A New Way to Look at Crime & Punishment

Thirty miles up-river from New York City, in the village of Ossining, sits a world-famous prison: Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Here, just outside the walls of “the big house,”  
a big idea is taking shape. The Sing Sing Prison Museum, located along the banks of the Hudson River, will be a unique center of history and education. The Museum’s  board has launched a $50 million fundraising initiative to renovate two historic structures, design and build new exhibitions and create an institute for criminal justice. Our mission is grounded in these four goals:
  1. Become the leading prison museum in the U.S., with a facility of architectural distinction and a reputation of outstanding programs.
  2. Become a prominent voice in the national conversation about social and criminal justice.
  3. Stimulate local and regional economic development in the Hudson Valley and assist the revitalization of the village of Ossining.
  4. Have a positive impact on prisoners, workers, victims and families.
LEARN MORE

Why?

Because This One is Different
What sets Sing Sing apart from other prison museums such as Alcatraz Island in San Francisco is that ours will sit adjacent to a working maximum-security penitentiary and include both a Museum and an institute for criminal justice. 

The Visitor Experience

Bringing the Story to Life
Imagine taking a boat ride “up the river” to Sing Sing just as prisoners did in the early 19th century. Or riding in  a train car that’s a period reproduction of one that transported prisoners here from New York City 80 years ago.  Or seeing how long you can endure standing in a cell not much bigger than a yoga mat. Multimedia exhibits  and hands-on experiences will take visitors from the prison’s early days as the “House of Fear” through to today’s more-progressive institution. By the time they leave, visitors will have seen, heard and felt the Sing Sing Prison experience. What’s more, they will take away new insight into crime, punishment and reformation. 

By the Numbers

  • 130,000 Potential Number of Tourists Per Year
  • 260 Full Time Jobs Created at the Museum and in the Community
  • 100 Temporary Construction Jobs Created
  • $24 MILLION Total Spending and Visitation Revenue for Westchester County

What people are saying

A lot of smart people thing the Sing Sing Prison Museum is a good idea..
LEARN MORE
About      News     Board of Trustees     Project Studies     Contacts     ​Get Involved     Events     ​Books     ​Donate