Welcome to the Service Building, an iconic piece of Art Deco architecture built in 1923. This building was the hub of daily life at the Kansas State Penitentiary, serving a variety of purposes.
The first floor housed the ‘chow hall,’ where inmates gathered for meals—a space that was as much a part of their daily routine as the cells themselves. Upstairs, the building offered services ranging from a law library to a general library, administrative offices, and even a chapel.
The second floor also featured an auditorium that came alive with basketball games and memorable performances. One of its most legendary moments was when Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash performed right on this stage.
Don’t miss the striking frescoes flanking the stage, painted by Ernest Aspenwall in 1957. These artistic treasures tell stories of their own and reflect the cultural legacy within these walls. Let’s take a closer look at the history embodied in this extraordinary building.”