Joliet Area Historical Museum, Blues Brothers Approved Ventures to Host Special 45th Anniversary Celebratory Screening of “The Blues Brothers” at Old Joliet Prison

The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) will be showing a 45th anniversary screening of “The Blues Brothers” in the yard of the Old Joliet Prison on Saturday October 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Tours of the Old Joliet Prison will begin that day at 4:00 p.m. It was in late August of 1979 when a film crew descended on the “World’s Toughest Prison”, the 1858 Joliet Correctional Center on Collins Street. Shrouded in secrecy and heavy security, the iconic opening sequence of The Blues Brothers in which Joliet Jake Blues reunites with his brother Elwood outside the Prison’s limestone walls, was captured in just two days, amid the working maximum-security facility. According to an August 23, 1979 Joliet newspaper article, “The stars and the producer nixed any publicity of the filming, and refused to even confirm that shooting was going on at the location.”

Over forty-five years since the unforgettable performances of the late John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as The Blues Brothers, the music, the film – and the historic site - continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
In partnership with Blues Brothers Approved Ventures, managed by Dan Aykroyd and Luke Pisano (son of the late Judith Belushi Pisano and co-author of the forthcoming graphic novel The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake), the JAHM will hold a screening of the 1980 film inside the walls of the Prison to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the film on Saturday, October 4th, 2025. “We’re thrilled to be back in Joliet, celebrating the 45th anniversary of The Blues Brothers in the very place where it all began,” said Pisano. “My mom, Judy Belushi Pisano, and John Belushi grew up just miles from (Joliet), and they understood the grit, humor, and soul that make this place special. This event is more than a screening - it’s a reunion, a party, and a chance to keep the blues alive. Come for the film, the beer, the memorabilia, and the music… stay for the magic that only happens when Joliet and the Blues Brothers meet again. I hope you enjoy the movie, and as always - buy as many blues albums as you can!”

Following two historic “Blues Brothers Con” performances by Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi in 2022 and 2024, the 45th anniversary event will take a “DIY” format centered around the film itself. “We are proud to continue to partner with BBAV to bring unforgettable, fan-friendly Blues Brothers experiences to the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site,” said Greg Peerbolte, CEO of JAHM, which operates the historic site. “The thrill of watching the legendary opening sequence inside the walls of the Prison where it was filmed over 45 years ago is an incredible feeling. It is our great honor to serve as a vehicle to pass on this iconic film and the timeless Blues music it celebrates to new audiences.”
In addition to the film, guests will have an opportunity to explore the 16-acre campus of the Old Joliet Prison Historic, with increased access to historic structures made possible by $6.5 million of economic development grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Department of Housing & Urban Development. Moviegoers can also expect a variety of special merchandise, local culinary favorites from food trucks and plentiful beverages.

If You Go:
Where: Old Joliet Prison Historic Site, 1125 N. Collins Street, Joliet
When: Saturday, October 4th, 2025; Gates/Tours: 4 PM/ Movie: 7 PM.
Tickets: jolietmuseum.org (Includes film screening and self-guided tour)

• GA Adult Ticket: $35
• Member Adult Ticket: $30
• Children’s ticket (18 & under): $15
• Member Children Ticket: $10

Parking:
FREE onsite parking. ADA Parking is available in the Old Joliet Prison lot immediately to the south of the main prison building. Additional parking will be available in nearby designated lots. If you require special accommodation, please contact us, preferably within 72 hours prior to the event. JAHM encourages carpooling, public transit and ride-sharing applications.
Items Allowed:
Bag Chairs, Strollers/Wagons, Blankets, Ponchos, Diaper Bags, Purses, Backpacks/Small Bags, Small personal Care Items (Sunblock, Bug Spray)
Items Prohibited:
Weapons*, Outside food & Beverages (including Alcoholic Beverages) Coolers, Umbrellas, Tents, Canopies, Duffel/Oversized Bags, Fireworks, Bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, scooters; Barbeque grills/private cooking fires; Drones; Laser Pointers/pens/flashing or strobing devices; Unauthorized noisemakers; Pets/animals (excluding service animals), Tools.
*JAHM and all historic sites and museums operated by JAHM definition of weapons includes but is not limited to the following: knives or blades of any length, metal nail files, tools, chains longer than 6 inches not made of precious metals (i.e. platinum, gold or sterling silver), firearms (authentic or replicated, including toys), clubs or extendable batons, any type of chemical irritant spray, stun guns or Tasers, spiked or studded jewelry, brass knuckle or any other item that could likely be used as a weapon or may cause injury if thrown or used improperly.
Filming/Photography:
Unauthorized filming or photography, and associated camera equipment without prior written permission from JAHM is prohibited at the Old Joliet Prison. For media passes and inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Severe Weather:
Event is “rain or shine”, and every attempt will be made to complete the show. In the event of severe weather (defined as thunderstorms which produce lightning, damaging winds, hail and/or tornados) the safety of our guests and personnel may dictate evacuations or postponement. All severe weather-related decisions will be made in consultation with the event production team and emergency management personnel.
Public Safety Guidelines:
All patrons and their property are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the site. All patrons will be subject to a metal detection screening. Those who choose not to subject themselves or their personal belongings to the screening will not be permitted to enter the site.
JAHM operates in full cooperation with the Joliet Police Department. Any patron attempting to access off-limit buildings or areas of the complex may be asked to leave the premises without a refund.
JAHM and Old Joliet Prison management reserves the right to prohibit any item not listed herein from entering the premises at its discretion. All patrons and their belongings are subject to search prior to entry and once inside the building. If a prohibited item is brought into the facility you can throw it away or take it to your car. JAHM and Old Joliet Prison will not hold any items.
Smoking (including vape pens) permitted only in the designated smoking area outside of the East Gate.