Alcatraz East Crime Museum Pigeon Forge

2757 ParkwayPigeon Forge, TN 37863
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Overview

Discover the history of American crime at Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge — if you dare! This expansive museum features artifacts from notorious crimes, criminals, and prisons such as Alcatraz. Featuring five hands-on galleries, guests can learn about everything from crime scene investigation to crime in pop culture. From mugshots to forensic science, this crime museum has it all.

up to 3 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Located at the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge.
  • Additional parking located behind the building and at The Island.
  • Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours, or more if you're a crime buff.
  • The Alcatraz Museum Pigeon Forge features over 500 authentic artifacts.
  • Open 365 days a year.
  • Lockers are available for rent on a first come, first served basis.
  • A crime museum featuring an in-depth look at American crime history as a whole, not just the penitentiary on Alcatraz Island.
  • Look for the famous O.J. Simpson chase Bronco, John Dillinger’s death mask, Al Capone’s rosary, a submachine gun from the movie Scarface, and Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle.

Description

Explore the notorious history of American crime, punishment, crime fighting, and investigation. Alcatraz East Crime Museum features five unique galleries that burrow deep into criminal profiles, the penal system, victim’s stories, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement, and the justice system. The museum is 25,000 square feet, spread over 2 floors, and includes over 100 interactive exhibits.

This Alcatraz museum in Pigeon Forge is located at the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge. Alcatraz East has 20 exhibit areas highlighting five (5) themes: History of American Crime, Consequences of Crime, CSI, Crime Fighting, Counterfeit & Pop Culture.

Temporary Exhibits:
Alcatraz East hosts temporary exhibits related to crime and law enforcement topics, often in partnership with outside organizations. Temporary exhibits are included with every ticket.

In Full Color: Graffiti and Prison Art
September 27, 2024- May 2025

Graffiti, an ancient form of expression, blurs the line between art and crime. It costs the U.S. $12 billion annually to clean up, and those caught can face serious penalties. In contrast, prison art programs use graffiti to help inmates express themselves positively, improving mental health and rehabilitation. This exhibit explores graffiti’s history and its role in prison art for rehabilitation.

Object included:
  • Charles Manson Handmade Necklace
  • Sergeant Lucas Contraband Archive
  • Original Art by Prison Inmates


Watergate Remembered: The Downfall of Richard Nixon
August 9, 2024-September 2025

The June 17, 1972, break-in at the Democratic National Committee in Washington D.C.'s Watergate Complex triggered one of America's biggest political scandals. Over the next two years, a network of corruption within Nixon's administration and re-election campaign was exposed. The scandal led to over 40 government indictments and Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974, marking him as the first U.S. president to step down. Fifty years later, this exhibit revisits the scandal, the investigation, and Nixon's ultimate downfall.

Featured Objects:
  • James McCord Trial Restraints
  • Signed Watergate Tape Transcripts
  • Watergate Journalists artifacts


The Kennedy Conspiracy: Fact + Fiction
Explore the conspiracies surrounding the Kennedy assassination and the far-reaching impact those conspiracies have had on the memory of the 35th president.

42 Witnesses: Ted Bundy’s Final Days
October 11, 2024 – October 2026
This exhibit explores Ted Bundy's final crime, arrest, trial, and execution, emphasizing the importance of safety and the buddy system. Bundy, one of history's most notorious serial killers, was first arrested in Utah in 1975 but escaped and continued his crimes until his final arrest in Florida in 1978. Known for using charm and deceit to lure his victims, Bundy warned before his 1989 execution that exposure to pornography and violent media fueled his violent tendencies.

Note: Hours may vary for special events, holidays, and seasonally.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum Reviews

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VADENC
Blacksburg, Virginia
"Crime is lame - but this museum is not!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 10, 2025 NEW
This museum was amazing. It had so much crime information throughout history and covered so many different topics. We chose to upgrade to the audio set for an additional $5 dollars per person. You definitely can enjoy without the audio, but it does add information to your tour. There were many interactive exhibits as well that made the whole museum even more interesting. If you're a crime junkie, you have to check out this museum! There are some many cool things on display in this museum, but I won't spoil them! You'll have to see for yourself.
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453kaileec
"It feelt so surreal"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 09, 2025 NEW
Loved it the history the facts everything about this place was amazing it honestly feels surreal very surreal but I loved it
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Highwayfinds
Daphne, Alabama
"Very disappointed in attraction, no history, details, stories about inmates, or facility, not worth it."
TripAdvisor user rating 2.0 out of 5
Reviewed February 21, 2025 NEW
Very disappointing, no history, stories about the prison, inmate information, cell replica, nothing! Could have really captured history, not worth a visit.
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867terisar
United States
"A very unique find"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 26, 2025
My daughter suggested that I take a look at this place so I did. I love how it explores different crimes of the past from pirates on. It also explores criminal science investigation. Very much worth the time very interesting. I enjoyed it.
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485titusp
"Well Worth it!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 25, 2024
I was impressed with what this attraction had to offer. It was not just simply about Alcatraz otherwise it would have been short, boring and unrelatable. Unlike some attractions you are able to take pictures which is great and you don't feel rushed.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alcatraz East Crime Museum

What are the Alcatraz Pigeon Forge hours of operation?

The Alcatraz Museum Pigeon Forge is open 365 days a year from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Hours are subject to change based on seasonality or events. Check the hours and availability of your preferred days in the ticket section above!

How long should we stay in the museum?

Guests should allow about 2 to 3 hours to complete the entire museum.

Is there somewhere to buy food and/or beverages at the museum?

The museum does sell drinks and snacks but does not have an eating facility. Fortunately, the museum is located at the Island, so there are plenty of places within walking distance to grab a snack or a meal.

Is Alcatraz East Crime Museum appropriate for children?

The museum is appropriate for all ages. Please do note that due to the nature of the museum, there is mature content. The museum has gone to great lengths to ensure that children and adults alike have a pleasant experience.