I am a huge fan of true crime shows so visiting the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge was a no-brainer. Build to resemble the edifice of the Alcatraz prison, the museum, which opened in December 2016, covers a history of crime from Medieval Times to the present. With two stories and almost 25,000 square feet of crime memorabilia, there are enough details to satisfy the most dedicated crime buff.
We were provided tickets to Alcatraz East Pigeon Forge, but all opinions are my own.
Inside Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Once you step inside the doors, you’ll be greeted by an “inmate” who sells tickets and can provide information on the museum. Then, it’s up the two flights of stairs to begin the tour. Alcatraz East is divided into five sections; the History of Crime, the Consequences of Crime, Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Fighting, and Pop Culture Counterfeit Crime. The museum also features special exhibits, which during our visit included Scamalot: Conquering the Con and Ivory, available until August 2018, and Tortoise Shell & Fur: The Ugly Truth About Wildlife Trafficking, available through Spring 2018.
At the top of the steps, the tour begins with The History of Crime, starting with displays of Medieval Torture Instruments. These people were not playing around when it came to gossiping, “scolding,” or thieving, as seen by the forceps they used to pull out the tongue or the hand ax used to cut off the hands of thieves. From the Middle Ages, the tour moves to America; covering gruesome events from the Colonization period, like the Salem Witch Trials and Piracy. The tour continues through the Wild West, Prohibition, and Organized Crime. And, if you’ve ever wondered about the makings of a Serial Killer, an entire section is devoted to notorious American Serial Killers, like Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Richard Ramirez.
The Consequences of Crime focuses on life behind bars, complete with jail cells, rules and regulations, and my personal favorite, an explanation of the various tattoos found in prison. Tip: This is a good place to stop and have a photo made in a Police Lineup. Here we found more examples of punishment through the ages. If you’ve ever wanted to see a Guillotine like the ones used in the French Revolution Reign of Terror, this is your chance!
As a fan of reruns of Forensic Files, the Crime Scene Investigation section provided an up-close look at techniques used by Forensic Scientists. This section walked us through the entire crime scene, starting with how a crime scene would be photographed, and going into each step, such as using luminol. I was surprised to find that some forensic evidence is not as conclusive as the crime shows would like us to believe.
Crime Fighting describes the roles played in bringing criminals to justice, while Pop Culture Counterfeit Crime focuses on such problems as cyberbullying, identity theft, and other important topics prevalent in our society today.
A replica of Al Capone’s Jail Cell.
Thoughts: Overall I was impressed with the museum. I would like to return when I have more time to visit. Although I spent over two hours in the museum, I could have easily spent several more hours. The Museum includes a lot of reading to get the full experience. I definitely learned a lot. While there are several interactive exhibits throughout the museum, younger children might have a tendency to become bored if you plan to spend the amount of time needed to read all the exhibits. One quick note: This is a crime museum, not a museum solely dedicated to Alcatraz. I suggest going early in the day on a weekday, if possible, to avoid crowds around the exhibits.
If you go:
Where: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
When: The Crime Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
General Admission is $24.95 for adults ages 13 to 60 and upgraded packages are available.
The museum offers discounts to law enforcement and the military if tickets are purchased at the door. Ages five and under are free.
Photography IS allowed without flash.
Have you visited the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge? What was your impression?
It sounds so interesting. it sounds like such an interesting crime museum. I would be interested in seeing the area about the serial killers, remembering Richard Ramirez very vividly.
What an interesting place, and not your typical museum. I’m sure there are a lot of unique things to see here. I would love to bring the family there!
I love crime shows, podcasts and articles. the opportunity to visit a museum would be the best thing in the world! I’m going to try and look for more local museums as this is a path I never thought of.
Alcatraz was one of my favorite tours ever! It was soo cool to see, and I loved the audio tour too!
I have to share this with a co-worker. She is obsessed with all of that crime stuff.
That would be a really fun experience! I have always been curious about this kind of stuff.
I see where I next vacation is leading us. My husband would find the Alcatraz East Crime Museum absolutely intriguing. Here we come!
We love museums, all of them, arts, science, history, natural history and the like. But a museum dedicated to crime sounds unique and fascinating.
I love anything history related and this Alcatraz East Crime museum seems sooooo COOL!!! I need to go see this ASAP!!
I’ve always been fascinated with Alcatraz. I think it would be a great trip for the kids so they could learn a bit about its history.
We live pretty close to this area. I had no idea there was even such a museum there. I’m adding it to our bucket list for the family.
I’ve seen this museum like couple of times while driving down the Pigeon Forge. But I didn’t got a chance to check this out. Good to see what’s inside now I want to make a trip.
This would be such a neat museum. I love history, so museums have always thrilled me.
I have always loved the history behind certain places; to know the in & outs of how things work. This looks like it would be an amazing tour to take, when I get to visit Pigeon Forge.
I’ve seen this place in Pigeon Forge. I’ve jut never been. Now that I know exactly what it’s all about, I’d love to visit next time I’m in the area.
Never heard of this place in Tennessee. Never been to this state. Looks like a place we would enjoy and have fun visiting.
My husband would love this. He is so much of a history buff and this would be a memorable experience for him. We’ll see if we can add this to our travel plans this coming 2018. I am positive he will make sure we make a trip to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum.
This is an intriguing museum to visit. We like to watch crime shows and crime-solving TV.
I can’t believe we missed this when we were in the area a few years back. My husband is huge into the crime scenes of olden days and would have loved this tour. If we are ever back that way, we’re definitely stopping in!
Museums are so much fun and I think it’s awesome that you got the chance to visit this one. I like reading and learning about crimes and mysteries and this would something that I would visit.
What a cool museum, I have to remember this next time we travel there! I love history exhibits like this!
I have to see this! I am a huge fan of shows like Forensic Files, and I would love to see these exhibits. How exciting and thrilling!
That sounds like a lot of fun. I love to visit places like this that are educational and entertaining at the same time. Sounds like an interesting exhibit.
What a cool museum. My husband would be in his glory there! We’d love to visit.
What a neat idea for a museum. We are all intrigued by crime stories and the people that commit crimes so this is a must see museum.