Open for the First Time in 60 Years: Ellis Island Hospital Complex

Looking for a unique excursion this summer? Take a tour of Ellis Island’s recently opened Hospital Complex for an unforgettable experience.

Several buildings of the Ellis Island Hospital Complex are now open to visitors through a guided tour – after being closed to the public for 60 years – revealing an overlooked story in immigration to the United States.

Save Ellis Island, Inc., the non-profit raising the funds to rehabilitate and stabilize all of the south side buildings, has opened the Hospital Complex to the public for 90-minute guided Hard Hat Tours. Tickets for the Hard Hat tours are available for purchase through the National Park Service’s ferry concession, Statue Cruises. Group tours, schools and corporate outings are also offered. Further details are available at saveellisisland.org and statuecruises.com. Tickets are $25, and proceeds from the sales go toward the continuing preservation and restoration of the complex.

Those who take the Hard Hat Tour will feel its unique emotional pull. “It is an intensely personal experience,” said Janis Calella, president of Save Ellis Island. “Ellis Island is the place where countless American stories unfold, and where innovations in medicine and germ theory were pioneered that have improved our quality of life.”

Approximately one immigrant out of 10 who arrived at Ellis Island received medical attention at this facility. Now, everyone can experience this compelling part of the immigrant experience first-hand by joining a Hard Hat guided tour of the Hospital Complex.

As part of the tour, an art exhibit, “Unframed – Ellis Island,” by renowned artist JR is on display throughout the tour route. The exhibit features archival photographs of Ellis Island immigrants reproduced larger than life size, installed on walls, windows, floors and building exteriors. JR, the recipient of the prestigious TED Prize, is known throughout the world for his “Pervasive Art,” large-scale pasting installations which are designed to raise our awareness.

In its day, the 29 building complex was the largest U.S. Public Health Service Institution in the United States. Immigrants were treated within its walls before being allowed to enter the country. Approximately 1.2 million of the 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island received medical treatment at what was at the time, the most modern, comprehensive hospital in the nation. This facility included wards for contagious diseases, obstetrics, mental health, operating theaters, sanitation equipment, staff living quarters, a kitchen, laundry facilities and a morgue.

“Ellis Island is hauntingly beautiful. The architecture is magnificent, the views are unparalleled and the history is palpable,” said Calella. “Reserve your ticket today – you will not be disappointed.”

Visit statuecruises.com for ticket information.

About Save Ellis Island, Inc.
Save Ellis Island, Inc., a registered 501©3 organization, is the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior’s partner for the rehabilitation of the 29 unrestored buildings on Ellis Island. Save Ellis Island’s mission is to raise the funds to restore the deteriorated, unused portion of Ellis Island and return it to use for public education and enjoyment. Save Ellis Island is committed to preserving this national treasure dedicated to America’s immigrant story – the place where 12 million immigrants first stepped foot on American soil.

*All Photo Credits – JR-ART.NET