A new temporary exhibit will be added to spotlight the 30th anniversary of the infamous trial
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (September 29, 2025) – To spotlight the anniversary of one of the most infamous trials in U.S. history, Alcatraz East Crime Museum is opening a new temporary exhibit titled The Road to Ruin: O.J. Simpson. The exhibit will open October 3, 2025, and run through December 2025, featuring a variety of artifacts related to the trial. There are additional highlights for the month, including refreshing the Ted Bundy exhibit, Homeschool Days, and the teacher open house.
“The Simpson trial remains a prominent case in American legal history,” said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “No matter how someone felt about the outcome, it’s a case that continues to fascinate people 30 years later.”
The new temporary exhibit will feature information about the trial, as well as a tie worn by Simpson during the trial, pieces of china that belonged to Nicole Brown Simpson, and other related artifacts. While the trial began January 24, 1995, it was on October 3, 1995, that the jury delivered the not guilty verdict after deliberating for less than four hours. It’s estimated that 150 million people tuned in to see the verdict read live on television, and it was a case people had closely followed from the time the news originally broke. The white Bronco from the infamous June 17, 1994, chase is on display at the museum and is one of the things visitors love to see.
Additionally, the museum is refreshing the temporary exhibit titled “42 Witnesses: Ted Bundy’s Final Days” as the display enters its second year. The artifacts to be included are the Bundy execution shirt, a typewriter used by Bundy, and a Pensacola police uniform. A serial killer and rapist, Bundy targeted young women and confessed to killing 30 victims before his execution. He was captured in Pensacola, FL., on February 15, 1978. The temporary exhibit will remain open through June 2026.
“We always have a variety of things going on, giving everyone a chance to come explore and learn,” said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We spotlight infamous crimes, but also crime prevention, criminal investigation, and more.”
Homeschoolers will not want to miss Homeschool Days, when they can get a special admission rate of only $12, plus tax per person, or $10, plus tax per person for groups of 10 or more with advanced registration. Homeschool Days are held Monday through Friday during September and October 2025, from 10 am to 3 pm. Attendees will need to provide proof of homeschooling. The rate includes homeschool students, chaperones, and any other individuals accompanying them. This provides students with access to numerous fun and memorable educational exhibits, including those focusing on forensic science, law enforcement, crime history, and other related topics, with lots of interactive exhibits to explore.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum is also hosting a Teacher Open House and inviting all certified teachers from Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and West Virginia to get free admission. Up to four guests with them can get a discounted admission rate of only $15 per person, plus tax. Teacher Open House days will be held on October 4-5, 2025, and October 11-12, 2025.
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives, as well as four temporary exhibit spaces, showcasing many famous items, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar. This top museum is open at 10 am daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.
About Alcatraz East
Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can embark on a unique journey through the history of American crime, crime-solving, and the justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages – so much fun it’s a crime! This family attraction is at The Island’s entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.
