Ellis Island hospital complex to open to visitors

29 buildings through which many Jewish immigrants passed to house photo exhibition

Ellis Island in 1905. (Wikimedia Commons)
Ellis Island in 1905. (Wikimedia Commons)

NEW YORK (AP) — The historic Ellis Island hospital complex, through which many Jewish immigrants to the US passed in the first half of the 20th century, is opening to the public on Wednesday for the first time in 60 years. The complex of 29 unrestored buildings is located across the ferry slip from the fully-restored immigration museum.

As part of the tour opening, an exhibit by artist JR titled “Unframed — Ellis Island,” will be on display throughout the complex. The exhibit uses life-size historic photographs of immigrants and others that have superimposed on various parts of the buildings.

The effect is eerie. Round a corner, and come face-to-face with the eyes of children staring from busted windows. Enter a sterilization room and look at the doctors who once washed up before surgery. The photos are designed to fade away with time.

About 1.2 million immigrants received medical care at the site between 1901 and 1954.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.

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