However, in the 1980s, the jail was converted into a museum and tourist attraction, with exhibitions featuring the history of crime and punishment in England. Today it’s more of a crime museum than a prison.
The museum is known for its collection of curiosities, including taxidermy animals, shrunken heads, and other oddities. Some of the exhibits focus on dark and unsettling topics such as Fred and Rose West, Witchfinders, Satanism, the SS and the Holocaust, Myra Hindley and the KKK. As you can see the exhibits are controversial, with some visitors expressing concern over the ethics of some of the displays. More light-hearted displays include the Quadrophenia exhibition, Princess Diana letters and the heroics of the SAS.
It’s certainly not a museum for everybody (definitely not for myself). However if you’re interested in crime and dark history, it could be worth a visit. Check out the website and read reviews of this one before you visit to see if it’s for you.
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Pentridge prison h division tours - january 2024 - march 2024.
Explore the sombre complexity behind this heritage-listed prison’s past.
Select date and time
- Thursday March 14 10:30 AM
- Thursday March 14 12:30 PM
- Thursday March 14 1:30 PM
- Thursday March 14 2:30 PM
- Friday March 15 10:30 AM
- More options
Refund Policy
About this event, h division - unlocked.
Known as Hell Division to its inmates, this tour covers the dark heart of Pentridge. A Division, also known as H Division, makes for a confronting experience. It is designed for those wanting to engage with some of the most brutal aspects of Pentridge history. Step into the cells and yards of H Division and feel history take hold.
Warning: This tour includes depictions of challenging subject matter and is not recommended for those under 16 years.
H Division Tours' run for approximately 90 minutes and include a guided and self-guided component.
Discounts' apply for combo tours of both B & H Divisions.
For Combo Tour ticketing, please CLICK HERE .
For b division tour ticketing, please click here ..
Pre-bookings are highly recommended.
IMPORTANT VISITOR INFORMATION:
- All tours start at the tour office, located in the Former Warders Residence. Meet here to find your National Trust tour guide. Warders can be found in the grassed courtyard area at the Clock Tower entrance at 1 Champ St, Coburg.
- Parking can be found under the shopping centre via Whatmore Drive. As you come out of this car park, make your way to the ground floor via the elevators. Make your way towards the south sliding doors next to Cobrick cafe; and walk towards the Clock Tower, which should be on your right-hand-side, and you will find the tour office in the grassed courtyard area.
- The parking area features multiple designated parking spaces for individuals with mobility disabilities. All tours have been equipped with ramps and other access points to ensure access for wheelchair users.
- Please arrive 15mins before allocated tour start time.
- Both B Division & H Division tours have outside elements to them. In the instance of changeable weather, we recommend bringing a jacket and possibly an umbrella.
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Entertainment, the vatican unveils its project for the venice biennale of art: inside a women's prison.
Nicole Winfield
Associated Press
2024 Copyright The Associated Press
From left, Vatican Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, Card. Jos Tolentino de Mendona and Giovanni Russo, head of the Italian Prison Administration attend a press conference at The Vatican, Monday, March 11, 2024, to present "With my Eyes", the Holy See pavillion for the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale of Arts opening on April 20th, 2024. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican on Monday unveiled its groundbreaking project for the upcoming Venice Biennale of Art: A multimedia installation located inside Venice’s women’s prison, created with the active participation of inmates and artists and open to the public under strict security conditions.
Pope Francis himself is expected to visit the Holy See pavilion “With My Eyes” on April 28, marking the first time a pontiff has visited the Biennale, which this year is being organized for the first time by a Latin American curator and has as its theme “Foreigners Everywhere.”
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The Holy See has participated in the past few editions of the art and architecture Biennales. But at the unveiling Monday, officials stressed the absolute novelty of this year’s Vatican pavilion, given the unprecedented permission from Italian judicial authorities to allow Vatican curators to mount the exhibit in the Giudecca prison and involve the inmates in the works.
Half a dozen artists will work alongside them, reflecting Francis’ belief in the value of dialogue, solidarity and fraternity. Most notably, Maurizio Cattelan is producing what curators described as a “large outdoor artwork” on the façade of the prison chapel.
Cattelan's return to Venice comes almost a quarter-century after he shocked Catholics with his provocative “The Ninth Hour,” (La Nona Ora) featuring a life-sized wax Pope John Paul II lying on his side, crushed by a massive black meteorite, that was displayed at the 2001 Biennale.
The Vatican’s culture minister, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça concurred that the decision to house the Holy See pavilion in the prison was “unexpected." But he said it was entirely consistent with Francis' call for artists to engage with the poor and the Gospel mandate to clothe the naked, feed the hungry and visit the incarcerated.
Featured in the Giudecca cafeteria will be works by the late Corita Kent, the onetime Catholic nun, pop artist and American social activist.
Other elements of the installation include the projection of a 12-minute film being produced now with inmates as actors by director Marco Perego and actor Zoe Saldana, about freedom, said curator Chiara Parisi.
Inmates, including high-security prisoners, are participating in a variety of other ways: Some provided photographs of themselves as youngsters for a work by Claire Tabouret; others contributed poems for an installation by Simone Fattal. Others will accompany visitors on a tour of the exhibit, alongside guards, officials said.
Giovanni Russo, head of the penitentiary administration of the Italian Justice Ministry, said those inmates who volunteered to participate would earn the same types of behavior benefits that prisoners can obtain by participating in other types of rehabilitative, educational and work programs in prisons.
He said he immediately welcomed the idea to host the pavilion in the facility, seeing it as entirely consistent with the rehabilitative aspect of detention.
“It's an unexpected place, but a place where ‘expecting’ is a permanent condition,” he said.
Organizers said visitors to the Holy See pavilion would have to reserve visits in advance online, providing the same identification details that would be necessary to enter any prison and following the same security controls: no cell phones allowed.
The Biennale runs April 20-Nov. 24.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Man heavily injured in alligator attack near leesburg, orlando wants to annex thousands of acres of county land, watch: news 6 at 6:30 p.m. : mar 11, 2024, watch: news 6 at 6 p.m. : mar 11, 2024.
No working rink at prison where MP says notorious inmates play pickup hockey: agency
Paul bernardo's transfer last year set off a political firestorm for the liberals.
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Canada's prison service says there is no working hockey rink at an institution where a Conservative MP says notorious inmates play "taxpayer-funded serial killer pickup hockey."
Correctional Service Canada says there is currently no functioning hockey rink or tennis court for inmates to use at La Macaza Institution, located outside of Montreal.
Serial rapist and convicted murderer Paul Bernardo was transferred to the medium-security prison last year from the penitentiary in Ontario where he lived for decades.
His move set off a political firestorm for the Liberals, as the Tories demanded he be returned to serve out his indeterminate life sentence in maximum-security conditions.
- Friends of one of Bernardo's victims call on Ottawa to do more to uphold victims' rights
- 'Absolutely no talk' of moving Paul Bernardo to minimum security: corrections head
The prison service has said procedures were followed and Bernardo had long met the criteria to be reclassified as a medium-security inmate — decisions Ottawa says are made at arm's length from politicians.
Frank Caputo, a Conservative MP from British Columbia, released a video on social media detailing a tour he took of the institution.
In the video posted Sunday, Caputo said he was angered to learn that the prison provided inmates with a hockey rink and other recreational facilities.
"I walked outside and I had a look and I said, 'What's that — looks like a hockey rink,"' he recalled in the video. "It was.
"Inmates can go and they can get skates and they can play hockey."
The correctional service said in a media statement that while boards are up around a rink at the institution, "there has no been no ice for the past two winters."
"There is currently no functioning hockey rink or tennis court being used by inmates at La Macaza," spokesperson Kevin Antonucci said in an email.
"It should also be noted that opportunities to participate in recreational activities [are] not unique to La Macaza, and can be found in other institutions."
Providing inmates with access to recreational activities "promotes safer institutions for those who live and work in our facilities" by allowing them to spend time "in a productive, controlled and healthy manner," Antonucci added.
In his nearly seven-minute video, Caputo discussed how he was provided access to Bernardo's cell while the inmate was away.
He said that after a "couple of minutes" in the space, he turned around to see Bernardo, whose likeness was "unmistakable."
"Just seeing him, coming eye to eye with him, I had a physical reaction," he said. "Even just talking about this brings back memories."
The correctional service confirmed that Caputo and union representatives visited the prison in early February and that officials granted the MP's request to access Bernardo's cell while the inmate wasn't present.
"As this visit was by the MP and union representatives, they are better placed to respond to questions about specific events that occurred," Antonucci said.
- Federal government was bombarded by emails from Canadians outraged by Bernardo's transfer
- Prison officials intervened to stop Paul Bernardo from making public statement
However, he added, "it is our understanding that participants did not interact with Paul Bernardo during their visit."
In a response to The Canadian Press late Monday, Caputo did not directly address questions about that encounter.
He said he wanted to see for himself "how the worst killers like Bernardo are living in more comfortable settings."
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Virtual Group Tours
Groups can virtually partake in Eastern State Penitentiary’s award-winning guided tour program! These live, interactive, discussion-based experiences are perfect for all groups who want a remote, private, and unique experience. Facilitated by an engaging historic site educator, groups can choose from the following programs. Book your virtual group tour today!
For Virtual Classrooms/Learning Pods:
- Defining Justice: Past and Present (Available for 4th grade to 12th grade) What does justice mean to you? Through social and emotional inquiry-based learning, elementary through high school students explore prisons past and present and the role they play in society in this interactive virtual workshop. One hour. Pricing below.
- Virtual Excursions (Available for 4th grade to 12th grade) Delve deeper into the rich history and contemporary relevance of Eastern State by exploring a specific topic. These experiences include 30 minutes of guided instruction followed by a 15-minute hands-on activity using supplies you can easily find at home. Current topics include Eastern State Penitentiary 101, Music, and Food. Click here for more details. 45 minutes. Pricing below.
Our staff is highly-flexible and can respond to many learning objectives upon request. For Any Virtual Group:
- Eastern State Penitentiary and Prisons Today (Available for 4th grade to adults) Eastern State’s history matters today more than ever. This in-depth virtual group tour explores the history of Eastern State and the experiences of men, women and children who lived and worked behind its walls. This program sets the stage for conversations about criminal justice reform today. One hour. Pricing below.
- Organized Crime: Prohibition Era (Available for 4th grade to adults) Embark on an in-depth virtual exploration of vice, scandal and the struggles Eastern State faced in the early 20th century. This guided program includes a brief overview of Eastern State’s founding principles, highlights organized crime figures who spent time at Eastern State, including “Scarface” Al Capone, and ends with group discussion. One hour. Pricing below.
- Prison Architecture Then and Now (Available for 4th grade to adults) Eastern State Penitentiary’s architectural influence can be seen in the 300 prisons around the world that copy its groundbreaking radial design. Learn about Eastern State’s original system of solitary confinement and an ethical debate among architects today. Your group will consider essential questions like: Is it possible to design a humane prison? Should architects design spaces for punishment, solitary confinement or execution? What is the future of prison architecture? One hour. Pricing below.
- Why not us? Why not now? Take action. (Available for 4th grade to adults) More than ever people want to learn more about justice, equity and mass incarceration. Join Eastern State educators and staff from PAR-Recycle Works for an interactive workshop that explores pathways to criminal justice reform past and present, builds connection, and inspires action. One hour. $200 for any group, up to 50 participants.
Details & Pricing:
- Group size: up to 50 attendees
- Availability: Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Early mornings and evenings available for an additional fee.)
- Age: 4th grade to adults
- Online platform: Zoom
- $150, school and youth groups
- $200, college and adult groups
- +$75, additional sessions
- Free for Philadelphia Public and Charter Schools*
* Additional schools may qualify for free virtual group tours.
Eastern State Penitentiary is committed to offering virtual programs that are financially accessible. Please ask for details when you make a reservation.
Other Opportunities:
- College/University Partnerships - Are you a college professor interested in integrating Eastern State more deeply into your course in historic preservation, sociology, history, criminal justice, or another subject? We'll work with you to plan and present three 60-minute virtual sessions tailored to your classroom’s specific needs. Email us for more info.
- Workshop for Healthcare Professionals - "Healthcare, Incarceration and Reentry: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" was specially designed with healthcare professionals in mind. Learn more about healthcare at Eastern State and in prisons today. This workshop focuses on addressing stigma and implicit bias to provide more equitable care and compassion for currently and formerly incarcerated people. Email us for more info.
Book Your Virtual Group Tour Please complete and submit this online form or contact Francine Schiffman (Senior Manager, Group Sales and Events) at [email protected] .
What does a private virtual group tour of Eastern State look like?
An engaging educator will host your virtual visit from their computer with a slideshow that incorporates photos, videos, and audio clips of Eastern State Penitentiary. You can view a similar example of this programming here on our Facebook page.
How are your virtual group tours interactive?
Virtual group tours are discussion-based workshops. Group attendees are encouraged to participate by using the chat feature to ask questions and respond to discussion prompts. Please inform Eastern State Penitentiary if your group is unable to use the chat feature at least 24 hours before the beginning of your tour.
What type of groups can schedule a virtual group tour?
Virtual tours are great for a variety of groups including schools, universities, learning pods, clubs, organizations or friends and families. Corporate groups enjoy these as a team bonding experience. For schools considering a virtual group tour, our programs complement classroom lessons in American History, Civics, Philosophy, English, Social Studies, and more.
What online platform do you use for your virtual group tours?
Eastern State Penitentiary conducts virtual tours using our password protected Zoom room. If your school uses another platform like Google Meet, we will do our best accommodate your preferred platform.
How long is the virtual group tour?
Our virtual group tours are 60 minutes long with the exception of Virtual Excursions, which are 45 minutes long. The group leader must login to the online platform fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time. This time is an opportunity to connect with the Eastern State educator before the program begins, ensure that technology is working well, and share more about your group.
When are virtual group tours available?
Virtual tours are available from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. A minimum of three weeks notice is required to book. Please schedule early for best availability. Virtual tours may be scheduled before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm; however, there is a surcharge for these tours, and they are subject to availability.
Do we need to schedule our virtual group tour in advance?
Yes! Virtual group tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
How many people can attend the virtual group tour?
The maximum number of people we can accommodate at one time is 50. Additional sessions are available at a discounted rate.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment must be arranged in advance of your visit. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and checks. Eastern State Penitentiary is committed to offering virtual programs that are financially accessible. Please contact us to discuss the details of your group’s payment.
How can I obtain your taxpayer identification number?
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc.’s taxpayer identification number is 31-1627155. A copy of our Form W-9 is also available for download.
Do you have a chaperone requirement for school and youth virtual group tours?
There must be at least one chaperone present at all times with the camera turned on. This chaperone should begin the virtual tour by greeting students. The online platform should be used for Eastern State Penitentiary content only. Please end other instruction fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time of the virtual tour.
May I record the virtual group tour?
Eastern State Penitentiary permits the recording of virtual tours but must be notified 24 hours in advance. If no advanced notice is given, recording will not be permitted. Recordings are for personal use only and may not be posted publicly online or on social media.
Do you offer souvenirs for virtual groups?
Yes. The online museum store carries a unique array of items, including a wide variety of books, clothing, mugs, magnets, toys and other items.
How do I book a virtual group tour?
Please complete and submit this online form or contact Francine Schiffman (Senior Manager, Group Sales and Events) at [email protected] .
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News 8 video vault: watch wgal reports from years gone by.
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As WGAL's 75th anniversary approaches, we've been digging into our archives to find original reports we've done over the years. We're discovering all kinds of stories - everything from the Camp Hill Prison riots and undercover investigations, to high-profile presidential visits and lighter fare - like a Girl Scout cookie competition at the mall in the 1980s. We've posted all of those stories on this page, and we'll continue to add more in the coming days. Who knows what we'll find!
The Camp Hill Prison riots
Three days of rioting happened at the Camp Hill state prison in 1989. By the time the riots ended, 138 corrections officers had been injured, as well as 70 inmates. Inmates set fires and went on a vandalism spree, destroying 14 of the prison's 31 buildings. Overcrowding was a factor, as the prison housed more than double the number of inmates for which it was designed. After the riots, the state spent millions of dollars repairing and improving the prison.
Going undercover
WGAL went undercover in this 1990 report to get video of conditions inside a puppy mill. What we found was disturbing.
Hog heaven: Reagan tours Harley-Davidson
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan toured the Harley-Davidson plant in York County, where he congratulated workers who helped bring the company back from the brink of collapse.
Clinton dons leather jacket during Harley visit
Reagan wasn't the only president to tour the Harley-Davidson factory in York County. In 1990 President Bill Clinton stopped by. Workers had a present for him - a leather jacket, which he quickly tried on and wore for the rest of the tour.
That's so 80s!
The year was 1987. The place, the Park City Center mall in Lancaster. And the event – the Great Cookie Pileup. If you've never seen a Wendall Woodbury story, this is a great place to start.
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Back to Black
The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.
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- Amy Winehouse
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- Aunt Melody
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Restaurant & Gift Shop Closes at 7:00 pm ET. Historic Brushy Mtn State Pen. 9182 Hwy 116. Petros, TN 37845. 423-324-TOUR / 423-324-8687. Get Directions. Brushy Mtn. State Penitentiary Petros, Tennessee.
Tour the spooky halls of the Missouri State Penitentiary and experience a fascinating part of Jefferson City's history as you walk through the dungeon cells and other areas of the prison. Book Now. Learn More. $45. 13 and Under Not Permitted. 3 hours. Ghost.
Prison Museums You Can Visit Across The US. With over 100,000 prisons and jails around the globe, historic jail cells and prison museums have become a huge draw for tourists, and the US is no different - the states has over a dozen historic prisons to discover. From Alcatraz Island's remote location off the shores of San Francisco to ...
Daytime Prison Tours. Explore Eastern State's historic cellblocks. Learn about the history of the penitentiary and its relevance today. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is currently open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The penitentiary is closed on Tuesdays and on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve ...
The self-guided tour route is modified from Labor Day through November 17th because of our Blood Prison Haunted House setup. A $6 discount will be offered on self-guided tickets during this time. From Labor Day through November 17th, guided tours remain 90-minutes long, but there is no access to solitary confinement, the ground floor of the ...
Feel the past come alive when you visit the Ohio State Reformatory. Through one of our customizable tours, you can learn about its history, Hollywood connections, and paranormal activity. Become part of this iconic structure's future by purchasing a membership to partner with us in preserving this historic facility
The historic prison site may be toured on foot or by car. A one hour audio driving tour of both the prison site and the National Cemetery is available as a free service to visitors. The tour is available as a CD or USB drive, and may be checked out at the museum information desk from 9:30 a.m - 3:15 p.m. daily.
Today's tours include the prison itself, a museum about peace officers, a gift shop and the old prison cemetery. Cell Block 7; Jackson, Michigan The entrance to the prison holding Cell Block 7.
Tours Are group tours available? Private guide-led group tours are available prior to the opening of the prison during our regular operating season for groups with a minimum of 15 people at 9 and 9:30a.m. For groups under 15, we do offer the option to book online, through our website, every Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time for the Public Guided Tour option.
Plan Your Visit. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is currently open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Tuesdays and on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Revisit the past. Rethink the future.
Daytime Prison Tours. Plan Your Visit; Night Tours; Halloween Nights; School & Group Tours. School Group Tours. Summer Teacher Institute; Lesson Plans; Scout Days; General Interest Group Tours; Group Tours FAQs; Virtual Group Tours; Site Rentals. Event Rentals; Photography & Filmmaking; Accessibility; Directions & Parking; Events. All Upcoming ...
Why Visit. An estimated 300 prisons on four continents used Eastern's distinctive "wagon-wheel" floor plan as a blueprint. Located in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Eastern State Penitentiary remains one of the most famous prisons in the world, with a list of former inmates that includes bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and legendary gangster Al Capone.
Introducing West Virginia Penitentiary's Photography Tour! This is not a guided tour; you can roam at your own pace and leisure. Learn More. From $25.00. 1 hour. 12+ y/o.
A visit to the Folsom Prison Museum was suggested as an afternoon activity. We ranged in age from 70 down to 5 and all seemed interested but in different things. The museum is small and run by volunteers. There is a small charge of $2.00 per person which we gladly paid and then donated additional to help the museum.
Dates: Every Wednesday Times: 6:30pm & 8:30pm Duration: 1.5 hours Great for: Families, Ages 12+ Price: Adults £25, Children £25. Shrewsbury Prison is the 6th Dark Tourism Destination in the World - come and discover and hear the tales of what lurks behind the high prison walls in the dead of night. Find Out More. View on Google Maps.
Shawshank Bus Tours: Tour the Shawshank Trail in style! Visit 10 local filming locations in 3 hours while being led by a professional guide. Included is a full 90 minute guided Hollywood Meets History walking tour of the Ohio State Reformatory. ... The Ohio State Reformatory starred in the movie as Maine's fictional Shawshank State Prison. Do ...
Shepton Mallet Prison welcomes all visitors. Tickets & Passes. Night Behind Bars. Night Behind Bars is a 12 hour overnight stay in a prison, without the sentence! This is a rare opportunity to spend 12 hours behind bars in the World's most haunted jail. All Tickets. Tours; Activities; Events; What's On. All Tours. Guided Tours; Self-Guided ...
OPENING HOURS. Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday. 10:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. (Closed New Years Eve, New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas) Admission $2 | Under 12 Free. Cameras Welcome. Credit Cards are accepted with a minimum purchase of $5.00.
Tours are approximately 1 hour. Tickets are $10, sold at the door. Tour group size is limited so please arrive early. Comfortable shoes recommended. The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is located at 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364. For more information, call 928-783-4771 or visit yumaprison.org.
The castle has been a prison in one capacity or another from the 12th century until 21st Century. HMP Lancaster, a Category C prison was operational right up until March 2011. Visitors can explore the castle's extensive grounds and visit the former prison cells. It's worth taking a guided tour to make the most of your visit.
No. Night Tours are unique and engaging, but educational. They are not startling, and they do not include any haunted houses or theatrical effects. Night Tours offer the chance to tour the prison during the evening and learn about its history and relevance today.It's a self-guided experience featuring an audio tour, exhibits, and other exclusive offerings throughout the penitentiary complex.
Eventbrite - National Trust of Australia (Victoria) presents Pentridge Prison H Division Tours - January 2024 - March 2024 - Thursday, 28 March 2024 at Pentridge, Coburg, VIC. Find event and ticket information. ... All tours start at the tour office, located in the Former Warders Residence. Meet here to find your National Trust tour guide.
Organizers said visitors to the Holy See pavilion would have to reserve visits in advance online, providing the same identification details that would be necessary to enter any prison and ...
The prison service has said procedures were followed and Bernardo had long met the criteria to be reclassified as a medium-security inmate — decisions Ottawa says are made at arm's length from ...
Groups can virtually partake in Eastern State Penitentiary's award-winning guided tour program! These live, interactive, discussion-based experiences are perfect for all groups who want a remote, private, and unique experience. Facilitated by an engaging historic site educator, groups can choose from the following programs. Book your virtual group tour today! For Virtual Classrooms/Learning ...
We're discovering all kinds of stories - everything from the Camp Hill Prison riots and undercover investigations, to high-profile presidential visits and lighter fare - like a Girl Scout cookie ...
Montana health department, legislators square off over state hospital visit. The highest earning county in the U.S. earns $147,111, while the lowest earns $22,292. Stacker compiled a list of the ...
Back to Black: Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. With Jack O'Connell, Marisa Abela, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.