New York City: Smallpox Hospital Photo Tour

Explore the haunting remnants of New York City’s forgotten Smallpox Hospital on this captivating photography tour. Led by a seasoned documentary photographer, this exclusive experience invites a small group of adventurous participants to uncover the intriguing history behind this Gothic Revival-style ruin. Armed with expert guidance and unique perspectives, visitors will have the rare opportunity to capture stunning images of the hospital’s decaying architecture, set against the iconic skyline across the East River. What secrets lie within these crumbling walls, waiting to be discovered through the lens?

Good To Know

• Guided 2-hour photography tour of the Smallpox Hospital ruins on Roosevelt Island, New York City, led by a professional documentary photographer.
• Opportunity to create a unique photo portfolio capturing the Gothic architecture and scenic views of the city from the island.
• Suitable for all skill levels, with expert tips and techniques provided to improve photography skills.
• Intimate experience with a small group size, allowing for personalized guidance and exploration of the historic site.
• Convenient accessibility via public transportation, with the option to include the scenic Roosevelt Island Tramway ride.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The tour begins with a small group of up to six participants exploring the eerie ruins of the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island.

This 2-hour guided photography experience is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.

Throughout the tour, a professional documentary photographer and licensed guide will lead participants, sharing the hospital’s historical context and teaching photography techniques to capture the site’s Gothic architecture and stunning views of New York City across the East River.

Experience Highlights

Capture the eerie ruins of the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island, where participants can enjoy the site’s haunting Gothic architecture and stunning views across the East River. The small group tour, limited to just 6 people, affords an intimate experience with a professional photographer and licensed guide. They’ll learn about the hospital’s history and improve their photography skills, compiling a portfolio of the island’s people and places that capture its unique character.

Experience	Duration	Cost	Language
Smallpox Hospital Tour	2 hours	$129	English, Spanish
Professional Photography Guidance	Included	–	–
Scenic Views of NYC	Included	–	–
Historical Context	Included	–	–

Historical Context

Built in the Gothic Revival style by architect James Renwick Jr., the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island once housed "incurables" – primarily unvaccinated immigrants.

The hospital closed its doors to patients in 1875, and the island also served as a hospital and penitentiary over the years.

Today, the Smallpox Hospital stands as New York City’s only true ruin, offering a glimpse into the city’s complex and often dark past.

This haunting site is a testament to the challenges faced by the marginalized communities of the era, as well as the evolution of medical practices and public health policies.

• Gothic Revival architecture
• "Incurables" housed here
• Closed to patients in 1875
• Served as hospital and penitentiary
• New York City’s only true ruin

Photography Workshop

A professional documentary photographer and licensed tour guide leads the photography workshop, designed to help participants see New York City through a photographer’s lens.

Participants gain the opportunity to compile a unique portfolio of the eerie Smallpox Hospital ruins and the stunning views across the East River.

The guide shares their expertise, offering tips and techniques to improve participants’ photography skills.

Whether a seasoned shutterbug or a beginner, the workshop promises an immersive experience, allowing everyone to capture the essence of this historic site through their own creative lens.

Participants leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of documentary photography and a collection of captivating images.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Inclusions and Logistics

The 2-hour guided photography tour includes the expertise of a professional documentary photographer and licensed tour guide. This allows participants to experience the eerie Smallpox Hospital ruins through a photographer’s lens, capturing the unique Gothic architecture and stunning city views.

The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, and transportation to the meeting point isn’t provided. However, the cost-effective price and small group size ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

Key inclusions are:

• 2-hour guided photography tour
• Professional photographer and licensed tour guide
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Opportunity to create a unique portfolio

Meeting Point and Transportation

The tour meeting point is at the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island, easily accessible by public transportation.

Catch the F train and take it to the Roosevelt Island stop, then follow the signs to the Tram. The Tram is a unique gondola-style cable car that offers breathtaking views as it traverses the East River.

From the Tram station, it’s just a short walk to the hospital ruins. Alternatively, you can take the Roosevelt Island Red Bus, which provides service around the island.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll arrive at the iconic Smallpox Hospital, ready to embark on an unforgettable photography adventure.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

How can travelers book their spot on this captivating Smallpox Hospital tour? The process is straightforward – travelers can simply reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour has limited capacity, so it’s best to secure a spot early. Plus, there’s a free cancellation policy, allowing participants to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To book the tour, travelers can:

• Reserve their spot online
• Pay nothing today
• Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour
• Choose between English and Spanish tours
• Explore the haunting ruins and capture stunning photos

About the Tour Providers

Spearheaded by a team of passionate historians and professional photographers, the Smallpox Hospital tours offer a captivating glimpse into New York City’s rich past.

Led by a seasoned documentary photographer and licensed guide, the tours are designed to help participants view the city through an artistic lens.

With expertise in both history and photography, the tour providers deliver an immersive experience, imparting insights into the hospital’s Gothic architecture and the island’s intriguing role in the city’s medical and penal history.

Participants can expect to hone their photo skills while capturing the eerie beauty of the crumbling Smallpox Hospital and the stunning Manhattan skyline across the East River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Absolutely, participants are encouraged to bring their own camera equipment. The professional photographer will provide guidance on how to best capture the eerie ruins and stunning cityscape during the 2-hour small group tour.

Are There Any Physical Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any strict physical requirements, but participants should be able to walk for up to 2 hours and navigate uneven terrain. The guide can accommodate guests with limited mobility on a case-by-case basis.

Can I Take the Tour if I’m Not Interested in Photography?

Yes, travelers can join the tour even if they’re not interested in photography. The tour provides historical context and allows participants to explore the eerie ruins of the Smallpox Hospital without the photography component.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?

Getting to the tour’s meeting point is easy. You’ll need to make your own way there, whether by subway, taxi, or rideshare. The tour operator provides detailed directions to ensure you arrive on time for the start of the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate attire, and layers are recommended. The tour involves exploring historic ruins, so practical clothing that allows mobility is ideal for the 2-hour experience.

The Sum Up

The New York City Smallpox Hospital Photo Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s haunting past. Participants will enjoy the Gothic Revival-style ruins, capture stunning city views, and gain expert photography insights – all within a small, intimate group setting. This unique experience promises an enriching and unforgettable journey into the heart of New York’s history.

You can check if your dates are available here: