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.

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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574jeaniney
Erlanger, Kentucky
"Good place to go. "
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 07, 2024 NEW
This place was fantastic! Hubby and I spent over four hours here. It's that big and that interesting. Plenty of interactive exhibits (I learned how to tie a bowline!). There were many fascinating stories and a lot to learn. If you are a crime buff, this is the place for you!!!
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garyaltman1961
Midland, Michigan
"Amazing History Lessons!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 30, 2024
I'm a retired Federal Agent and learning the history of some of our country's most infamous criminals and investigations was amazing. I loved seeing the 1920-1940 gangster era, along with some of the artifacts they've collected along the way. The artifacts ranged from Bonnie and Clyde to the presidential assassinations to 9/11 was educational as well. We really had a great time here! Well worth the visit.
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bobhP6725KO
"Fascinating historical exhibits"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 20, 2024
So this is more of a crime and punishment museum as it does not concentrate solely on Alcatraz. It is several floors of crime and punishment exhibits in the US. We found it fascinating and spent a couple hours inside.
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bbh9072016
O'Fallon, Missouri
"Good Experience"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 16, 2024
Attention all you crime junkies,this place is absolutely worth the time and admission.Very well organized and covered a lot of information.Everything from autopsies to serial killers to crime and punishment thru the years and much more.A few displays were Ted Bundy's Volkswagon and OJs Bronco.Also,one of the saddest was Kaylee Anthony's little toddler sized backpack with a few of her toys.Allow yourself at least 2 hours,IMO,to see everything.
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V1808YSmaryg
"A fascinating experience..."
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 11, 2024
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this museum. The exhibits were fascinating and I really learned some stuff. I really enjoyed the interactive exhibits - especially the CSI Gallery. I did really well in that one. We purchased the mug shots and have them proudly displayed on our dining room hutch. LOL. I also did the Top Detective Challenge Scavenger Hunt. That was really fun!!!
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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.