Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument

Beaux-Arts brick and limestone building with large arched windows and cupola-topped towers.

Over 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island during the peak years of 1892-1924, most through this building which opened in 1900.

Great Hall has terra cotta-colored tile floor, a balcony, large arched windows, and vaulted ceiling

The Registry Room, also known as the Great Hall, is where millions of immigrants were inspected. They were required to pass both a medical and legal inspection before being allowed to enter the United States.

Brick and limestone building with maroon canopy leading to entrance.

Visitors to the museum today arrive by ferry, just like immigrants did a century ago.

Honey oak colored tall desk on tiled floor in Great Hall with arched windows and vaulted ceiling.

Inspectors at Ellis Island would conduct the legal examination from behind desks like these a century ago.

Artificially-expanded largely rectangular island with straight seawalls and large buildings.

Ellis Island was expanded from just a couple acres to over 30 to make room for a large immigration processing station, that included a state of the art hospital complex.

Photos: National Park Service

About Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument

Millions of Americans and people around the world have ancestors who came through Ellis Island. The Main Immigration Building was the epicenter of one of the greatest migrations in modern history. Today, Ellis Island is a memorial to all who pursued the American dream and have made this nation their adopted home.

Quick Facts

State New Jersey

Designation Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument

State Code NJ,NY

Weather It is typically colder and more windy in New York Harbor than elsewhere in New York City. Winters are cold and damp. Spring and Fall can range from chilly to…

Location & Map

Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument is located in New Jersey.

Get Directions

Operating Hours

Access to Liberty and Ellis Islands is by Statue City Cruises ferry only. For ferry departure times and ticketing information, visit http://www.statuecitycruises.com or call 1-877-LADY-TIX. The last entrance into the statue is at 3:30 PM.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Monday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Sunday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Activities

Food Dining Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Getting There

Ellis Island is located in New York Harbor and can only be reached by ferry. Ferries are operated by Statue City Cruises and depart from The Battery in New York City or from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, New York, NY, 10004

Phone 2123633200

Email stli_info@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Immigration Maritime Coastal Defenses Migrations Tragic Events Floods Wars and Conflicts War of 1812

Things To Do

The Baggage Room

The Information Desk inside the Baggage Room gives you valuable information to plan your trip.

Ellis island was the busiest immigration station in the world! Used between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants were…

Tour the Hospital Complex

Visit the Hospital and Contagious Disease Ward on Ellis Island.

Visit the unrestored buildings on Ellis Island's 'South Side' through a Hard Hat Tour administered by Save Ellis Island Inc.

Spend a Day on the Island

Spend a Day on Ellis Island

1. Visit the museum. 2. American Family Immigration History Center 3. South Side 'Hard Hat' Tour

Research Family Immigration History

Ship manifests, including 51 million arrival records, can be searched at the American Family Immigration History Center.

In the Passenger Record Archive, you’ll find original manifests, passenger records, and ship information.

Self-guided Audio Tour

Ellis Island self-guided audio tour.

The self-guided audio tour can be used throughout the main building on Ellis Island. Audio tours can be picked up…

Visitor Centers

Ellis Island Information Desk

The Ellis Island Information Desk provides general information, including the schedule of ranger-guided tours, special program, and film times. A ranger or volunteer is available…

Hours: Access to the Ellis Island Information Center is by Statue Cruises ferries only. The first ferry departs at 9:00 AM, and the last ferry departs Ellis Island at 6:00 PM. There are extended hours in the summer and during holidays. The information center is open until island closure. Ellis Island is open every day except the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving) and December 25.

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