"Unframed" JR Tour of Ellis Island's Abandoned Hospital
- 1.5 hours
- $95
- Up to 10 guests
- Flexible Cancellations
Tour Highlights
- Celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Unframed,” an immersive art installation by world renowned artist JR on an exclusive hard hat tour inside the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital, in partnership with Save Ellis Island
- Access buildings usually off-limits to the public to view larger than life images pasted onto the walls, floors, furniture, and more
- Hear the heartwarming story of the “babushka grandmother” arriving at Ellis Island
- See images of young girls undergoing treatment for Favus, a fungal scalp infection
- Experience a poignant encounter with the somber faces of those navigating immigration
- Get a glimpse into the historic operating room, populated by doctors and nurses from a bygone era
- Please Note: You will need to be at the ferry terminal (Castle Clinton, Manhattan or Liberty State Park, NJ) at least 2 hours prior to the start of the tour to go through airport style security and board the ferry to Ellis Island.
Guests Love This Tour!
About This Tour:
Join us for a special 90-minute guided tour to commemorate the 10th anniversary of JR’s unforgettable “Unframed—Ellis Island” exhibit. This unique installation brought the abandoned Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital back to life with larger-than-life archival photographs.
Imagine the hopes and anxieties of immigrants as they faced medical examinations. See the dedicated doctors and nurses who provided care. Witness the resilience of patients battling illness, and the somber realities of the immigration process.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a fading masterpiece!
JR’s wheat-pasted photographs were not meant to be permanent. Due to the ever-changing environment of the abandoned hospital, not all these captivating works remain. We are fortunate to have access to over a dozen images. Don’t miss this opportunity to view them firsthand on this limited-run tour.
Save Ellis Island is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise the funds needed to rehabilitate and repurpose the twenty-nine historic buildings on the south side of Ellis Island for a new and exciting purpose. Your tickets directly contribute to the restorations efforts, so thank you!
All participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. No children under 10 years old. No scooters, wheel chairs or walkers.
All participants must wear closed toe and closed heel shoes. All participants must wear a face mask (until further notice). All guests must remain with the guide at all times. Everyone must wear a hard hat for the duration of the tour. Hard Hats provided at the beginning of the tour. Guests may take photographs, but tripods, monopods or filming are not allowed. While there are a lot of opportunities to take photos on this tour, this is not a photo tour and guests are expected to stay together as a group.
100% refund up to a week prior to the start of your tour.
Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable starting a week prior to the date of the tour.
The tour meets at the information desk located on the ground floor of the Ellis Island Museum adjacent to the National Park Service information desk. When you get to the meeting location, we will need your first and last name to check you in.
How long is the tour?
This tour is 1.5 hours long
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Unfortunately this tour is not ADA accessible.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly indoors.
Who will be our guide?
This tour will be led by a Save Ellis Island docent.
Are pets allowed on the ferry or in the park?
No. Pets are prohibited from using the ferry system and being on Liberty and Ellis Islands. However, documented service/assist animals are exempt from this policy. Please contact Statue City Cruises