Displaying both science and history, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum takes you on an adventure within the Intrepid landmark aircraft carrier. This one of a kind museum features interactive exhibits, original artifacts, historical footage, spy planes, and even submarines. However, below, you will find the top three reasons to make a trip to Pier 86 and see this great New York City museum yourself.
Experience a Floating Museum
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A museum located within a massive ship is truly unique. The former aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid was initially launched during 1943 to help fight WWII. Impressively enough, Intrepid survived one torpedo strike as well as five kamikaze attacks. Later on, Intrepid served in the Cold War, Vietnam War, and as a NASA recover vessel. In 1974, Intrepid was decommissioned and docked at Pier 86 to become a glorious museum. The ship’s decks have been transformed into a space for interactive exhibits while the gallery is a combat information center and squadron ready room. The hangar deck features exhibits regarding the history of the ships, and the third deck showcases the former dining hall as well as sleeping quarters. It is quite a sight to see.
Get Up Close & Personal with Aircraft, Spaceships, and Submarines
As if roaming the inside of a former aircraft carrier wasn’t enough, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum also feature historic aircraft, spaceships, and water vessels. Visitor favorites include the Growler, America’s only guided missile submarine available to the public, and the British Airways Concorde, an aircraft that has broken world records for its speed. The Enterprise space shuttle is also on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. It was NASA’s prototype orbiter that aided in the launch of America’s space shuttle program. The Enterprise Pavilion section of the Museum is comprised of seventeen different exhibits featuring photos, audio, film, and artifacts from the U.S. space shuttle era.
Flight Simulator Fun
Walking through these wonderful exhibits is sure to make you wonder what it is like to become a pilot or astronaut. Luckily, at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, you can feel what it is like to become an airman for a day as it hosts three different flight simulations. The G Force Simulator Encounter allows you to feel what it is like to fly a supersonic jet plane, while the Transporter FX Encounter provides six minutes of sheer sensory overload to understand how space affects the body. Lastly, the newest simulator at Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum are the 4D Motion Ride Theater. Within the 4D Motion Ride Theater, 14 people are invited to experience 4D simulation and vibration paired with 3D graphics. The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is honestly a landmark you will not want to miss.