Came here last Saturday after my mom read about it from one of the brochures. We saw all kinds of stuff from just about every major crime or/and National headline in the United States that you can think of. They had a collection of items owned by famous serial killers such as Jeffrey Dahmers glasses and John Wayne Gacy's clown suit and wallet. They also had a collection of cars including Ted Bundy's Volkswagen Beetle, OJ Simpsons Bronco, and Bonnie and Clyde's 1934 Ford V8. The saddest thing I saw was Caylee Anthony's Whinnie the Pooh backpack. read more

As a true crime lover from a wee age, this was a great place to go. A lot of moving pieces and it is really done and well kept up.

Incredibly educational and thought provoking. There was so much to see and information about crime and punishment from the Middle Ages though current events. It is not a place I would ever recommend taking young children, but it is educational for teenagers through adult ages. I did learn a great amount of information that I had not previously known prior. It was a great experience for the price. It was certainly worth the cost and I'd recommend visiting once if you're in the area. read more

Very interesting place to visit if you're into history and/or true crime. Fair value, plan to spend around two hours walking through to get the full experience. Be prepared for crowds as it is quite popular read more

Took daughter here and she loved it!!! Took about an hour to go through the entire thing. Lots of displays and items! Very crowded but you can go back and look at displays if it was too busy. read more

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I was hoping to see the museum. Prepare to wait to get in and bring an umbrella as well. Madoff, past gangster and mafia bosses, Gacey's clown outfits, bullet riddled cars from the Italian mob and days of gun shooting feuds. Even the infamous getaway white 93 White Bronco is here. It's rather pricey for what you get here. It's $25/pp. read more

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I didn't know what to expect when visiting here. The price was definitely expensive for this exhibit. Make sure to grab coupons from any of the places around town. The coolest parts were the items that belonged to all of these criminals. The replica car of Bonnie and Clyde's car chase. It was more of a walking history lesson not a fully interactive exhibit. read more

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Definitely a lot of cool stuff to see. It's a must see. A lot of history to be seen inside. Not bad on price either

Let me start by saying that the exhibition was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed the extensive collection of criminal artifacts. My grandchildren had been looking forward to experiencing this museum for quite some time and we had traveled several hours to get there. We took the tour on 7/29/2024 at approximately 7:00 pm. I would have given Alcatraz East a 5-star review but for one reason. The lady/clerk at the counter was extremely rude. Not average like I've had a bad day rude but mean rude. When I say rude, I literally thought she may be playing the prison guard role so we just went with it. She went as far as to tell us we needed to rush through or come back another day because the museum would close promptly at 9:00 pm and we would be asked to leave even if we were not done with the tour. I assured her that we would move through as quickly as we possibly could. Just to reiterate, the museum was extremely interesting and educational so on that part I highly recommend but please do something with this lady who obviously did not want to be there. I hope this review helps the management of Alcatraz East moving forward as these artifacts should be seen and experienced by all. read more

Definitely wasn't what we were expecting. This museum focusing on both Alcatraz but also other crimes. There was some interesting information throughout. The ad on for the laser game is worth it as it's unlimited. Just wish it hadn't been at the end of the museum. It would have been a great break in the middle of the info. They currently have an area on Ted Bundy. It's temporary. read more

Alcatraz East - Museums Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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First responders get discount so make sure to mention that at the register. This museum was so informative and they had a great collection of serial killer items. Bundys yellow beetle is here and Gacys prison artwork is on display. Per covid, only one family per section. Everyone was stuck at the beginning so I actually jumped ahead to avoid the crowd. Loved their gift shop also. Got a serial killer mug. Never seen one like this anywhere in my travels so far. One of my favorite visits so far! read more

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Quite frankly, average at best. However, kudos and my hats off to the bubblegum policeman (manager) who hid behind doors and mirrors in order to observe the very bad criminal (me) with chewing in her mouth. You were too much of a girl to confront me head on. He had to walk around me two or three times and then escort me to the trashcan with the offending bubble gum. Thank you for your cowardliness and your rudeness. By the way, I'm a card carrying member of AARP so I do believe that I know where bubblegum goes and where it doesn't. However, to be fair I did see the rules once I left. My beef isn't what you did, but rather how you went about it, which was rude, disrespectful and incredibly condescending and quite frankly, you seemed to take great joy and the embarrassment you caused. And I understand, (from other employees), you take a lot of joy, maybe a bit too much joy and hiding behind those windows and doors. Had you walked up to me instead of peeking around corners and walking around me several times and just approach me like a man, I would've understood. read more

As a crime lover who's watched over 100 crime documentaries this was such an amazing find. We randomly stumbled across this at a red like and I scream in excitement. This was a huge museum that can take up to 2 hours to self tour. We rushed it a bit since we went 1 hour and a half before closing but was able to go through the whole building. They amazing displays with a lot of insight on the criminals. They had several things outside the criminal topic such as 911 honoring area, lots of school shooting honors as well as kidnapping victims honors. They also had a csi aka crime scene investigators area where you are able to see how the investigation gets done. They had many more topics aside from the criminal which added to the experience. Our favorite part were the criminal cars. For those who like crime documentary or anything near I highly recommend this museum read more

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Was this worth 90$ for the three of us? I don't think so, it was a one time thing and we all agreed we wouldn't return if in the area. There is a lot to see and if you read each thing you pass it could take hours. They have a section on Ted Bundy, think this might be a temporary exhibit. Saw lots of really young children, between the subject matter and the cost I wouldn't waste your time. read more

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This was so awesome! I love crime stories and this was so neat! I loved walking through reading everything thing to my 6 year old. He was so interested as well! read more

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This place is so cool! It can be a little macabre at times. But also very educational in a way. Very interesting place.

I always love visiting here! This was my second time & We had a great time. Very interesting exhibits.

The museum is very informative and has components of historical artifacts, true crime, and crime prevention. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a true crime documentary, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, NCIS, etc. I've been more than several times and enjoy each trip. read more

Ah, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. It's quite a unique place, isn't it? You can learn all about the history of American crime, from the Wild West to the modern day. It's a fascinating journey through the darker side of our culture, and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The museum is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and from the moment you walk in, you can tell it's going to be a unique experience. The building itself is quite impressive, with a sleek modern design that really catches the eye. Inside, the exhibits are just as impressive, with a wide range of artifacts and displays that tell the stories of some of America's most infamous criminals. One of the things I really appreciated about the museum is the way the exhibits are organized. Rather than simply presenting a chronological history of crime in America, the museum is divided into different sections that explore different aspects of the topic. For example, there's a section on forensics, one on gangsters, and another on terrorism. This approach makes it easier to absorb the information, and also keeps things fresh and interesting. One of my favorite exhibits was the one on serial killers. Now, I know that might sound a bit macabre, but bear with me. The exhibit does an excellent job of exploring the psychology behind these heinous crimes, and also presents some of the tools and techniques that law enforcement has used to catch them. It's a chilling reminder of the evil that some people are capable of, but also a testament to the power of science and technology to bring them to justice. Another standout exhibit was the one on the history of American law enforcement. This exhibit is particularly interesting because it not only presents the history of policing in America, but also explores the impact that law enforcement has had on the communities it serves. It's a nuanced and thoughtful presentation that really gets you thinking about the role that law enforcement plays in our society. Of course, no visit to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum would be complete without a trip to the gift shop. And let me tell you, they've got some great stuff. From books and t-shirts to actual artifacts from some of the most famous cases in American history, there's something here for everyone. I couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs myself. All in all, I have to say that the Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in the history of crime in America. Whether you're a true crime buff, a history buff, or just looking for something a little different to do, this museum has something to offer. So next time you're in Pigeon Forge, be sure to check it out. I think you'll be glad you did. read more

Very nicely done crime museum. You can tell the same people who did titanic museum did this one. The exhibits are interesting and the laser room is super fun. Near the laser room there's a neat shooting feature and a drunk driving test and a car driving thing. The kids seemed to enjoy the museum overall. Liked the Bonnie and Clyde stuff. Could have used more Alcatraz stuff but it's very good despite that. read more

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Well, I have to say I had no idea what to expect coming here. But I wasn't disappointed. No really, its a very nice tour d'force of crime and law enforcement history. The exhibits are broken into eras and i really loved the Wild West area. The museum has pictures, guns and other artifacts from actual collections as well. Lots of great historical tidbits to take away! There are even cars and trucks from Infamous events like OJs highway run in the white ford bronco - spoiler alert - its here! Other stuff too. The fam and I really enjoyed the time here. The museum is tasteful and informative. Lots of heinous crimes to study, but handled in a way that was good for history buffs and families wanting to have some fun too. Of course there's a gift shop at the end but it's tasteful and at the end. The place is really a solid study in American crime and law enforcement. I suspect- get it .... suspect - that you'll enjoy your time here. Very interesting and nicely done. read more

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What an amazing experience! Make sure you have plenty of time! Will hopefully be back here someday! My wife and I came here at 7 pm on a Sunday, believing it closed at 10. Unfortunately, it closed at 9. Two hours spent here was simply not enough! There is so much rich history and an appreciation for the intricacies of the crime scene investigation. They also offer a 1st responder and military discount! This place is super neat and is somewhere that you will need 3-4 hours to really dive into all of the content they provide. Highly recommend!! read more

The wife and I went to this museum at the recommendation of a friend and fellow member of law enforcement (for which you get a discount if you have your ID -- yay!). It was very cool and much larger than I expected. They have tons of memorabilia and lots of hands-on activities. We did the guided audio tour, which we recommend doing. read more

This museum is huge and has a large variety of exhibits including cold cases, CSI, and mass killers inside. The museum offers a discount for service members. Additional add-ons can be added to the general admission cost. The clerk advised us that it takes about two hours to go through the entire museum. Individuals are required to keep their masks on while inside of the museum. There is also a gift shop at the end of the tour. I def enjoyed the museum and would recommend it for anyone interested in different aspects of crime. read more

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This museum is located on the main street of attractions in Pigeon Forge. There really wasn't much social distancing. They seemed to wait about 5-8" between groups of about 20 people. It wasn't packed when we went, but it was steady busy. This is a self-guided tour, but an audio guide is available. There are multiple displays, lots of wax figures and lots of cards to read. This makes social distancing hard. There is information about famous crimes, pirates, and more. A small section on serial killers, and CSI-type investigation techniques with a few interactive displays. It almost seemed they tried to put a little bit of everything into this museum, including Wild West references. This will be a good museum for you especially if you are interested in crime shows. $26.95 for adults, $5 for audio guide. The audio guide was not really worth it to me. There is A LOT of reading. We spent about 2-3 hours here. I'd rate it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. read more

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Overall the content inside the museum was good. However, we wished that more of the items were from the modern era. We enjoy true crime podcasts and learning about the psychology behind it all. With this experience I feel like we missed that. We went on a rainy morning, so the entire museum was packed and it was hard to navigate and take our time to read about each different artifact. read more

I can't say enough about this place!!! Wow. First of all, GET THE AUDIO TOUR! We didn't and we regretted it almost immediately. This museum is LOTS of reading. Like, kind of a crazy amount. I personally think the audio tour would've helped lessen it some. But it's really interesting stuff. We spent THREE HOURS in here without even realizing it. One of the most detailed, well-thought out museums I've ever been to. Also, it's really awesome for the price. It was around $60 for 2 of us and like I said... We spent 3 hours here lol. I learned a lot that I didn't know before, and it was cool to see some of the artifacts they have. The 9/11 room made me tear up. There's interactive exhibits too. Can't recommend this museum enough! read more

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My family loved it. What a great museum. Especially playing the game kept the whole family involved

I went to this museum thinking it would be all about Alcatraz itself. It ended up being all about the history of crime, including serial killers, bombings, missing people, etc. But they had areas that were just not interesting at all. It is soo much to read, and it can be stressful when it's a busy day with many people. I wasn't able to thoroughly enjoy my experience because of this. Overall, the tickets were $33 after tax. I didn't learn much about Alcatraz, but there was a lot to see and spent almost 2 hours in there. it's right next to the island. So, go there if you are into crime, but don't go if you are really just interested in Alcatraz. read more

Neat and mysterious place. Learn about dna, crime scenes, etc definitely something different a lot of facts and reading read more

Alcatraz East - Museums Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Pretty sweet museum! Price is steep, but worth it if you want 4-5 hours of entrainment and some hands on activities. Lots of true crime, history and learning here! It's just as big on the inside as it looks on the outside of Alcatraz! Enjoy your time here and see some neat things! read more

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Staff were very friendly and helpful. Several exhibits were informative/fun/interactive. **However** they were missing 2 whole presidential impeachments from that section of the museum (fully half of all the presidential impeachments), and a lot of information was lost the cause, revisionist, version. They seem real fond of traitors like John Wilkes Booth for a museum of crime and punishment. Then they go on to label John Brown a traitor... Balanced with the serial killer section it may still be worth a visit if you're pro-slavery, a huge bootlicker, or don't really care. They have OJs bronco... read more

Well to preface, Pigeon Forge is an expensive tourist trap. This museum, like everything else is expensive. They had a few cool things, but you should be prepared to read lots of plaques. With all the crowds, it took forever to get to the plaques to read them though. $60 for two of us was NOT worth it though. The few pictures I took were the only things I'd consider impressive items, so if you'd pay $30 to see John Wayne Gacy's clown suits, go for it. Otherwise, id skip. read more

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Very cool! We visited the museum on a weekday, to avoid large crowds and it was definitely the right decision. The museum was very family friendly,fun and educational. The staff was very friendly and we observed several of them wiping exhibits down throughout the museum, which is an A+ to us. The price for admission was actually lower than most of the other museum style attractions in the area plus, they provide discounts for military and first responders. Definitely worth the visit. read more

Alcatraz East - The actual famous white bronco that OJ was in. - Museums Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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We were surprised at how much we liked it. Expected a toursity Ripley's type place that would last 45 minutes, but this place was much more. Real exhibits and you will learn a few things. Took us about 90 minutes and while there is a lot of reading, skip around if you wish. It follows a path so keep that in mind. The relics from gangsters etc were cool. The 9/11 Tribute was nice. I agree with other reviews on the price. While we enjoyed it, I think @ $20 per person, this would satisfy more attendees. (We paid $30 pp). read more

Alcatraz East will keep you and your family outside in the million degree heat before you are even allowed to enter their museum. And it could be a long while. Once you are given the privilege of entrance, you'll see there was clearly enough room in the air-conditioned museum for everyone to wait without almost passing out. The museum was ok, like having the actual OJ Bronco, but strangely glorified many horrendous crimes. Some displays seemed too enthusiastic about child killings and rape. Was unsettling. And please move Dr. King's death mask away from the Klan robe. It's disrespectful to his legacy. read more

Had the opportunity to go and see this museum with my family, and I just want to say the entire museum was well thought out and displayed information All throughout history. The Highlighted Exhibit currently is Ted Bundy, and The thing I appreciated the most was how well represented his victims were displayed in this with quotes and pictures provided by families and friends. You don't see that all too often in exhibitions, and as a Murderino myself it's a small hurray for the victims and their families. I look forward to my next visit! read more

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This is NOT about Alcatraz. There is almost nothing about Alcatraz. This is my fault. I guess I should've done some research. This is a crime museum. The name is very misleading. It starts WAY back up to current time. It is very interesting and offers a lot of information. Our self guided Audio didn't work correctly but what I did gather was a repeat of what I just read. Oh, and each person has to pay an additional $5 for their own audio. I advised personnel and they were going to let it go until I went back and got me and another couple a refund. Skip the extra cost. Plan about 2.5 hours here. read more

We were looking for an indoor activity from the cold and decided on this. I'm an NCIS and FBI fan so this was right up my alley. The route followed old prisons and methods of punishment all the way up to today. I learned quite a lot about famous criminals and enjoyed seeing some of their famous cars and personal effects. I would definitely recommend this as worth the money and glad we were able to tour it! read more

This place was amazing! There is SOOO much information to learn in here and my wife and I spent nearly 4 hours in here without reading it all. A lot of fun! read more