Indeed, there’s something magnetic about places left behind. From the silence to the slow decay of crumbling walls, there’s a sense the past hasn’t fully let go…and neither have we. Right here in Philadelphia, a former prison was named the world’s most famous abandoned building.
ESP: The #1 abandoned building
For Philadelphians, Eastern State Penitentiary is a well-known iconic structure, especially during Halloween when the prison becomes one of the city’s most popular haunted attractions.
But the lore of it all far exceeds a seasonal spook.
In fact, its global.
According to research by the Alan Boswell Group, which analyzed more than 916,000 #abandonedbuilding social media posts, Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) is officially the most talk-about abandoned building in the world, with more than 204,00 social mentions.
When did it open?
Eastern State opened in 1829 and quickly became one of the most influential prisons in the world. It pioneered a strict model of solitary confinement: prisoners lived completely alone, ate alone, and exercised alone.
The belief was that silence and isolation would lead to true penitence -hence the word penitentiary. The model was both radical and controversial, influencing prison design globally before the facility was eventually closed for good in 1971.
Why is it so famous?
Undeniably, Eastern State wasn’t just a prison but instead a prototype. Firstly, its radical design and philosophy influenced more than 300 prisons around the world. Specifically, its sky-lit cellblocks, massive stone walls, and emphasis on solitary reflection, it was seen as a bold experiment in criminal reform. But it was also controversial, with many calling the isolation inhumane.
However, over time its haunting architecture, notorious inmates, and chilling silence turned it into a magnet for historians, filmmakers, and the curious.
Today, it’s a preserved ruin and a living museum of both innovation and infamy.
Which notorious inmates were there?
Al Capone spent time here in surprisingly plush cell outfitted with a rug, lamp, and writing desk. Visitors can still see the re-created space today.
Another notable inmate was “Slick Willie” Sutton, the notorious bank robber who tried to escape through a hand-dug tunnel.
Is it really haunted?
Ha, that depends on who you ask! But many visitors and staff would certainly say yes. With nearly two centuries of history, Eastern State Penitentiary has not shortage of eerie encounters.
Cold spots. Footsteps in empty corridors. Unexplained voices.
Even skeptics have reported strange sensations in certain cellblocks. Paranormal investigators have long considered it one of the most haunted places in America, and the site leans into its haunted reputation, especially in October.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the atmosphere alone is enough to raise the hairs on your neck.
You’ll just have to visit and see for yourself.
How to visit the world’s most famous abandoned building
Today, the site is a preserved ruin. You can explore on your own with a self-guided audio tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, or take part in guided experiences offered throughout the year. Some exhibitions focus on the criminal justice system, while others let you peer into untouched cells, long emptied but still echoing with stories.
In the fall, the site transforms into Halloween Nights, a theatrical haunted experience with immersive sets and eerie performances.
You can plan your visit, by heading over to their official website.