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4.5
4,857 votes

Ellis Island

New York, NY, New York, New York 10004 USA

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Budget
Closed Now
Opens Fri 8:30a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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Iconic Attraction

Our Take

The beautifully-restored main building is worthy of a few hours of exploration (the Registry Room with a soaring Guastavino-tiled ceiling is a must-see), but if you have time, take a hard hat tour of the lesser-known hospital complex located on the island’s south side. Closed in 1954, the buildings sat abandoned for 60 years before opening again for tours in their unrestored, crumbling state. The buildings themselves are enough of a draw, but they also serve as the perfect backdrop for an arresting art installation by French artist JR, featuring large-scale photographs from the island’s fascinating history.

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“the once gateway to American life”

How far would you travel to find a better life? What if the journey took weeks under difficult conditions? If you answered "Whatever it takes," you echo the feelings of the 12 million immigrants who passed through these now quiet halls from 1892 to 1954. Ellis Island afforded them the opportunity to attain the American dream for themselves and their descendants. Come hear their stories.

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Reviewed by
Stephanie

  • 11 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
August 28, 2016
Rated 2.0

This museum has a couple interesting things, but it is 90% reading and pictures on the wall. The building itself was neat to see, however it wasn't any kind of "experience" It was like reading a textbook and looking at the pictures...for 3 whole floors. Many of the pictures or text is repeated too. It would have been better if they made it into two floors and have some actual room set-ups of how it was at the time. We saw one bunk bed area, which was cool and that was about it.
I recommend visiting the NY Tenement Museum instead.
A worker mentioned many of the Ellis Island museum items were damaged in Hurricane Sandy, so perhaps that is what happened. But I have to admit I was hoping for a better experience.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
samk029

  • 3 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
April 06, 2016
Rated 5.0

I always enjoy coming here, it never gets old!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
heathertesmer

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
March 12, 2022

Awesome place to visit but fair warning, the signs to for the entrance, parking, which way to walk to the boats and pretty much any other vital info you need aren’t very good. Leave yourself time to figure it all out.

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Reviewed by
jsigler77

  • 18 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
August 17, 2021
Rated 5.0

So amazing. Lots of history here. Give yourself hours to explore and see what they went through.

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Ellis Island

New York, NY
New York, New York
10004 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

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  • Parking
  • Pets Allowed
  • Restrooms
  • Wifi
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Affiliation
National park
  • Outdoor Seating
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Campground, Dining

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