Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
About
What It Is
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration occupies the north side of Ellis Island in New York Harbor, situated between New Jersey and New York [2]. The island is federally owned and has been administered by the National Park Service as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument since 1965 [2]. From 1892 to 1954, roughly 12 million immigrants were processed at the station, and by one estimate two-fifths of Americans may be descended from those who passed through [2]. The main building, which opened in 1900 and was fully renovated into a museum by 1990, served as the epicenter of one of the largest migrations in modern history [1][2].
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can explore the main immigration building, including the Registry Room — also called the Great Hall — where millions of immigrants underwent medical and legal inspections before being permitted to enter the United States [1]. The museum presents exhibits on the history and significance of Ellis Island, and an Ellis Island Expedition Series, a five-part video program developed for students, is available [1]. The south side of the island, which includes the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital, is open to the public through guided tours [2]. The Wall of Honor is also located on the northern half of the island [2].
Practical Access
Ellis Island is accessible only by ferry, as it has been since the immigration era [1][2]. As of March 2026, the New York City security screening facility and ferry service operates from a new location in The Battery [1]. Ferry tickets can be purchased in advance online [1]. No walking distance, hours, fees, or visit duration are specified in the sources.
Restrictions
Certain exhibits are temporarily closed as part of the Ellis Island Reimagined Project; visitors are advised to review which exhibits are unavailable before arriving [1]. Active construction is also underway on the island, which visitors will see and hear during their visit [1].
What Makes It Distinctive
Ellis Island is the single most significant immigrant processing site in United States history, with approximately 12 million people having passed through during its peak years of 1892 to 1924 [1][2]. The scale of that migration means a substantial portion of the American population has a direct ancestral connection to this specific location [2]. The island's dual character — a restored museum on the north side and a historic hospital complex accessible by guided tour on the south side — offers visitors two distinct layers of the immigration experience within one site [2].
Sources
- Open year-round
- Typical duration: 5h
Access & fees
- crown and pedestal access at the statue of liberty require separate reservations.
- ferry only access
- ferry ticket required
- visitors pay only for the authorized ferry ticket, which includes access to both ellis island and the statue of liberty grounds.
Things to do
- explore the historic great hall (registry room)
- guided hospital tours
- immigration museum visit
- museum exploration
- photography
- search family records at the american family immigration history center
- student video series
- take an audio-guided tour
- tour the national museum of immigration
- view interactive exhibits and original artifacts
- visit the outdoor memorials and waterfront
Features
- ellis island immigrant hospital
- national immigration museum
- registry room (great hall)
- the island is part of the statue of liberty national monument, a unesco world heritage site. while the statue of liberty is the unesco-designated property, ellis island is included within the national monument managed by the u.s. national park service.
- wall of honor
Nearby
- liberty state park
- statue of liberty
Good to know
- allow 3–5 hours if visiting both ellis island and the statue of liberty.
- combine your visit with the statue of liberty national monument
- ferry departs the battery
- island area 27.5 acres
- nps-administered since 1965
- reserve ferry tickets in advance, especially during summer and holidays.
- some exhibits temporarily closed
- tickets sold online