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 ArtSeptember 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 NixonAugust 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 + FictionExplore 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 DaysOctober 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.