Eastern State Penitentiary

This collection presents locations around the world associated with ghost stories and unexplained events. From historic fortresses and former prisons to abandoned hospitals and old cemeteries, these sites have developed their own legends. Visitors can explore the Tower of London in England, where reports of ghostly sightings have been documented for centuries, or tour the Catacombs of Paris, an underground network holding the remains of millions. In Asia, Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mount Fuji draws visitors interested in its dense vegetation and troubling history, while Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan stands as one of India's most notorious locations. The collection also features places like Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, a former prison with a dark past, Waverly Hills Hospital in Kentucky, which once treated tuberculosis patients, and Sleepy Hollow in New York, made famous by Washington Irving's tale. In Europe, Dragsholm Castle in Denmark, Leap Castle in Ireland, and Château de Châteaubriant in France offer insights into medieval history and the stories that have grown around them. Each location combines architectural or natural features with the narratives that have developed over time.

Pennsylvania combines historical sites and natural areas. The region features waterfalls, mining museums, colonial architecture, and nature parks. Visitors can explore archaeological sites, historic mansions, Japanese gardens, and lighthouses. The landscape includes mountains, lakes, and forests with hiking trails.

This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.

Philadelphia presents a rich historical heritage with landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Valley Forge. The city has many museums including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation, as well as sites like Reading Terminal Market, Eastern State Penitentiary, and Philadelphia Zoo. The historic district retains its 18th-century architecture with Elfreth's Alley, while green spaces like Fairmount Park offer places for relaxation.