New York City: Smallpox Hospital Photo Tour

The historic Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island offers a unique opportunity for photographers to capture the haunting beauty of its Gothic Revival architecture and uncover the stories of New York City’s past. Led by an experienced documentary photographer, this photo tour provides an intimate exploration of the dilapidated structure, guiding participants in honing their skills to showcase the hospital’s eerie ambiance and the breathtaking skyline views. With a small group size, attendees can expect personalized feedback and insights that elevate their photographic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a budding enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that delves into the city’s complex history.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best City Tours In New York City.

Key Points

• A 2-hour photography workshop at the Smallpox Hospital, the only true ruin in New York City, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Participants will learn composition, lighting, and capture techniques from a seasoned documentary photographer to develop a unique urban photography portfolio.

• The Gothic Revival-style Smallpox Hospital provides a historical backdrop, showcasing the city’s architectural heritage and medical history related to treating unvaccinated immigrants.

• The hospital’s decrepit structure and haunting atmosphere create an eerie ambiance for photographers to experiment with angles and compositions.

• The workshop is limited to 6 participants and is available in English and Spanish, with a cancellation policy allowing a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Eerie Smallpox Hospital

Visitors embarking on the Smallpox Hospital photo tour find themselves captivated by the eerie, Gothic Revival-style structure that looms before them.

Designed by architect James Renwick Jr. in the 19th century, the crumbling hospital stands as New York City’s only true ruin. Once a facility for unvaccinated immigrants, the hospital housed "incurables" until its closure in 1875.

Today, the site’s decrepit state and haunting history lend it an air of mystery, drawing photographers and urban explorers alike. As tour participants explore the hospital’s past, they’ll uncover its multifaceted role – from medical institution to penitentiary – and gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable piece of New York’s architectural heritage.

Unvaccinated Immigrants and the Hospital

The Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island was, for many years, a facility dedicated to housing unvaccinated immigrants.

As a major port of entry, New York City saw an influx of immigrants in the 19th century, many of whom lacked access to vaccinations. The hospital served as a quarantine site, where these individuals were isolated and treated for the highly contagious disease.

Its Gothic Revival architecture, designed by James Renwick Jr., stood as a constant reminder of the struggles faced by those seeking a new life in America.

Today, the hospital’s crumbling ruins stand as a haunting testament to this chapter in New York’s history, offering visitors a glimpse into the challenges that unvaccinated immigrants once confronted.

Capturing New York City Skyline

From the crumbling ruins of the Smallpox Hospital, visitors can capture stunning views of the New York City skyline across the East River.

The hospital’s elevated location on Roosevelt Island provides a unique vantage point to photograph the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan.

Participants will have the opportunity to hone their photography skills, experimenting with various angles and compositions to showcase the iconic cityscape.

With guidance from the professional photographer leading the tour, shutterbugs can learn techniques to make the most of this picturesque setting and compile a unique portfolio of their New York City experience.

Photographer’s Perspective on the Tour

One unique aspect of the Smallpox Hospital photo tour is the professional photographer’s perspective. The tour is led by a seasoned documentary photographer and licensed guide, who helps participants see the city through an artistic lens. The photographer shares insights on composition, lighting, and capturing the essence of a subject. Attendees have the opportunity to hone their skills and build a customized portfolio during the 2-hour exploration. The table below highlights key benefits of the photography-focused experience:

Benefit	Description
Skill Development	Guidance from a pro to improve framing, exposure, and more
Unique Perspectives	Learn to identify compelling angles and storytelling moments
Portfolio Building	Compile a collection of striking, location-specific images

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The Hospital’s Storied Past

Built in 1856, the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island boasts a storied past that extends beyond its primary function as a medical facility.

Initially, it housed "incurables" until its closure in 1875. However, the building’s history also includes its use as a penitentiary, further adding to its complex and intriguing past.

Notably, the hospital is New York City’s only true ruin, with its decrepit structure standing as a testament to the city’s evolving landscape.

The hospital’s role in caring for unvaccinated immigrants also highlights its significance in the city’s public health history.

Today, the Smallpox Hospital remains a captivating and eerie destination for those seeking to uncover the city’s hidden stories.

Decrepit Structure and Penitentiary Function

The Smallpox Hospital’s decrepit structure stands as a haunting testament to its complex past. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, the once-grand building now lies in a state of ruin, its crumbling walls and broken windows a stark contrast to the bustling city across the East River. The hospital’s history includes not only its function as a medical facility for the "incurables," but also its role as a penitentiary. This unique dual purpose has left an indelible mark on the structure, creating an eerie atmosphere that captivates visitors and photographers alike.

Architectural Features	Medical History	Penitentiary Function
Ornate Gothic Revival design	Housed "incurables" until 1875	Used to detain unvaccinated immigrants
Decaying walls and broken windows	Treated smallpox patients	Held prisoners in cramped conditions
Stark contrast to modern NYC skyline	Represented society’s neglect of the sick	Contributed to the hospital’s decrepit state

Photography Workshop With Expert Guidance

Visitors on the Smallpox Hospital Photo Tour have the opportunity to learn from a professional documentary photographer and licensed tour guide.

The workshop is designed to help participants see New York City through a photographer’s perspective. Participants can improve their photography skills and compile a unique portfolio of the hospital’s decrepit structure and the stunning views across the East River.

The expert guidance ensures everyone can capture the essence of this historical site and its haunting atmosphere. With the small group size, travelers get personalized attention to hone their creative vision and technical skills for documenting urban ruins and landscapes.

Tour Logistics and Additional Information

The 2-hour Smallpox Hospital Photo Tour on Roosevelt Island costs from $129.00 per person.

The small group is limited to 6 participants and is available in English and Spanish. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes a guided photography experience with a professional photographer and licensed guide. Transportation to the meeting point isn’t provided, and food and drinks aren’t included.

Participants can check availability for starting times and select their preferred date. The tour offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning views of New York City and improve photography skills in a captivating historical setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Equipment Provided During the Tour?

No, photography equipment is not provided during the tour. Participants must bring their own cameras and/or smartphones to capture the stunning views and architectural details of the Smallpox Hospital ruins.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not include food or drinks, so participants are welcome to bring their own. However, consumption of any outside items is not permitted during the guided portion of the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour may not be suitable for all families, as the subject matter and eerie setting of the Smallpox Hospital could be disturbing for young children. However, older children may find the tour engaging with proper guidance.

How Accessible Is the Smallpox Hospital for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?

The Smallpox Hospital tour may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. The site contains uneven terrain, stairs, and narrow pathways that could present difficulties. Visitors with special needs should consult the tour operator for accommodation options.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Accommodations Available?

The tour doesn’t provide any specific dietary accommodations. However, participants can bring their own snacks and water. The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but the company’s staff can assist individuals with mobility challenges on a case-by-case basis.

Recap

The Smallpox Hospital photo tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the haunting beauty of this historic ruin. Led by a professional photographer, participants can capture the essence of the Gothic Revival structure while learning to enhance their photography skills and uncovering the fascinating stories of the city’s past. With stunning skyline views and personalized guidance, it’s an unforgettable photographic journey through New York’s eerie past.

You can check if your dates are available here: