Alcatraz New Industries Building

The New Industries Building from the water.

Quick Facts

Location:

Alcatraz Island

Amenities

9 listed

Accessible Rooms, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Captioned Media, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit Available, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Open Captioning, Wheelchair Accessible

The New Industries Building was significant during the years Alcatraz was home to a United States Peniteniary. Constructed in 1939, the complex held a clothing factory, laundry, furniture plants, as well as a brush factory.

Men incarcerated on Alcatraz washed army uniforms, made gloves, wove mats, and constructed furniture. Although they only made a few cents an hour, the work provided an opportunity for mindful distraction that was likely a relief to many of the men.

During WWII, men incarcerated on the island were put to work supporting the war effort. These men helped create and maintain the anti-submarine net that protected the bay.

Today this space is used for art exhibits exploring the themes of incarceration, justice, redemption and freedom. It currently houses the special exhibition: “Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later.”