Past and Present Project Eastern State Penitentiary
By Grace Fales 1
Top: Front Entrance Bottom: Side Front View
Past:
Present:
The exterior of ESP has not changed significantly since the reopening. Notice how the bulding itself look almost identical in the two images. However, the cars and stop light show the true age difference in both images. Past:
Present: Present: Corner Street View
Eastern State Penitentiary is a U.S. National Historic Landmark that operated as a prison from 1829 to 1971. ESP was abandoned until 1994 when it re-opened to the public for tours.
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Entrances to Cell Blocks 1, 7, 8, and 9
Past: The “preserved ruin” was done well in terms of how much of the prison is still visible and accessible. People can tour from 10-5 every day.
Present:
Past: Present:
The inside preservation was not as impressive for ESP. The prison is describes mainly as a “preserved ruin”. This decision was made on purpose because of the amount of restoration it would take to revive the prison altogether. Fundraising and projects are continuously occuring to raise money for the restoration of the prison. Certain parts have actually been restored to how they would appear when the prison was running.
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Entrance to Two-Story Cell Block 7
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Present:
Past:
Past:
Present:
Some areas such as the prison’s synagogue were restored. This is because it was in complete ruin and had to be fixed up if the public wanted to gain access. Jewish life was a part of the prison and accessible to the prisoners.
The operating room (top two images) and hallways (bottom two images) are still awaiting their days to be restored to their original states.
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Past:
Present:
“12 Monkey”s movie screenshot
Doorway Painting
The prison has been used in tv shows and movies, such as “12 Monkeys” as a mental illness facility.
Present day image of where the above scene was shot (look closely at the middle corridor!)
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Present:
Past:
Showering Facilities Although Eastern State Pententiary is a “preserved ruin,” it still encompasses lots of history to Philadelphia and to the prison system in America. The city of Philadelphia hopes to keep the prison preserved for tours as long as the safety of the foundation allows it.
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Please visit Eastern State Penitentiary or https://www. easternstate.org/ for more information.
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