On your next trip to New York, make sure to schedule your visits as best as you can and take some time to see The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Should you visit this museum located on Pier 86 on an aircraft carrier along the Hudson displaying planes like F16, helicopters, a Concorde and even a spaceship?
I will try to answer to all of your questions in this article but I personally recommend it since I really liked it 🙂
To be honest, I‘m not a big fan of airplanes or military vessels but I told myself: “Come on! I have to visit this place since some of you might ask if it’s worth a visit or not?” I finally decided to go and quickly my eyes brightened when seeing all these beautiful machines on this aircraft carrier. I really enjoyed being among all these big toys!!! 🙂
Anyway, I let you read my article and enjoy these beautiful pictures that I had fun taking with an amazing background of Manhattan as a bonus 😉
What’s the history of the museum?
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum opened in 1982 and relies on the history of CV-11 USS Intrepid located at the museum.
The latest was launched in 1943 for World War II then headed to the Pacific Ocean. After being struck in battle a few times, its use changed in 1954 and it became the first aircraft carrier capable of launching airplanes with steam catapult. In 1961, it was reclassified under the name CVS-11 as an anti-submarine warfare carrier. It was rehabilitated one last time in 1965 for the Vietnam War.
After 31 years of service, it retires on May 16, 1974.
Finally, It founded a new home on August 1982 at Pier 86 in Manhattan to avoid being dismantled and started its career as a museum.
What The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum offers?
The museum is divided in different parts.
First of all, you have the Flight Deck also known as the outside part where airplanes are parked. You’ll see about thirty magnificent planes and helicopters like the British Airways Concorde, the Entreprise spaceship or for instance the Vought F-8K Crusader, a supersonic fighter seen on the picture below:
A VF-61 known as Fighter Squadron 61:
A Bell AH-1 Cobra, a helicopter gunship conceived for the Vietnam War:
A Lockheed A-12 Oxcart, a spy plane conceived by the United States at the beginning of the 1960’s:
Then, you can visit inside the aircraft carrier along with the operational and technical premises located up the stairs as shown on the picture below:
Here are the commands and cabins to help guiding the aircraft carrier:
You can tour the ship in order to find military weapons which I find rather interesting but wouldn’t want to see in times of war!
Once you’ve toured the upper floor, access to the floor below where you’ll find rooms that can accommodate up to 2600 men!!!
On the same floor is located the Hangar Deck and just like its name indicates; it’s a big warehouse with few planes and helicopters:
There are objects and uniforms used in different wars:
On this floor (heated for in winter and air conditioned in summer), you’ll find a number of really cool games related to planes, helicopters and the Intrepid USS aircraft carrier.
Just like you see on the picture below, everyone can have fun:
On this floor, you’ll find a simulator called Gforce Encounter:
Once you’ve discovered all places mentioned above, you can also visit the USS Growler submarine. The USS Growler is equipped with a replica of the Regulus SSM-N-8 missile and is one of the first submarine to launch US Navy cruise missile thus it could take 4 Regulus missiles I. II which served in 1955 and 1964.
Does The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a great place for kids?
If you’re traveling with kids to New York, this museum is an excellent choice for them since there’s a great number of airplanes and helicopters, cockpits and parts of the aircraft carrier to visit in addition to the games available for them, they’ll have a great time. It’s up to you to explain to them what ‘s the purpose of all these machines.
Their imagination will follow. 🙂
Is it a must see for adults?
Frankly? No, I don’t think it’s a must see in New York especially if it’s your first trip!
I think that the main museums including the MET, the MoMA, and the Museum of Natural History are a priority.
Now, It’s true to say if you happen to visit these museums on a previous trip and you’re not a big fan of traditional museums and enjoy everything related to what The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is about then this might be worth a visit 🙂
Once again, just like I said earlier I was positively surprised by this visit.
How long is a visit at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum?
The visit takes about a minimum of 2 hours or even more if your kids are having fun! 🙂
Since the museum is out of the beaten path in Manhattan and away from a subway station, the whole trip will take half a day.
What are the entrance fees?
The rates varies according to age:
– Kids under 4 years old: free
– Kids aged between 5 and 12: $24
– Adults aged between 13 and 64 years old: $33
– +65 years old: $31
They do offer an audio-guide for $5 that might be useful if you want to a detailed visit.
Guided tours are also available: www.intrepidmuseum.org
You can find this museum in any pass too!
Operating hours
The museum is open all year long except for Thanksgiving and December 25th.
From April 1st to October 31st, open from:
– Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
– Weekends and school breaks: 10 am to 6 pm
From November 1st to March 31st, open daily from 10 am and 5 pm.
Note: No museum entrance 1hour prior closing.
Where the museum is located?
Address: Pier 86 W 46th St and 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
Like I mentioned earlier, since the museum is away from the closest subway station, you have 3 solutions: by foot, taxi or by bus.
For the latest, there are 2 bus lines close by: the 42 and 50. In NYC, buses are generally easy to understand since the 42 operates a round trip on 42nd street from East to West then from West to East. The line 50 operates on 50th street the same way.
The museum website: www.intrepidmuseum.org
Another great tip?
Yes! If you’re looking for a different view of New York then here’s a really original one since you can see helicopters and airplanes in the front and the Empire State Building in the background 🙂
Additional photos
More pictures to enjoy 🙂
Commentaires et questions sur
Discover The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Des questions ou des remarques sur cet article ? Faites-nous en part dans les commentaires, nous nous ferons un plaisir de vous répondre et de vous aider !