The twenty-nine abandoned buildings that formerly served as Ellis Island’s hospital complex in the early 20th century are now the perfect place to capture eerie photographs of architectural decay. The haunting atmosphere of the over 100-year old structures is further enhanced by the ghostly life-sized images pasted on the peeling walls and cracked windows. The images are photographs from Ellis Island’s historical archives that have been enlarged and put up as part of a site specific art installation, Unframed, by world renowned artist JR. Photographer Ana Santos recently joined us on a behind-the-scenes hard hat tour of the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital and captured some stunning, moody pictures. You can check out some of Santos’ photographs below and join an upcoming hard hat tour to explore the off-limits complex and capture some amazing shots for yourself!

Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Photograph Courtesy of Ana Santos

Join an upcoming behind-the-scenes tour of the abandoned Ellis Island hospital complex!

Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital

Next, check out 8 Surprising Facts from the Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital and 

The Top 10 Secrets of the Abandoned Hospital Complex at NYC’s Ellis Island