PRISON MUSEUMS AROUND THE WORLD

The more gruesome side of social history has always appealed to the darker side of people's curiosity and in recent years, prison museums have become much more popular, with many now offering ghost tours, overnight stays and other experiences to pique a visitor's interest. Some prison museums are a place to learn about the terrible criminals kept within their walls, whereas others are memorials; places for remembrance of atrocities committed against people who were wrongfully imprisoned. Whatever their history, there is no better place to get a true understanding of what life was like for those inside than a visit behind their once locked doors.

With the article Prison Museums in the UK being such a big hit with readers, we have decided to expand to Prison Museums around the World. Unable to visit them all, we enlisted the help of other travel writers who have each written about a prison museum they have visited.

Click on the arrow next to each title to expand the listing

Prison Museums in Europe

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

by Cath from Travel Around Ireland

One of the best prison museums to visit in the world is Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Ireland. Built in 1796 as a new county jail for Dublin, it had inmates varying from common petty thieves to famous political figures. Most inmates were incarcerated for petty crimes or debt.

It was a disorganised place that did not separate men, women and children from one another, and overcrowding became a probably soon after its opening. Cells were meant to house just one person but often there were five prisoners in each. Part of the problem with overcrowding was the fact the prison was often used as a holding site for inmates destined for Australia. The site consists of cell blocks, yards and a thick wall surrounding it. Public hangings took place just outside the entrance until the late nineteenth century and within its walls, political figures were shot to death. In the late 1850’s the east wing was completely replaced by what is arguably Kilmainham Gaol’s most famous appearance. It was designed around a central interior yard from which prison officers could see the doors of every cell. And when you visit, you’ll get an appreciation for this. Kilmainham Gaol is most famous for its political inmates, those who fought for the independence of Ireland from British Rule. The most famous were the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. They were held in Kilmainham Gaol shortly before their execution in Stonebreakers Yard in the prison.

Kilmainham Gaol is most famous for its political inmates, those who fought for the independence of Ireland from British Rule. The most famous were the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. They were held in Kilmainham Gaol shortly before their execution in Stonebreakers Yard in the prison.

Political prisoners included Joseph Plunkett, who married his sweetheart in the prison chapel the night before his execution.

Others included Padraig Pearse who read out the Proclamation of the Republic during the Easter Rising and Eamon de Valera who went on to become President of Ireland. He escaped execution thanks to, in part, his American citizenship. Eamon de Valera was one of the last prisoners to leave the jail in 1924 before its official closing order in 1929.

When it comes to Irish independence and the formation of the Irish Free State, as the Republic of Ireland was first known, Kilmainham Gaol is an important part of that history. Visitors to this Dublin attraction can take guided tours of the prison, learn about conditions within it and some of its former inmates, and visit a museum afterwards to immerse themselves in Irish history. If you are visiting Dublin and looking to learn more about Irish history, this former prison is a must.

Spike Island, Ireland

by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Along the southern coast of Ireland is Spike Island, a prison that was in use in Ireland from 1847 until 2004. Long before Spike Island became a prison, it is thought to have first been a monastic settlement. There is some debate over exactly when the island became inhabited, but it could have been as early as the 7th century. Starting in the 17th century, Spike Island started to be recognized for its strategic location at the entrance to Cobh Harbor. Then, in response to the American Revolution in 1775, artillery fortification of the island began in 1779. Spike Island served as a military base from 1779 until it was converted into a prison in 1847 in response to the increased convictions due to the Great Famine. During this period, it was said to be the largest prison in the British Empire and would later become known as “Ireland’s Alcatraz.”

Later, the prison was used to hold IRA soldiers during the Irish War of Independence, with over 1400 men imprisoned at the peak of the prison’s use. The island’s geographic features, including a steep hill atop which a star-shaped fortress was built, made it ideal for both a prison facility and a military outpost. The open hillside served as a natural barrier, making it more difficult for prisoners to escape. Many famous people have passed through Spike Island, both as prisoners and guards. One of the most famous is Percy Fawcett, an adventurer from the late 19th and early 20th century who spent three years as a guard on Spike Island. It is rumored that George Lucas was inspired by Fawcett’s escapades in South America when he created the character of ‘Indiana Jones.’ Today, visitors can see Spike Island while on a day trip from Cork.

O Vello Cárcere, Lugo Spain

by Carol from Libro Maniacs

Like many of the prisons on this list, such as the Kilmainham Gaol noted above, the O Vello Cárcere prison in Lugo, started as your normal run-of-the-mill prison, housing people who committed typical crimes like theft. But in 1936 when Franco came to power in Spain, things changed. His long dictatorship oversaw a period of brutal repression of freedom of speech and civil rights. As a result, what had been a normal prison transformed into a political prison. And cells housing two robbers, became cells housing twelve prisoners. With the return to democracy, the prison was closed and turned into a museum. Their goal is to keep the memory of that dark period alive so that the country doesn’t repeat it. Like other prison museums, there are displays showing the history of the prison. But O Vello Cárcere has two additional things which make it truly unique. The first is a series of vignettes performed live, which tell stories of the prisoners and their experiences. And the other is that most of the prison cells have been transformed into mini-art galleries. It’s very cleansing to see art in place of prisoners, and it adds a touching spot of culture to what is otherwise a dark topic. To learn more about Spain’s history and culture, we recommend immersing yourself in some books set in Spain. And be sure to add Lugo to your Spanish itinerary. In addition to the museum, it’s a lovely city with an intact Roman wall and stunning cathedral.

Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, Spain

by Anya of The Road is Calling

Nestled in the heart of Cordoba, Spain, lies the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, an impressive fortress with a rich history that spans centuries.

While the site served as a seat of power for many Moorish and later Spanish rulers throughout history, it has also witnessed some of the country's darker moments and in our time became an important World Heritage Site with a fascinating prison museum. This prison was set inside the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs during the Spanish Inquisition from the 15th to the 18th centuries. As Spain was one of the countries where the European Inquisition was particularly prominent, Cordoba's fortress prison was one of the scariest and most oppressive prisons during that time in Europe. It was a place where people accused of heresy were detained, interrogated, and often subjected to torture before being put on trial. The conditions in the prison were notoriously harsh, and many inmates were held in small, cramped cells with little access to light, fresh air, or basic amenities.

If you visit Alcazar today without a guide, you can easily miss the prison section as there are not many exhibits devoted to it. But what you can do instead, if going with a guide is not an option, is to download online guides (or posts) prior to a visit with a detailed history of Alcazar. Many of them include facts about the life of the fortress under the rule of Christian Monarques and illustrate the history of crime and punishment in Spain, talking in detail about medieval torture devices, prison cells, living conditions of prisoners, and more. With a visit there, you will be able to learn about the shocking impact of the Spanish Inquisition on Spanish culture and politics. And how it contributed to the decline of Spain as a world power, as the country's focus on religious orthodoxy and the suppression of dissent stifled intellectual and cultural innovation.

Helsinki County Prison / Katajanokka in Helsinki, Finland

by Audrey from That Backpacker

Helsinki County Prison dates back to 1837 and it began as a 12-room prison with two guard rooms and a chapel - coincidentally the second oldest church in Helsinki. It was also known as Katajanokka, meaning 'Juniper Point' in Finnish, named so after the neighbourhood it's located in. Katajanokka originally opened as an investigative prison holding criminals awaiting trial and people imprisoned for unpaid fines. It is said that nearly 40% of all inmates that ended up in Finnish prisons, spent time in Katajanokka at some point. In 2002, the prison closed its doors due to the fact that the facilities were too dilapidated to serve as a modern correctional facility. At this point, the remaining prisoners were transferred to Vantaa and the building ceased operations. Since no one wanted to see such a historic building fall to ruin, it was decided that the prison would be repurposed as a hotel. A massive renovation project began in 2006, and the hotel opened its doors the following year as Hotel Katajanokka. Staying in the Helsinki jail hotel is now one of the more unique things visitors can do in the city. This living museum still looks very much like a prison, but you have all the modern comforts of a boutique hotel. It's worth taking the guided tour to learn a bit more about the former prison's history. One of the more amusing stories was in regard to a peculiar prison discovery made in 1946. It turns out the prisoners had dug a tunnel through the wall of the men’s cell block, but instead of it leading the fugitives outside to freedom, it led to the women’s cell on the same floor! This “labour of love” had taken them a whole two weeks to complete.

Hotel guests can enjoy meals at the Jailbird Restaurant. They've kept with the prison theme here and the metal plate and tin cups sure add to the feel. The breakfast buffet features a Finnish menu of Karelian pastries (a thin-crust rye pastry filled with either potato or rice), meatballs and sausages, muesli with yogurt and berries, and more.

The Conciergerie, Paris

by Jen from Dabbling in Jet Lag

The Conciergerie, situated on Île de la Cité in Paris, is one of the most interesting prison museums to visit in France. As a former royal palace, it was once the residence of the French monarchs. Then, in the mid-14th century, King Charles V moved to the Louvre, and Palais de la Cité, as it was originally called, became the judicial center of the country. As it began to assume its new role, the palace underwent several changes to transform it into a prison. By the late 18th century, the French Revolution was in full swing. And it was during these tumultuous years that the Conciergerie served as the official prison and courthouse. From 1793 to 1794 alone, thousands of people were incarcerated, tried, and sentenced to execution here. Today, you can tour the former halls of the French monarchy including the Hall of the Men-at-Arms and Hall of the Guards. There's even a kitchen where you can see how food was served and prepared at that time. Then, of course, there are the prison cells. They show how the prisoners lived and what their life was like during France's Reign of Terror. The most notable of these is the former cell of Marie Antoinette. And, while the original chamber was destroyed, you can visit the Memorial Chapel that was built in its place. Another exciting aspect of the museum is the recent addition of the HistoPad. With your entrance ticket, you'll be given a tablet with instructions on how to use it. QR codes are placed throughout the museum. And, when you scan one of the codes, a 3D model of the prison and its surroundings, along with historical information and commentary will appear on the tablet. It's an excellent way to visit the prison and experience the history of the place in a unique and engaging way.

The Hohenschönhausen Memorial, Berlin

by Elle from Only in Germany

The Hohenschönhausen Memorial in Berlin is a site that remembers 44 years of political persecution, and strangely enough, a visit here is one of the best things to do in Germany. The former Stasi prison housed GDR opponents, people who helped others to flee, and political prisoners. The memorial has been preserved and gives an authentic impression of the prison conditions between 1946 and 1990.

The site also features a permanent exhibition titled "Incarcerated in Hohenschönhausen – Witnesses of Political Persecution" which depicts the everyday lives of inmates and the story of the former Stasi prison. Additionally, a new special exhibition titled "Stasi in Berlin" shows the extent of surveillance and state repression in both East and West Berlin.

The site has a rich history, having started as a Soviet camp after World War II and then becoming the central Soviet custodial prison for East Germany before being taken over by the Ministry for State Security in 1951. Thousands of political prisoners were incarcerated here, including famous GDR opponents. Today, the site is one of the most important locations in Germany for understanding the history of political persecution in the Soviet-occupied zone and the GDR. The memorial offers guided tours conducted by former inmates, allowing visitors to obtain a gripping insight into the SED dictatorship. The site also offers seminars and project days for schools, and there are training courses and teaching materials available for teachers. The permanent and special exhibitions can be visited without booking for a guided tour. More than 400.000 people come to see this place every year.

Auschwitz Birkenau, Poland

by Diana from Travels in Poland

Auschwitz Concentration Camp, located in Oświęcim, Poland, is a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. As the largest and most notorious of Nazi Germany's concentration and extermination camps, it played a central role in the systematic murder of over 1.1 million people. Today, the site serves as a museum and memorial, educating visitors on the dark chapter in human history that must never be forgotten.

Established in 1940 to incarcerate Polish political prisoners, its role quickly expanded to include the mass extermination of European Jews, as part of the Nazis' 'Final Solution' to the so-called 'Jewish question'. The camp was divided into three main sections: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz III-Monowitz. Auschwitz I was the original camp, while Auschwitz II-Birkenau became the primary extermination center, and Auschwitz III-Monowitz served as a forced labor camp.

At the entrance to camp one, the infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Sets You Free) sign was meant to deceive prisoners into believing they could earn their freedom through hard work. An unfortunate fact was that gas chambers at Auschwitz II-Birkenau were disguised as shower facilities to deceive prisoners and minimize resistance. The camp was liberated by the Soviet Army on January 27, 1945, but not before an estimated 1.1 million people, 90% of them Jews, had perished within its walls. Many others were subjected to unimaginable suffering, forced labor, and cruel medical experiments.

Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum offers guided tours of the camp, providing detailed historical context and personal stories of the victims. Many tours are also offered from Krakow to Auschwitz, the closest large city with an international airport. Visitors can explore the barracks, the gas chambers, and the crematoria. The museum also houses a poignant collection of personal items confiscated from the prisoners, such as eyeglasses, shoes, and suitcases.

The National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen, the Netherlands

By Rachel of World Heritage Sites

Travelers in the Netherlands rarely venture further than the provinces of North Holland and South Holland, but there is plenty to do in other provinces.

Veenhuizen, for example, in Drenthe province, is a town that grew around a range of institutions: workhouses for the poor and orphanages at first, then later it became a prison town. While there are still three active prisons in town, one former orphanage/workhouse/prison has been transformed into a museum: the National Gevangenis (Prison) Museum. When it was built in the early 1800s, the intention for this building was to be a place where poor people – beggars and vagrants – could come on a voluntary basis, much like the Colonies of Benevolence, a UNESCO site also partly in Drenthe province. That didn’t last long, though, and by the mid-1800s it was first an orphanage, then a workhouse – essentially a prison for poor people – and then it became a prison for criminals. The museum illustrates this progression through various interactive displays so that visitors learn about what life was like for the orphans who grew up here, for the beggars and the poor who had to work here, and for the criminals who were incarcerated here. At the same time, the museum illustrates the gradually-changing attitudes about punishment and rehabilitation. The exhibits are very child-friendly, but also interesting for adults. Text and media are in Dutch, so make sure to ask for the free audio guide in English. A guided tour of the next-door prison, where the most aggressive hardened criminals were housed, is available most days. There’s also a prison bus offering rides on Wednesdays, Sundays and during school holidays; it’s a vintage bus that was used to transport prisoners to wherever they were working that day. Now it takes visitors on a tour of the pretty town of Veenhuizen, with its historical buildings and still-active prisons.

Ninth Fort, Lithuania

By Lowri from Many of the Roads

If you’re looking for an interesting and unique prison to tour, look no further than Ninth Fort in Lithuania. Located just outside of Kaunas city, this former Soviet-era prison is a fascinating place to explore. The fort was constructed during World War I by the Russians and served as both a fortress and prison. After the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1940, the fort was used as a prison to hold political prisoners and those suspected of collaborating with the Nazis. It was also where thousands of Lithuanian Jews were massacred during World War II. If you are looking for a Holocaust tour to learn more about this time in history, Ninth Fort is a must. Today, Ninth Fort is a popular tourist destination for history buffs and those who want to know more about Lithuania’s dark past.The fort has been turned into a museum and visitors can explore the prison cells and tour the grounds. Visitors can also learn more about the history of Ninth Fort, as well as its role in World War II. If you are planning on visiting during the winter months, make sure you dress for the weather. The museum doesn’t have heating so it can get really cold. Ninth Fort is an incredible place to visit if you want to get a glimpse of Lithuania’s history and understand the hardships faced by its people. It is also a powerful reminder of how important it is to stand up for human rights and fight injustice. So, if you’re looking for an interesting prison to tour, don't miss out on Ninth Fort. It is one of the lesser known prisons around the world but offers its visitors lots to learn.

Lukiškės Prison, Lithuania

By Ausra from The Road Reel

Photograph © Thomas Vogt

Over a century-old Lukiškės Prison complex located at the very heart of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has always been an establishment that served multiple purposes. Not only did it used to be a confinement space, but at the same time held multiple places of worship (Roman-Catholic, Russian-Orthodox, and Jewish), administrative and workspaces, as well as provision of health care facilities. Today the intimidating high-walled and barb-wired building and some of its scary rooms were transformed into a cultural and artistic hub called Lukiškės Prison 2.0 that hosts over 250 creators. Visitors are welcome to have a drink at an open-air bar, attend a concert or take a guided tour inside the prison’s creepy corridors and take a peek into prison cells. Moreover, Lukiškės Prison also became a Netflix star. The various eerie spaces were used as backdrops in the famous TV show Stranger Things season 4. Looking back to history, Lukiškės Prison was one of the most modern imprisonment facilities built under the Russian Empire in 1904. Locking criminals and political prisoners behind the bars replaced the old form of punishment. Until the late 19th century prisoners were sent to remote hardcore labor camps called “katorga” or temporarily held in monasteries. For 115 years Lukiškės Prison was unbreakable confinement not only for the most dangerous criminals but also for social activists that were not “convenient” to the existing regime. Prisoners were mostly Lithuanians but also people of Belarussian, Polish and Jewish origins. As bizarre as it is, the prison complex is located just a 5-minute walk from the Parliament of Lithuania, close to Gediminas Avenue. Lukiškės was always that mysterious dark brown-brick building you would approach with caution. Today Lukiškės Prison is one of the best places to visit in Lithuania. For a more thrilling experience, you can even choose to join a night tour around the prison led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.

Prison Museums in The Americas

Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay, USA

By Angela of Fitting in Adventure

Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, is a place that exudes history and mystery. Once used as a military fortification and later as a high-security federal prison, Alcatraz has become a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year.

The island's rugged terrain and the surrounding choppy waters make for a dramatic and awe-inspiring setting. The prison itself, with its imposing cell blocks and high walls, is a haunting reminder of the past. As visitors step inside the prison, they are immediately transported back in time, feeling the weight of the prison's history and the stories of the prisoners who were once confined within its walls.

One of the most interesting parts of the tour is the cell house, where visitors can see the cramped living quarters of the inmates. The narrow corridors and dimly lit cells are a stark contrast to the spacious and bright surroundings of the outside world. Visitors can see where some of the most infamous criminals in American history, including Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz, spent their days and nights. Visitors will enjoy the breathtaking views, with the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the distance and the city of San Francisco stretching out in front of you.

A trip to Alcatraz is a journey back in time to a place that has played a notorious, but important role in American history. Your trip will leave you with an understanding of what life was like on "The Rock."

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, USA

By Samantha from PAonPause

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA, once housed some of the most notorious criminals, including bank robbers, murderers, and gangsters. Al “Scarface” Capone spent some time at Eastern State, and you can see his cell while on your self-guided tour. The penitentiary first opened in 1829 and was revolutionary in the treatment of inmates, notoriously modeling solitary confinement for hundreds of prisons that came after. At one time this fortress was the most expensive public structure in the United States. Eastern State was in operation for over 100 years, until it finally closed down in 1971. The castle-like walls still stand today, even if the interior cells are in ruins. As you tour the grounds, you’ll be able to go at your own pace using a self-guided audio tour. On the main tour, learn about the construction, the inmates, and the escape attempts. After the main tour, several more in-depth add-ons are available during which you can learn more about life in Eastern State. The Eastern State Penitentiary gained status as a National Historic Landmark in 1965, just six years prior to closing. Because the penitentiary was based on solitary confinement, it was often overcrowded. It just wasn’t designed to house more than one prisoner in each cell. Plan at least a few hours to visit the Eastern State Penitentiary and explore the halls and grounds. The self-guided audio tour is included in the price of general admission. When planning the itinerary for your day in Philadelphia ahead of time, purchase Eastern State admission tickets online to save a little money. The prison is open most days of the year, except for Thanksgiving, the Christmas holiday, and New Year's Day.

Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise, USA

By Taylor from Brown Eyed Flower Child

One of the most fascinating prison museums around the world is the Old Idaho Penitentiary in the capital city, Boise. Whether you’re spending a week or one day in Boise, Idaho, you must visit this historical prison. The Idaho State Penitentiary first opened in 1872 and housed some of the area’s most notorious criminals. These criminals were murderers, robbers, and money launderers. A lot of these criminals were also female! It closed in 1973 due to unsanitary conditions that caused sickness and disease. During a visit to the Old Idaho Penitentiary, you can do a self-guided tour where you walk through the different cell blocks, solitary units, women’s wards, and more. You could also walk through the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit with century-old weaponry. In this exhibit, you can also learn about the Spanish Influenza that affected the prison in the early 1900s. Visiting the Old Idaho Penitentiary is eerie and haunting. The prison had recorded 129 deaths during its 101 years. People died of executions, diseases and sicknesses, suicides, murders, and escape attempts. Even though you can do self-guided tours at Old Idaho Penitentiary, you can also pay an additional $2 to do a guided tour booked on-site at the front desk. For self-guided tours, purchasing tickets in advance on the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s website is best. It costs $8 for a regular adult admission ticket (13 years and older), $5 for a child’s ticket (6-12 years old), $7 for students and veterans, and it’s free for children 5 years old and younger. The Old Idaho Penitentiary is open from Monday through Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm in the winter and Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Overall, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is fun for all ages to enjoy!

Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona, USA

By Theresa of The Local Tourist

Situated above the Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona, the Yuma Territorial Prison has a rich history deeply rooted in the American West.

Opened in 1876 and operational until 1909, the prison housed a diverse range of inmates, including notorious outlaws, train robbers, and murderers. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this once-feared institution, now a State Historic Park, and gain insight into the lives of its prisoners. The Yuma Territorial Prison was infamous for its harsh living conditions and strict discipline, including relegation to the Dark Cell, , a solitary confinement chamber notorious for its lack of light and ventilation. This type of punishment, and the desert climate, earned it the nickname "Hellhole of the West." The first inmates built their own cells, and during its 33-year tenure, over 3,000 inmates, including 29 women, passed through its gates. Despite its daunting reputation, the prison was also considered progressive for its time. It offered inmates access to education, with a library holding over 2,000 books, and vocational training programs. When visiting the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park today, you can explore the original cellblocks, solitary confinement cells, guard tower, and other remnants of the prison's infrastructure. The main building, now the Visitor Center, houses an intriguing museum displaying artifacts, photographs, and stories from the prison's past. Wander through the cells and experience the cramped and oppressive living conditions faced by inmates. If you want the heeby-jeebies, be sure to see the Dark Cell. In 1910, after the prison's closure, the site served as a temporary home for Yuma High School until 1914. The high school later adopted the "Criminals" as its mascot after another school taunted the students for their location. The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park provides stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding desert landscape. Interpretive panels are placed throughout the park, providing visitors with historical context and stories about the prison and its inhabitants. Visiting the Yuma Territorial Prison is a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the history of the American West.

Kingston Penitentiary, Ontario, Canada

By Marianne from The Journeying Giordanos

Located in Ontario, Canada, Kingston Penitentiary (KP) is an iconic prison that is actually older than Canada itself. The prison opened its doors on June 1, 1835, a full 32 years before the Confederation of Canada was formed in 1867.

The prison, which was built along the waterfront in the city of Kingston, is built from limestone in a stunning castle-like structure. KP was actually one of the first prisons in Canada to use solitary confinement as a form of punishment. Over the years, Kingston Penitentiary has housed some of Canada's most dangerous criminals, including Paul Bernardo, Russell Williams and Clifford Olson.

It has also been home to three major riots. The first was in October 1932, the second in August 1954, and the last in April 1971. Several inmates and guards were killed and many areas of the penitentiary destroyed during these riots. While Kingston Penitentiary was open, there were at least 26 attempts made to escape. However, the 1999 escape of bank robber Ty Conn stands out as one of the most notorious. On May 6, 1999, Conn utilized a homemade grappling hook and ladder to climb over the penitentiary's wall. He was also clever enough to use cayenne pepper to deter tracking dogs. Conn was eventually found a couple of weeks later in a Toronto apartment building, and while on the phone with a CBC producer, he shot himself. If you are interested in learning more about the penitentiary, then taking a tour is a must. The tours are actually run by several of the ex-prison guards, so you are definitely getting the insiders look at life in KP. The tours will take you throughout the prison, so you can get a look at the cell blocks, the yard, the solitary confinement cells, and other notable areas. In each area, you will find a different guard, who will talk about their experiences. But just a heads-up, don't expect them to speak about any of the notable prisoners (with the exception of Ty Conn), as they are legally unable to mention their stories. All in all, the Kingston Penitentiary is a must-visit for anyone interested in Canadian history or true crime. The tours are informative and engaging, and the prison itself is a beautiful and haunting reminder of Canada's past.

Ushuaia Prison Museum, Argentina

By Alex from Career Gappers

When a prison was first opened here, Ushuaia was little more than an isolated village with a few dozen houses.

Inmates lived in harsh conditions and were put to work in manual labour roles, constructing buildings, bridges and roads as the city grew. The famous Train to the End of the World, today a major tourist attraction, was built by prisoners and used to transport timber and other materials between the prison building and a nearby mountain.

Ushuaia Prison was eventually shut down in 1947 after conditions deteriorated, but it has since reopened as a museum.

The building has a peculiar design, with five wings stretching out into a semi-circular shape, and the complex is now home to the city’s Maritime Museum. One wing of the old prison has been preserved in its original state, and is a part of the visitor experience. You can wander around creaky halls and peer into crumbling old cells for a murky insight into what daily life was like for inmates, while various pictures and visual displays give educational commentary on the prison’s background. The prison’s legacy is intrinsically linked with the story of the city’s development, and so it is one of the best things to do in Ushuaia to learn about local history. A ticket to the Maritime Museum includes access to the old prison and gives you access for 48 hours.

The Salvation Islands, French Guiana

By Anita from Beyond the Sea

The Salvation Islands, located off the coast of French Guiana, were once home to one of the most notorious prison in the world. The islands, which are part of a nature reserve today, were first used as a penal colony in the mid-19th century by the French government. Over the years, thousands of prisoners, both political and criminal, were sent to the islands and subjected to harsh living conditions that killed many.

The prison system on the Salvation Islands was divided into three main camps, each one of them was situated on a different island. On the largest island “Ile Royale,” there were political prisoners. The second camp, “Ile St. Joseph,” housed dangerous criminals, that were secluded in isolated cells. While the third and final camp, “Ile du Diable” (Devil’s Island), was reserved for the most notorious and violent offender. The Devil’s Island was Alfred Dreyfus “home” for a few years during his wrongful conviction. Life on the islands was grueling and inhumane, many prisoners died from disease, malnutrition, or exhaustion, and those who attempted to escape often found death in the oceanic waters by the hand of the strong currents or the teeth of sharks. Today, the islands are a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming from all over the world to explore the ruins of the former prisons and learn about their dark history. Silent witnesses of a nefarious past, many of the buildings stand still, the church, the ancient hospital, and of course the cells. A visit to the islands is a travel back in time and one of the most interesting activities to do when visiting French Guiana. Despite the passage of time, however, the memory of the Salvation Islands prisons remains a haunting reminder of the inhumanity of past times. Would you like to know more about the Salvation Islands? Check out this complete travel guide.

Prison Museums in Africa

Robben Island, South Africa

By Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

A prison museum that shouldn't be missed is Robben Island in Cape Town, South Africa. Robben Island is arguably best known as the place where Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27 years in prison. Though the history of Robben Island began long before that. The island was discovered in 1448 and was later used as a refueling station. By the end of the 17th century Robben Island was used as a prison for political prisoners. It was also used as a leper colony in the 1800's. In more recent history Robben Island was used by the South African government as a prison for political prisoners during the apartheid. After the fall of apartheid and the start of South Africa's democratic government, Robben Island was declared a World Heritage Site for its historical significance to South Africa. Robben Island attracts numerous visitors every year. The island is accessible by ferry and the tour takes nearly 4 hours to complete. Once visitors arrive by ferry they are ushered onto a bus. The bus ride includes a guide who provides historical information as they point out places of significance from the bus. This includes the limestone quarry which prisoners (including Nelson Mandela) were forced to work at, the island's cemetery, military bunkers, and kennels where dogs were kept. After the bus ride visitors are escorted by another guide into the complex where prisoners were held. Visitors listen to historical information provided by the guide (some of which were political prisoners there themselves) and then have the opportunity to walk through the halls of cells and read historical information provided by the museum. The last stop on the tour is the maximum security prison and Nelson Mandela's cell. Visitors are then escorted back to the ferry to the mainland. It can be a somber experience visiting Robben Island but the history learned and knowledge gained is worth the trip.

Changuu Island, Tanzania

By Andy from Explore with Finesse

Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, is a small island off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The island is steeped in history and is a popular destination for tourists visiting the area. One of the main attractions on the island is the prison that was built in the late 19th century. During the 1800s, this island was used to imprison slaves who were considered a threat to the ruling sultanate of Zanzibar. Slaves were also brought here to be checked for diseases before being sold on the market. Once the British acquired this island in the 1890s, they decided to construct a prison. Ironically, the prison that was built by the British never actually contained prisoners. Instead, the prison was converted into a hospital to serve as a quarantine for people infected with yellow fever. The island's remote location made it an ideal place to isolate the sick and prevent the spread of disease. The quarantine station was in operation until 1964 when the last yellow fever outbreak was reported. Today, the prison has been converted into a museum that provides visitors with an insight into the island's dark history. The museum displays various artifacts and exhibits that showcase the prison's history, including photographs and personal accounts. While visiting the prison is a sobering experience and reminder of Zanzibar’s struggle against slavery, the rest of the island provides a much different story. Changuu Island is also home to a population of giant tortoises that were imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. Visitors come to the island to see these rare tortoises and get close enough to feed them. Other activities on the island include swimming and snorkeling along its white sandy beaches. There is also a small hotel on the island if you decide to spend the night.

Prison Museums in Asia

Con Dao Prison, Vietnam

By Karla from Colorful Journeys

The Con Dao Prison Museum is located on Vietnam's Con Dao Island. Despite being on one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Con Dao prison serves as a haunting reminder of the island's dark past. The Con Dao Prison, also known as the Con Son Prison, is a prison complex spread throughout the island. It was constructed by the French in 1861 and used to house political prisoners. Later, with American assistance, the South Vietnamese government used it to detain anyone they deemed a threat to the country during the Vietnam War. This included freedom fighters and journalists. The prison complex finally closed in 1975, with over 20,000 deaths recorded. The harsh prison conditions on this island caused a lot of pain for many people, so it became known as "The Island of Hell." It is now a museum that shows the harsh conditions and torture methods used on prisoners during its operation. You can get a ticket at the main museum that will give you access to the museum and three other prison camps: Phu Hai, Phu Tuong, and Phu Binh. Because the prison camps do not have English explanations, it is recommended that you get a guide. The main museum is a good place to learn about the island's history and those who have been imprisoned in the prison camps. It houses numerous artifacts, including torture devices. Visitors should also be aware that some of the exhibits may be graphic and disturbing. The Phu Hai Prison is the oldest and largest prison on the island. Here you will find large cells with shackles to constrict prisoners as a form of torture. Phu Tuong Prison is where the French tiger cages are located. It is where prisoners were kept like animals in concrete pits with bars on the ceiling. The guards tortured their prisoners with wooden sticks and lime powder, which caused skin irritation and blinded some of them. The Phu Binh Prison, also known as American-style Tiger Cages, is notorious for mentally torturing its inmates. The guards at this prison were known for banging on brass doors all day to drive the prisoners insane.

Seodaemun Prison, Korea

By De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander

Seodaemun Prison in central Seoul is a historic site that played a significant role in Korea's struggle for independence from Japanese colonial rule in the early 20th century.

The Japanese built the prison in 1908, and it was used to imprison Korean independence activists and other political prisoners until Korea's liberation in 1945. Seodaemun Prison was known during its operation for its harsh conditions, with prisoners subjected to torture, forced labour, and inhumane treatment. The prison was designed to house 400 inmates, but during the height of the Korean Independence movement in 1919, over 3 000 prisoners were crammed into the jail. By the end of the Japanese occupation in 1945, an estimated 40 000 Korean freedom activists had spent some time in Seodeamun prison. About 400 freedom fighters perished due to terrible conditions or by execution.

Today, the prison serves as a museum that educates visitors about the Korean independence struggle and the Japanese atrocities committed during their occupation. The museum includes exhibits on the lives of the prisoners, the methods of torture used by the Japanese, and the resistance movement against Japanese rule. Seeing the tiny cells and imagining them packed with prisoners in the hot and humid summer months without light or air is a suffocating thought. Even more chilling is the gallows in the execution building. A secret tunnel which leads from the gallows is used to dispose of the executed discreetly.

Seodeamun is of great importance to Koreans as a symbol of their hard-earned freedom. The prison also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for Korean independence and the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations. A visit to Seodeamun on Independence Movement Day (1 March) sees young and old coming to the prison to honour the past and celebrate their freedom.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

By Emily from Wander-Lush

Set inside the former Security Prison 21, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum catalogues one of the world’s most harrowing acts of democide, the Cambodian Genocide, which claimed the lives of an estimated 1.5-2 million people. Between 1975 and 1979, more than 20,000 Cambodians and a handful of foreign journalists were imprisoned at S-21 by the Khmer Rouge regime. Most of them never made it out. Before it was used as a detention and interrogation centre, S-21 was a secondary school. Its leafy, peaceful suburban location belies the fact that some of the world’s most unspeakable horrors took place here. The Tuol Sleng Museum approaches this difficult topic in a sensitive and accessible way, exhibiting photographs, letters and personal possessions of the people who lost their lives at S-21. One of the most powerful and stirring displays is a collection of the victims’ clothing. Tuol Sleng’s archive is recognised by UNESCO as part of the Memory of the World Register. One of its most important functions is as a library and research lab, where survivors and relatives of the deceased can come and learn about the fate of their lost family members. Along with the Killing Fields – the final resting place for around 1 million genocide victims – it is an essential part of any first-time visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. The prison museum is well-curated with English language didactics. As you make your way through the old classrooms and down the school hallways, you feel fully immersed in the exhibition. It is quite an emotionally exhausting experience, so be sure to pace yourself. Guides are available by donation, or you can take advantage of the audio tour which is available in a dozen different languages. The prison museum is a memorial site and visitors are kindly asked to dress appropriately, with covered legs and shoulders – as you would when visiting a temple.

Hoa Loa Prison, Hanoi, Vietnam

By Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast

Hoa Loa Prison is located in the old quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam, and is a fascinating place to visit.

Hoa Loa means Fiery Furnace, thanks to the original location being where earthenware pots, and later small electric kitchen appliances, were made. It is certainly an apropos name for the prison that would eventually rise from the neighborhood. The prison was constructed in 1896 by the French colonists and was a spot to incarcerate Vietnamese revolutionaries. When the North Vietnamese drove the French from Hanoi in 1954, it became a prison to house American POWs, who referred ironically to the prison as the “Hanoi Hilton.” The most famous prisoner of Hoa Loa was John McCain, who later went on to become an American politician, who was shot down during the Vietnam War and was one of many POWs in Hoa Lo. During a visit to Hoa Loa, you can walk through different cells in the prison, learning about who were jailed in these cells at what periods of history, and what conditions were like in the cells (unsurprisingly - not good. Think massive overcrowding and extremely harsh conditions). “The dungeon” in particular was a terrible spot where rebellious prisoners were put. These cells were tight, narrow, and dark, prisoners were kept in stocks, with no separate areas to relieve themselves. There is also still a guillotine on display in one of the prison courtyards, which was used by the French for executions up through the 1930’s. One thing in particular that is interesting about this prison is the amount of propaganda present in the signage. For example, one sign said “Despite the difficult prison life and the atrocious cunning enemy, Vietnamese patriotic and revolutionary fighters were not discouraged and still remained their will to…keep fighting until their last breath.” This type of propaganda in museums, using fairly non-neutral words to describe the enemy, and propping the Vietnamese up as always noble and without fault, was fairly common in Vietnam. Overall, the Hoa Loa prison, though not as glamorous as other activities in north Vietnam like Halong Bay or the rice fields of Sapa, is a worthwhile prison to visit, and presents a glimpse into some of the difficult aspects of Vietnam’s past.

Prison Museums in Australia

Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne, Australia

By Kenny from Knycx Journeying

Melbourne is known for its vibrant cafe scene, street arts, and natural beauty of the world, the city also has a rich history since the settlement of the Europeans.

The Old Melbourne Gaol is one of these historic sites that tell a story of the city’s colonial past. Located in Melbourne’s CBD, it is a former jail on Russell Street. Today, it is converted into a museum that is one of the highlights of many city walking tours. Standing next to the Centre of Innovative Justice, and the RMIT University campus, Melbourne Gaol looks so much more subtle from the outside. The gaol began its operation in 1845, serving as a prison and the execution site of some of the most notorious criminals in Australia by hanging. Until the facility’s closure in 1929, a total of 133 convicted were executed, including Bailey Deeming, a serial killer, and Ned Kelly, a bushranger. If you are visiting the goal during the day, take your time to walk through the 3-story high cell wing and understand more about the prison lives in the past, the punishment, and fascinating stories of the law and order in Melbourne. For a more thrilling experience, join one of the themed night tours that run on various nights of the week. The experience and dramatic guides will share haunting stories as they guide you around the Gaol in the dark. The tour takes about an hour and visitors have a short time to explore the goal with the lights on afterward. The night tour is very popular and it’s recommended to purchase your tickets at least a week in advance.

Port Arthur, Tasmania

By Taryn of Happiest Outdoors

The historic convict site at Port Arthur is one of the best things to do on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia. Between 2833 and 1877, Port Arthur was a British penal colony for the most serious offenders. Today it is one of the best preserved penal colonies in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The open air museum includes dozens of historical buildings, some of which have been restored. Others stand as ruins. The site is quite large so bring comfortable shoes as you can easily walk a kilometre or two as you explore the buildings. If you have limited time or energy, just hit the highlights. Don’t miss the Penitentiary, the largest building in the museum. Devastated by fire in 1897, the stone shell still stands today. Another must-see is the Separate Prison. This unique circular structure allowed for constant surveillance while keeping the convicts in strict isolation. Your admission to the site includes a few free tours, which are worth doing. Don’t miss the introductory walking tour. It takes 40 minutes and provides a great overview of the history of the site. You also get a ticket for a 20 minute harbour cruise, which is a great way to see the site from the water - the way that the convicts would have when they first arrived at Port Arthur. If you have more time, the after-dark Ghost Tour is worth booking for an additional fee. More than 1000 people died at Port Arthur and your guide will tell you about all the ghosts that haunt the grounds.