Alcatraz Dining Hall

The dining hall contains long tables arranged in rows with high ceilings and industrial lighting fixtures illuminating the space through large windows.

From 1934 to 1963, this communal eating space served meals to inmates under strict supervision, with designated seating arrangements and precise timing protocols.

The dining hall represents the controlled social environment of prison life, where inmates gathered three times daily for meals lasting exactly 20 minutes.

Metal detectors at the entrance and tear gas canisters mounted on the ceiling ensured security measures during the 250-person capacity meal services.

Guards monitored inmate movements from an elevated gun gallery, while the second floor contained an auditorium for weekend movie screenings.

Location: San Francisco

Part of: Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary

GPS coordinates: 37.82694,-122.42306

Latest update: March 4, 2025 12:35