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If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience while in Pigeon Forge, TN, be sure to visit one of the area’s many museums. From the Hollywood Wax Museum to the Titanic Museum, there’s something for everyone. Here is a list of the best museums in Pigeon Forge.
Why Visit a Museum in Pigeon Forge?
There are hundreds of things to do in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you may be asking – why even visit a museum with so many other things to do?
Here are a few reasons:
-Museums are great for rainy days or days when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities.
-Museums can be educational and enlightening, providing visitors with new perspectives and knowledge.
-Many museums in Pigeon Forge offer unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else.
So if you’re looking for a fun and interesting way to spend an afternoon or evening while visiting Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out one of the following amazing museums in Pigeon Forge, TN. You might even find a unique souvenir in a gift shop!
Best Museums in Pigeon Forge
Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and for good reason. This museum features incredibly lifelike wax figures of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, past and present. You’ll see figures of your favorite actresses, actors, musicians and more. This is a very family friendly attraction that the whole family will enjoy.
Famous for: The ability to walk the red carpet with classic actors and musicians such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne as well as current A-list celebrities and Hollywood royalty like Natalie Portman, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Bradley Cooper and so many more.
Location: 106 Showplace Blvd Unit A, Pigeon Forge
Common Questions about the Hollywood Wax Museum
How long does it take to get through the wax museum in Pigeon Forge?
This is a self-paced museum with no tour, so you can take as little or as long as you like! Prior guests recommend one to three hours there so you can see everything and pose with your favorites.
Can you take pictures in the Hollywood Wax Museum?
Absolutely! In fact, not only is photography allowed, it’s encouraged! There are even “prop stations” where you can find clothing and other items for your photos.
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Alcatraz East Crime Museum
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum explores real-life crime cases and investigations through a variety of interactive exhibits. Travel back in time with this popular museum to experience American crime history and the various methods used by law enforcement to track down criminals, from fingerprinting to DNA analysis.
This museum is divided into five galleries that include: Notorious History of American Crime, Punishment: The Consequence of Crime, Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Fighting and Counterfeit Crimes & Pop Culture, where you can discover the history of crime, learn how forensic science works and all about crime prevention.
Famous for: Real-life artifacts such as Al Capone’s rosary, John Dillinger’s Death Mask, Bonnie and Clyde’s getaway car, the white ford Bronco of OJ Simpson, a Volkswagen Beetle once owned by Ted Bundy, a notorious serial killer.
Location: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge (it’s easy to spot this unique attraction on the Pigeon Forge Parkway)
Common Questions about the Alcatraz East Crime Museum
How long does it take to go through the Alcatraz museum in Pigeon Forge?
This interactive museum takes anywhere from two to three hours to see everything, but the museum says that if you “love all things crime” it’s easy to spend an entire day there.
Is Alcatraz East kid friendly?
This museum is recommended for kids ages six and up due to an hour-long audio tour and around a 1/4 mile walk.
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Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum attraction is one of the most popular museums in Pigeon Forge. This two-story museum is built half-scale to the original ship and allows visitors to experience what it was like to be on board the ill-fated ship. You’ll see more than 400 artifacts, including a replica of the grand staircase.
Please not that the Titanic museum is so popular they require reservations. You can reserve your spot at their website via the link below.
Famous for: The half-scale replica of the ship itself where you can hear the stories of the passengers, touch a real iceberg, and receive a boarding pass from a real Titanic passenger when you enter. Find out your passenger’s fate as you move through the museum and see over 400 artifacts from the real ship.
Location: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge (It’s also easy to spot this museum on the Pigeon Forge Parkway because it’s shaped like the Titanic!)
Common Questions about the Titanic Museum
How long does it take to go through Pigeon Forge Titanic Museum?
This self-guided tour generally takes most guests about 2 hours, but there is no rush so you can go through as leisurely as you like.
Are the artifacts in the Titanic Museum real?
Every artifact in this museum is real, and none of the items were taken from the wreckage. All of the items in the museum were taken off the ship by passengers or recovered from floating debris after the ship sank.
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Museums Near Pigeon Forge Worth a Visit
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
The Hollywood Star Car Museum is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some of your favorite cars from famous movies. This museum features more than 50 Hollywood vehicles, including ones used in films like Transformers and Fast and Furious.
Famous for: A huge variety of star cars including the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard and the original 1966 Batmobile.
Location: 914 Parkway, Gatlinburg
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Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
See over 20, 000 unique sets of salt and pepper shakers from all over the world at the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Gatlinburg. This is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the touristy areas.
Famous for: The world’s largest collection of salt and pepper shakers, with over 20,000 sets on display. These are all unique, whimsical shakers – no run of the mill shakers, here!
Location: 461 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg
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Gatlinburg Pinball Museum
The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is a great place to enjoy some classic pinball. You can actually play with these exhibits!
Famous for: A huge variety of pinball machines from the 1950s to today, many of which are limited editions.
Location: 205 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg
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Conclusion
There are so many fun and unique museums to visit in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the surrounding area. These are just a few of our favorites. Whether you’re interested in cars, history, or even salt and pepper shakers, there’s sure to be a museum that piques your interest. So next time you’re in town, be sure to add a visit to one of these museums to your itinerary.
