Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is one of New York City’s most interesting tourist attractions, giving visitors a close up look at the rich air and naval history of the United States through hands on exhibits. This is one of the only museums in the world with such an extensive collection of military sea and aircraft, allowing visitors to really appreciate the art of warfare.

History

The Intrepid was one of the most successful ships used by the US Navy, serving in WWII, as a primary recovery vessel for NASA and then in Vietnam. The ship was decommissioned in 1974 and was saved from the scrap yard at the last minute by Zachary Fisher, who envisioned the creation of an entire museum around the Intrepid. Today that vision has been realized with many interesting exhibits offered side by side with a visit to this magnificent ship. The museum reopens in the fall of 2008 with a brand new look.

Things to Do at the Museum

The Intrepid
A visit to this museum begins naturally with the Intrepid itself, a massive ship that offers visitors an authentic view of military aviation at its best. The hangar deck of the Intrepid houses an original TBM Avenger Bomber Torpedo that flew during WWII, while the Navy Hall houses other planes that flew from this ship.

The flight deck of the Intrepid is home to a fascinating collection of US and international flight craft, from an F-16 Fighting Falcon to an A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane and a British F-1 Scimitar. There is also a huge helicopter collection that includes a Sea Cobra and a Cobra Gunship.

Vulture’s Row offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate the length of the Intrepid (as well as an awesome view of Manhattan’s skyline!), while the Navigation Bridge is where all the essential decisions were made about the ship’s route. On hand to answer questions are volunteers who used to serve on this very ship!

The Mass Rec and Marine Berthing section will give visitors an idea of how the 3000 men who called this ship a home lived in cramped quarters, eating and sleeping in unique ship conditions.

The Growler
The Growler is a strategic diesel powered submarine that once fired nuclear missiles and offers visitors a close up view of the inside of what was once considered a top secret craft. Entering the Growler is by guided tour only, and provides one of the most interesting elements of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

Concorde
The fastest flying airliner in existence in the form of the Concord AD can be viewed up front at the museum, providing insight into this amazing carrier that crossed the Atlantic in only 2 hours and 52 minutes. Visitors can view the inside of this aircraft, including the cockpit and passenger area.

Visiting Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum NYC

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum offers visitors an insider’s look into some of the most magnificent ships, aircraft and other sea vessels ever created in the United States and the rest of the world. Its extensive aircraft collection includes craft that span from the Second World War to the most modern supersonic jet fighters, illustrating the rich and exciting military history of the region. With its larger-than-life exhibitions, hands-on displays and a policy that truly honors the nation’s heroes, this museum is one attraction that should definitely not be missed on a visit to New York.

Location: at the west side of Manhattan on Pier 86, 12th Avenue & 46th Street, New York.
Phone: 212-245-0072 or 877-957-7447

Click here to visit Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum official website