Wolvenplein Prison in Utrecht, Netherlands

The Wovenplein Prison was built in 1856. Based on the Pennsylvania System imported from the United States, Wolvenplein ("wolf square") was designed to isolate prisoners for contemplative penance. Permanently shuttered in 2014, the oldest cellular prison in the Netherlands, has been mostly converted to work, restaurant, and event spaces collectively known as De Vrije Wolf, which translates to "the free wolf." Visitors can visit the former prison to see the former prisoners' living conditions. learn about the evolving correctional philosophy of the Netherlands, and discover the recent history of correctional reform.  

Jun 9, 2025 - 16:00
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Wolvenplein Prison in Utrecht, Netherlands

Wolvenplain prison from the canal

The Wovenplein Prison was built in 1856. Based on the Pennsylvania System imported from the United States, Wolvenplein ("wolf square") was designed to isolate prisoners for contemplative penance. Permanently shuttered in 2014, the oldest cellular prison in the Netherlands, has been mostly converted to work, restaurant, and event spaces collectively known as De Vrije Wolf, which translates to "the free wolf."

Visitors can visit the former prison to see the former prisoners' living conditions. learn about the evolving correctional philosophy of the Netherlands, and discover the recent history of correctional reform.