Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
This historic aircraft carrier is now home to an exciting military museum
Established in 1982, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum gives visitors a rare opportunity to explore a 912-foot-long aircraft carrier in all its glory.
Reopened on November 8th after a major two-year restoration, previously unseen areas of the ship are now accessible to the public, including the fo'c'slce (commonly known as the anchor chain room), crew's sleeping quarters and the ship's machine shop. Additionally, other areas of the museum have been redone to include new exhibits, airplanes and helicopters. These exhibits illuminate the history of the armed forces and some of the most important military battles of the 20th century. The Intrepid's own storied history includes years of successful service in World War II, the Vietnam War and later as a recovery vessel for NASA.
The museum's world class collection of military and commercial aircraft includes the British Airways Concord and the A-12 Blackbird spy plane -- two of the fastest planes ever built. The flight deck is full of military planes dating from World War II to more modern supersonic jets that are sure to spark the imagination.
However, if travel by air doesn't capture your interest, then perhaps the USS Growler will. The Growler is a diesel powered submarine dating back to 1958. It is one of the few open to the public which has fired a nuclear weapon. Visitors can have an up-close look at the Growler's once top secret missile command center and see what life aboard a submarine was really like.
After you've seen the ship, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Hudson River from the newly restored and park-like Pier 86. The many benches and shaded areas offer visitors the perfect opportunity to relax.
