Your complete guide to the exhibits inside the Intrepid Museum

The Intrepid Museum in New York City offers a captivating journey through history, showcasing a legendary aircraft carrier and a wide array of engaging exhibits. Learn about the must-see attractions, zones & visitor tips on this page.

Highlights of the Intrepid Museum

USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier

Space Shuttle Enterprise

Iconic Aircraft Collection

Growler Submarine

Exploreum

Flight Simulator Experience

Museum stores

Restaurants

Intrepid Museum zones

Flight Deck

Step into the heart of the Intrepid, a bustling open-air expanse. Explore rows of both military and civilian aircraft lining the deck, ranging from the sleek Concorde SST to the mysterious Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance plane. Grab the opportunity to get up close to these marvels of flight and gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of aviation history. Watch for the iconic Grumman F-14 Tomcat, made famous by the movie Top Gun.

Hangar Deck

Descend from the flight deck and delve into the interactive world of the Hangar Deck. Engage with exhibits that showcase the science and technology powering naval operations. Explore the Growler submarine, a nuclear-powered marvel of underwater warfare. Climb aboard and check out its distinctive living quarters, torpedo rooms, and control center, and imagine life beneath the waves.

Gallery Deck

Journey through time on the Gallery Deck, where captivating exhibits showcase the rich history of the Intrepid and other legendary vessels. The Intrepid's Gallery Deck ditches those static displays. Instead, it's all interactive exhibits! You can explore epic naval battles, mind-blowing aviation history, and even the complexities of the Vietnam War. Plus, there's a whole section honoring the brave crew who served on the Intrepid, the real heroes of the ship.

Space Shuttle Pavilion

Blast off to a different world in this dedicated space showcasing the wonder of space exploration. The crown jewel of this zone is the magnificent Space Shuttle Enterprise, the first space shuttle ever built. Stand beneath this awe-inspiring machine and reflect on the pioneering astronauts who paved the way for future space travel. You could also interact with exhibits to explore the intricacies of spaceflight and the ongoing quest to reach for the stars.

Visitor tips

  • To fully explore all sections of the museum, set aside at least 3 hours for your visit. Arrive at around 10am when the museum opens for a less crowded experience.
  • The lines to the USS Growler exhibit located on the second floor of the museum tend to get long. So Aim to cover this exhibit in the beginning of your visit to avoid missing out on it.
  • Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes since you will be walking around a lot, while also covering tight spaces in the ship.
  • Dress in layers, as the weather, the flight deck of the museum can get sunny, windy, or chilly depending on the weather while the inside of the museum is generally warm.
  • If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to check out the 3D virtual reality movies and G-Force Encounter Flight Simulator.
  • Follow all safety guidelines and instructions from staff. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to ask.
  • Take a break at the Aviator Grill to enjoy a delicious meal or grab a quick snack. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
  • Visit the museum stores for souvenirs and gifts before wrapping up your visit.

Plan your visit to Intrepid Museum

Frequently asked questions about what’s inside the Intrepid Museum

The Intrepid Museum houses a variety of maritime and space exploration exhibits, including the iconic aircraft carrier Intrepid, the Growler submarine, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, military and civilian aircraft, and interactive displays.

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