Prison Where Capote Interviewed Killers for ‘In Cold Blood’ Will Open to Tourists

The infamous Kansas State Penitentiary, where author Truman Capote interviewed the killers who inspired his groundbreaking work “In Cold Blood,” will soon open its doors to tourists for the first time.

The penitentiary, located in Lansing, Kansas, was the home of Richard Hickock and Perry Smith, the two men convicted of the brutal murders of the Clutter family in 1959. Capote, who was intrigued by the case, spent months interviewing the killers in their cells at the prison in order to write his non-fiction novel, which is still considered a classic of true crime literature.

Now, decades later, the Kansas Department of Corrections has announced that it will offer guided tours of the penitentiary, allowing visitors to explore the very cells where Hickock and Smith were housed and where Capote conducted his interviews. The tours will also include a visit to the prison’s execution chamber, where both men were ultimately put to death.

While some may find the idea of touring a prison to be macabre or voyeuristic, proponents of the tours argue that they offer a valuable opportunity to learn about the criminal justice system and its impact on both inmates and society at large. By exploring the history of the Kansas State Penitentiary and the events that took place within its walls, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of crime and punishment.

For true crime enthusiasts and fans of Capote’s work, the chance to step inside the prison that played such a crucial role in the creation of “In Cold Blood” is an opportunity not to be missed. The tours are expected to begin later this year, and are sure to draw visitors from far and wide who are eager to delve into the dark and compelling history of one of America’s most infamous crimes.