Step back in time and discover the eerie and fascinating history of the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital complex on a hard hat tour. This once-renowned medical facility, which was also used as a US Coast Guard base and FBI detention center, has been left to decay for nearly 60 years.
During this behind-the-scenes experience, you will explore the laundry building, disease wards, autopsy rooms, staff house, and much more. As you walk in the footsteps of immigrants who were there a hundred years ago, you'll also see several life-size photographs of immigrants pasted on the walls of the abandoned buildings, part of JR's exhibition "Unframed - Ellis Island."
Led by a Save Ellis Island docent, this exclusive tour will uncover the many buried secrets of the 29-building South Side hospital complex. Although the building now looks desolate and skeletal, it was once one of the largest public health undertakings in American history.
While there are plenty of opportunities to take photos on this tour, it's important to note that this is not a photo tour, and guests are expected to stay together as a group. All participants must wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, a face mask (until further notice), and a hard hat for the duration of the tour, which will be provided at the beginning.
To ensure the safety of all guests, all participants must sign a waiver upon arrival, and no children under 10 years old, scooters, wheelchairs, or walkers are allowed.