The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum is an iconic attraction located in New York City that offers a unique opportunity to explore a legendary aircraft carrier, a submarine, and a space shuttle. Here’s everything you need to know about the Intrepid Museum including its highlights and tips for planning your visit.
Intrepid Museum - In a nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2 to 3 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Weekday morning |
| ? Must See: | USS Intrepid |
| ?️ General Admission: | $36 |
| ? Closest Subway: | 50th St. & 8th Ave. |
Must-see
The USS Intrepid
The Concorde
The Space Shuttle Enterprise
The Exploreum
Things to know
Located in: New York
Established in: 1982
Number of artifacts: 30+
Number of visitors per year: 1 million (approx.)
Opening hours and address
Monday to Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM
Last Admission at 4 PM
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Address: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, W 46th St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
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Why is the Intrepid Museum Worth Visiting?
- The Intrepid Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore an iconic aircraft carrier, a submarine, and a space shuttle, all in one place.
- You can learn about the history and technology of aviation and space exploration through a series of interactive exhibits and displays.
- The museum offers a range of special programs and events, including guided tours, workshops, and screenings.
- With stunning views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline, the museum's location on Pier 86 is also worth a visit.
- The Intrepid Museum is a must-visit attraction in NYC if you’re interested in history, science, or technology, and is a great destination for families, students, and tourists alike.
Intrepid Museum tickets
Top highlights at the Intrepid Museum
1USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier
Explore the storied decks of the ship that served in WWII, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, and see the actual planes that flew from the carrier. Don't miss the "Kamikaze: Day of Darkness, Day of Light" exhibit, which features personal stories of the pilots and sailors who served aboard the Intrepid during WWII.
2Space Shuttle Pavilion
Get up close to the Space Shuttle Enterprise, NASA's first prototype orbiter, and see other artifacts from the space program, including a Russian Soyuz capsule and a Mercury-Atlas rocket. You can even climb inside the cockpit and feel like an astronaut for a day!
3 Concorde
Marvel at the supersonic plane that revolutionized air travel and learn about its groundbreaking design and engineering. The sleek and supersonic Concorde is the world's fastest commercial airplane. Did you know that the Concorde could fly from New York to London in just 3.5 hours?
4Submarine Growler
Take a tour of the only American guided missile submarine open to the public and discover what life was like for the sailors who served on this Cold War-era vessel. The Growler was commissioned in 1958 and served for over 20 years before being decommissioned in 1985.
5Exploreum
Exploreum is a highly interactive exhibit at the Intrepid Museum that is both fun and educational. Engage with hands-on exhibits that explore science, technology, engineering, and math, such as the "G-Force Encounter" and "Lunar Module Simulator." You can even ride a virtual roller coaster or pilot a model drone!
6Kamikaze: Day of Darkness, Day of Light
Discover the stories of Japanese kamikaze pilots and American sailors during WWII in this powerful exhibit. The exhibit explores the cultural and social factors that led to the creation of the Kamikaze program and the motivations of the pilots who participated.
7Hanger Deck
Walk through the historic aircraft collection, including planes from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Don't miss the "Vietnam Experience" exhibit, which tells the stories of the helicopter pilots who flew during the Vietnam War.
8Intrepid 3D Movie
The Intrepid 3D Movie is a thrilling film that tells the story of Intrepid and its service during World War II. Narrated by the late actor Bill Paxton, the movie takes you on a journey through the history of Intrepid, from its construction to its deployment.
9Virtual Reality Space Mission
Take part in a simulated space mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope using virtual reality technology. This experience is designed to simulate the real-world challenges that astronauts face during space missions and provides a unique opportunity for you to experience the excitement and adventure of space travel.
10Intrepid Museum Store
Take home a piece of the museum with a unique souvenir or gift from the Intrepid Museum Store. From model airplanes to astronaut ice cream, the store offers a wide range of merchandise that celebrates the history and legacy of Intrepid and its missions.
Best time to visit the Intrepid Museum
The best time to visit the Intrepid Museum is during the spring and fall months, from March to May and September to November. The weather during this time is mild and comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities. Summer, which falls between June to August, is also a popular time, but crowds can be larger, and temperatures hotter. Winter is also a good time to visit indoor exhibits like the Intrepid Museum with fewer visitors, however, the weather can get very cold during this time.
Additionally, you can learn more about the Best Time to Visit New York.
Intrepid Museum timings
- Monday to Friday - 10am to 5pm
- Last entry at 4pm
- Saturday, Sunday and public holidays - 10am to 6pm
- Last entry at 5pm
- Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Getting there
- By car: The closest parking lot is Manhattan Cruise Parking. For one hour of parking, the charges are $35.
- By bus: M42 & M50
Nearest stop: 12th Ave & 46th Street - By train: Long Island Rail Road or Amtrak
Nearest stop: Penn Station - By metro: A, C, E, & S
Nearest stop: 50th St. & 8th Avenue
Insider tips for visiting the Intrepid Museum
- Get your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and choose your desired time of entry.
- Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and for a more relaxed experience.
- Take a guided tour to learn about the history and unique features of the museum's exhibits.
- Explore the Hangar Deck first, as it contains many of the museum's iconic aircraft and interactive exhibits.
- Don't miss the Kamikaze: Day of Darkness, Day of Light exhibit, which offers a powerful and thought-provoking look at WWII history.
- Photography is allowed, but you must avoid flash photography or the use of tripods.
- Check out the Virtual Reality Space Mission exhibit for a fun and immersive experience.
- Plan to spend at least three hours at the museum to see everything and fully appreciate the exhibits.
- Bring a camera to capture photos of the amazing aircraft and stunning views of the Hudson River from the flight deck.
- Plan your visit during the fall or spring for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
- Grab a meal or drink at the on-site restaurant, which offers a unique view of the Intrepid and the Manhattan skyline.
Interesting facts about the Intrepid Museum
- The Intrepid aircraft carrier served in both World War II and the Vietnam War, as well as the Cold War and NASA missions, making it one of the most versatile ships in U.S. naval history.
- The museum's collection includes over two dozen historic aircraft, including the Lockheed A-12, the world's fastest airplane.
- You may have seen the Intrepid Museum featured in numerous films, including "The Avengers" and "Men in Black".
- The museum's Space Shuttle Pavilion houses the Enterprise, the first Space Shuttle orbiter, which never flew in space but was used for early test flights.
- After being damaged by five kamikaze attacks during World War II, the Intrepid managed to survive and continue serving in the war effort.
Restaurants at the Intrepid
Grab a bite at the Aviator Grill, located on the 2nd floor of the Intrepid Museum's Welcome Center. This casual eatery offers an American menu for all tastes, from classic burgers and wraps to customizable pizzas and fresh salads. Enjoy your meal with a side of stunning views overlooking Pier 86 – a perk you won't find at most museum cafes.
Down on the Intrepid's historic third deck, you'll find the Intrepid Marketplace. This spot caters to on-the-go museum explorers with a selection of grab-and-go options. Think New York classics like flatbread pizzas, toasted subs, and melty sandwiches. They also offer fresh-baked goods for a sweet treat. This restaurant is only open to the members of the museum.
Soak up the sunshine and harbor views at the Pier Side Cafe. This seasonal outdoor cafe sits right on Pier 86, offering a casual al fresco dining experience. Unlike the museum's other eateries, Pier Side Cafe boasts the Intrepid aircraft carrier itself as a stunning backdrop. It's perfect for a quick bite or refreshing drink with a side of New York City history.
Things to do around the Intrepid Museum
Standing tall at 1,454 feet, the Empire State Building offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, making it a must-visit. The building is a testament to New York's art deco architecture and history. Make the most of your visit with Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Tickets.
Distance from the Intrepid Museum: 3.5 miles
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers an immersive experience that highlights the history and culture of New York City. With interactive exhibits and stunning views of the city, it's a great place to learn about the city's iconic landmarks and history. Get yourself SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets to explore New York from a height!
Distance from the Intrepid Museum: 3.5 miles
Located in Hudson Yards, Edge NYC is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, offering 360-degree views of the city. You can walk on the glass floor and feel like you are walking on air! It's an Instagram-worthy experience that cannot be missed. Don't miss out on this unique experience, book your Edge NYC Tickets now.
Distance from the Intrepid Museum: 2.5 miles
A symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. You can take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the top of the statue for a stunning view of the city. You can also visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which is located nearby. Visit this iconic landmark by going on a Statue of Liberty Cruise.
Distance from the Intrepid Museum: 7 miles
Located at the top of the One World Trade Center, the One World Observatory offers stunning views of New York City. You get to take an elevator to the 102nd floor in under a minute and experience a virtual reality tour of the city. It's a great place to learn about the city's history and architecture. Enjoy stunning panoramic views with One World Observatory Priority Entrance Tickets.
Distance from the Intrepid Museum: 5 miles
Hotels around the Intrepid Museum
Economical stays
Budget stays
FAQs
The Intrepid Museum is open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays. On Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, it is open from 10am to 6pm.
Yes, the Intrepid Museum is completely accessible to visitors with disabilities.
A general admission ticket will cost you $36. You can also purchase the New York Explorer Pass and visit other popular attractions in the city, along with the Intrepid Museum.
No, there are no age restrictions for visiting the Intrepid Museum.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum, but there are several dining options on the premises.
Photography is allowed inside the museum for personal use.
Yes, there is a gift shop at the Intrepid Museum, where you can purchase souvenirs and other unique items.
You can carry backpacks or large bags inside the museum, but they will be subject to a security check.
Yes, strollers are allowed inside the museum.
The Intrepid Museum houses several exhibits related to military history, science, and technology, including the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and the Submarine Growler.
