We will start our tour at 7:15 am in midtown Manhattan, 8th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Street on the East side of the Avenue, across the street from 5 Penn Plaza (Google Street address is 460 8^th Ave. New York, NY10119. It is written 470 on the building) (Old Duane Reade building, we are not sure what it will be in 2024) DON'T BE LATE! Please come 15 minutes early to sign in.

You will be greeted by your tour guide for the day. You will sign our liability waiver, and after departure a light breakfast will be served on board the van.

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When the building was built it was the largest and most expensive public structure ever constructed of its kind, quickly becoming a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide. The prison once held many of America’s most notorious criminals. 

Chicago's most famous mob boss, Al Capone, spent eight months at Eastern State in 1929-1930. He was arrested for carrying a concealed, deadly weapon; this was Capone's first prison sentence. 

After 142 years of consecutive use (1829 - 1971), Eastern State Penitentiary was completely abandoned in 1971, and is now a U.S National Historic Landmark.

At the prison you will enjoy “The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour. This is narrated by actor Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire, Fargo, Armageddon and Ghost World) and mixed with voices of former wardens, guards and inmates, creating an intimate walking tour of the cellblocks and yards.

In some of the cells, you will also experience a critically acclaimed series of artist installations.

We will eat lunch at a local restaurant

You will find more than 270 sculptures each thoughtfully positioned on landscaped parkland that is full of trees and flowers. It is a true feast for all your senses, something for everyone even if you aren’t an art lover.

Enjoy a relaxing walk at your own pace and explore the many well-planned pathways through beautiful landscaping and the amazing sculptures.

Many of the sculptures are very life-like and very large, and some are more abstract.

There are many sculptures that imitate famous paintings and offer great photo ops.

At this magical sculpture garden, you will also find also find indoor art exhibits and a great gift shop.  

Hines Tours reserves the right to alter the itinerary, plans and arrangements for the tour, if in the judgment of Hines Tours, it becomes advisable to do so.

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR FOR THE TOUR

ID: Please bring a valid government issued identification. (Adults only)

TOUR CONFIRMATION: Either on your phone or printed out

CLOTHES: According to the weather

FOOTWEAR: Good walking shoes or sneakers, do not wear dress shoes or high heels.

RAIN GEAR: Even with no rain in the forecast, we recommend you to bring some rain gear.

WATER: In a plastic bottle, especially on hot days. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

CAMERA: With extra memory/film is highly recommended. You will experience beautiful historical buildings and natural sceneries.

CASH: Although our tour is classified as an "all inclusive". It is advisable to bring some cash for snacks, souvenirs and gratuities for the guide which is left to your discretion.

INSURANCE: Even if this is just a day tour, if you are concern about losing money due to illness (including Covid-19) or other unpredictable matters, we highly recommend you buy a travel insurance. We can recommend www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com (Hines Tours is not affiliated with either of these sites in any form). We do not give tour refunds or tour credits if you are not able to make the tour for any reasons.