Ghost Cats of Eastern State Penitentiary

By Freddy Sarabia

27 Aug 2008

I came upon this project while researching my visit to Eastern State Penitentiary. The history and state of this prison museum was in tune to the type of photography I enjoy.

An art installation by Linda Brenner at the Eastern State Penitentiary is a tribute to Dan McCloud. For 28 years he came to the prison three times a week to care for the stray cats.

Linda created 39 ghost cat sculptures for this installation. Each cat is placed throughout the prison in a natural cat pose. Part of the fun is walking the grounds trying to find them.

"These sculptures represent the colony of cats that took up residence in the prison grounds after the closing of the penitentiary in 1971. It is a testimony to survival." Linda Brenner

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12 responses

molly . gave props (31 Oct 2008):
what a cool story! i voted!
Photo Gothic said (1 Nov 2008):
great story.
Jessie Immekus said (1 Nov 2008):
have you heard that they're taking down the cats?
Lisa Schwendemann Smith said (2 Nov 2008):
I have been there in person to see the cats and I think it is over all a great place and wonderful exibit. Thanks for the story and photos. -Lisa
je suis moi gave props (3 Nov 2008):
I really love this.
Natalia Delgado gave props (5 Nov 2008):
Beautiful Story! What happened to the real cats??
A.J. Sullivan said (7 Nov 2008):
Such a cool place.
Natalia - apparently the philly spca came in and spayed and neutered as many as they could, so the colony died out.
Carol Wingert said (9 Nov 2008):
Nice! I am a cat lover, so this was very interesting!
Richard Johnson said (10 Nov 2008):
Very interesting but at the same time, sorta creepy!
Michael Penn said (10 Nov 2008):
I live in Philadelphia not to far from there and I would love to see this story published
Pamela Johns (Deleted) gave props (22 Nov 2008):
I like this story!
Karen K Smith gave props (22 Nov 2008):
Well written and great photos..YEAH from me!