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Alcatraz East Crime Museum Pigeon Forge

2757 Parkway • Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

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A large stone building resembling a prison, with guard towers and a sign reading "Alcatraz East Crime Museum" above the entrance.

A beige vintage car with rounded headlights and a chrome grille is parked indoors on a concrete floor.

Exhibit display showing a thermal image of a footprint, an X-ray of a shoe, informational panels, and a device with shoe insoles under a sign reading "FOOTPRINTS.

A group of children and teens stand indoors, looking at brochures or booklets together in front of a metal door and staircase.

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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.

Burden of Proof: The Case Against James Earl Ray
August 15, 2025 – August 2026
After Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, escaped convict James Earl Ray was arrested and sentenced to 99 years in prison. Though he pled guilty, Ray quickly recanted, fueling decades of debate over his role and possible conspiracy. This exhibit examines the investigations, Ray’s appeals, and the King family’s search for truth.

International Journey To Justice: Catching Natalee Holloway's Killer
April 18, 2025 – October 2, 2025
When Natalee Holloway vanished during a 2005 graduation trip to Aruba, it launched an 18-year quest for answers led by her mother, Beth Holloway. Within hours, Beth and her team identified Joran Van der Sloot as the last person seen with Natalee. Though arrested multiple times, he was released due to lack of evidence.

Featured Objects:

Memorabilia from Natalee’s Life
Dress worn by Natalee to a school dance
Original poetry written by Natalee

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
May 19, 2023- September 2026
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.

Promotional Images (12)

A vintage polygraph machine with analog dials, switches, gauges, and a roll of graph paper, displayed in a glass case.

A wooden art box containing paint tubes, brushes, a stained glass booklet, and a palette, with "J. Gacy" written inside the lid.

A dark room with green laser beams crisscrossing at various angles while blurred figures move in the background.

Children examine a human anatomy model on a metal table in a museum exhibit labeled "THE MORGUE" and "DENTAL ID.

A woman aligns a transparent panel with a glowing red target over a mannequin or surface, suggesting a demonstration or simulation scenario.

Customer Photos (65)

Alcatraz East Crime Museum photo submitted by Misti Franklin

Alcatraz East Crime Museum photo submitted by Caitlyn Ross

Alcatraz East Crime Museum is located at 2757 Parkway • Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

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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.