Closing the Rock: The Anniversary of Alcatraz’s Last Day
Alcatraz East’s newest exhibit will feature information, photos, and memorabilia from the famed prison. Highlighted objects include Al Capone’s rosary, P.A.T.H. Alcatraz Artwork, and Alcatraz guard handcuffs. The temporary exhibit will be displayed for one year and is included in the general admission price.
Alcatraz was closed by the government in March 1963 due to the needed repairs and the high cost of operation. In 1969, American Indians occupied Alcatraz for 19 months as they waged a campaign for civil rights. It was in 1972 that Congress established it as a national park, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
According to the National Park Services, 1.5 million people visit Alcatraz annually to roam the halls where such famous people as Al Capone, “Machine Gun” Kelly, and James “Whitey” Bulger served time. For three decades, Alcatraz was considered one of the most secure prisons in the country because of its location on an island off San Francisco.
With over 100 temporary and permanent exhibits that are crime-related, Alcatraz East Crime Museum focuses on the history of crime, crime scene investigation, consequences of crime, crime-fighting, counterfeit crimes, pop culture, and more. There are numerous popular items on display for people to see, including the famous white Bronco from the O.J. Simpson chase and Ted Bundy’s famous Beetle. There are several temporary exhibits always being offered, which can be found online: https://www.alcatrazeast.com/temporary-exhibits/
