Explore the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital complex, once the standard for United States medical care and later transformed into a US Coast Guard base and FBI detention center. It has been left to decay for nearly 60 years. Now, Untapped New York partnered with Save Ellis Island to create an exclusive behind-the-scenes hard hat tour of the abandoned hospital. On this experience, you will discover the laundry building, contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, staff house and so much more as you walk in the footsteps of the immigrants who were there a hundred years ago. While exploring the buildings you will also see several life-size photographs of immigrants pasted on the walls of the abandoned buildings. They are part of JR’s exhibition “Unframed – Ellis Island”.
The 29-building South Side hospital complex is hidden in plain sight, just to the left of disembarking passengers headed towards the Great Hall. Looking at its desolate, skeletal frame now, it’s difficult to imagine its backstory as one of the largest public health undertakings in American history. Join us for our upcoming Ellis Island hospital tour, guided by a Save Ellis Island docent, where we’ll uncover its many, buried secrets.
Important Reminders:
You need catch the ferry to Ellis Island and the tour starts on Ellis Island.
Included in the ticket price is the ferry from Castle Clinton, which is located in Battery Park, Manhattan https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ae9cASSKsKNwCbG8 ( Statue City Cruises)
• Please note that we recommend arriving no later than 9:00am at Castle Clinton, Manhattan in order to go through the airport style security, and go to Ellis Island (the boat ride is approx. 45 minutes).
• Get in the “reserve” line to board the ferry. Lines to board the ferry are unpredictable and can be long which is why we recommend you arrive early.
• The ferry will make two stops, the first one will be at the Statue of Liberty and the second one at Ellis Island. Do not get off the boat when the ferry stops at the Statue of Liberty, Stay on the boat until it reaches Ellis Island. The boat ride is approximately 45 minutes long.
• On arrival into Ellis Island proceed to the Ellis Island Museum and your guide will meet you on the ground floor.
ALL GUESTS MUST WEAR CLOSED IN SHOES