Alcatraz East Crime Museum Is Showing Love To Locals With Local Appreciation Days

February 24, 2021

Locals living in Pigeon Forge and surrounding counties can discover the fascinating history of American crime at the one-of-a-kind Alcatraz East Crime Museum, for a discounted rate of only $12 per person (plus tax) on Local Appreciation Days from February 25 through March 7, 2021.

Michelle Reilly, Groups and Program Manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum says “We love our locals and want to offer a special rate so their family can come in and explore and learn. We are excited to give them the opportunity to learn about crime on a national and state level.”

The Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge takes a deep delve into true American crime and some of the most notorious criminals in our country’s history. Spread over two floors and inspired by the Alcatraz Penitentiary and Tennessee State Prison, this huge 25,000 sq ft museum offers five unique galleries, over 100 interactives, famous permanent exhibits, and mind-blowing temporary exhibits showcasing infamous serial killers and mobsters. The museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of American crime, the consequences of crime, crime-fighting, crime scene investigation, counterfeit crimes, and pop culture.

The most famous permanent artifacts at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum include Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle, the white Bronco from OJ Simpson’s famous televised car chase, bank robber John Dillinger’s 1930 Ford, Al Capone’s rosary, Al Pacino’s machine gun from Scarface and so much more! Temporary exhibits include From Car to Incarceration which uncovers the crime, final arrest, trial and death of Ted Bundy, and The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI) exhibit taking an in-depth look into some of the Bureau’s most famous cases and ongoing cold cases.

“The museum gives people a chance to learn more about something that impacts all of us,” added Reilly. “Strolling through and visiting the exhibits can be a great way to teach and learn about crime prevention.”

The museum is family-friendly with exciting programs and exhibits for the kids! Break out of a jail cell and into a locked safe, stand in a line-up, hang out in a real surveillance van and play junior detective for a day. Be sure to take home a memoir of your experience from the fun Jailhouse Junk Gift Shop. You’ll find everything from novelty items and souvenirs to clothing, hats, and jewelry.

If you’re not in the Pigeon Forge area but looking to be part of the American crime action, join their monthly book club where crime fans join to discuss American true crime history, law enforcement, and survivor stories. Join them on the Alcatraz East Facebook page. Their monthly pick for February 2021 is “The Devil’s Harvest: A Ruthless Killer, a Terrorized Community, and the Search for Justice in California’s Central Valley” by Jessica Garrison.

Alcatraz East is located at The Island’s entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN, and is open daily. Please note that due to COVID-19, new safety measures are in place, opening hours may be reduced and the museum is not accepting cash payments. Tickets may be purchased online in advance or by card at the ticket booth, up to an hour prior to closing times.

*Please note: Local Appreciation Days are open to anyone living and working in Blount, Cocke, Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier counties on presentation of a valid resident ID or a current pay stub. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount.

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