Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum in New York

What You Need to Know About the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum

• The Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum is an aviation and space museum that opened in 1982 in New York. This extraordinary museum is housed aboard a decommissioned aircraft carrier from the US Navy, the USS Intrepid.
• The USS Intrepid served during World War II and was later used by NASA, the American space agency, for recovery missions during the Mercury and Gemini programs. During the Vietnam War and the Cold War, the USS Intrepid patrolled the North Atlantic to monitor Warsaw Pact submarine activity. Today, the USS Intrepid is peacefully moored on the Hudson River at Pier 86, at the level of West 46th Street, facing Manhattan.
• If you’ve never set foot on an aircraft carrier, this is your chance. And if you’re passionate about aviation and space, this is one of New York’s must-see attractions.
• The Intrepid Museum is one of New York’s most popular museums. It attracts over 600,000 visitors each year. Avoid weekends if you can—families pack the decks and corridors. Visit on a weekday morning for a better experience.

What to See at the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum

• The aircraft collection includes 30 planes, among them two of the world’s fastest: the A-12 Blackbird spy plane and a legendary Concorde in British Airways colors. This Concorde holds the record for the fastest flight between London and New York: 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds. On the flight deck, you’ll also see an F-14 Tomcat, an F-8K Crusader, a Dassault Etendard IV, and three MiGs. Want to try the flight simulators? Note that simulators are not included in the admission price.
• Beyond the aircraft on the flight deck, the museum features several themed exhibitions, including one dedicated to Japanese kamikazes during World War II. Take time to walk the corridors and explore the officers’ quarters, crew berthing areas, galley, and main dining room. Don’t miss the bridge and combat information center. You may also meet retired US Navy veterans who are happy to share their experiences.
• Be sure to visit the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which houses the Space Shuttle Enterprise. NASA used this shuttle in 1977 for its first atmospheric entry tests. Enterprise was released from a specially modified Boeing 747. This unique prototype led to the development of later shuttles, including Challenger, Columbia, and Atlantis.
• Another highlight: the USS Growler submarine, docked alongside the Intrepid. This missile-launching submarine was launched in 1958, decommissioned in 1980, and opened to visitors. The torpedo room is impressive.

Visiting the Intrepid Museum in New York

• Address: Pier 86, at the end of West 46th Street, New York. The aircraft carrier is moored at a dock on the Hudson River.
• Subway: 50 St (lines 1, 2, A, C, and E).
• Hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm, weekends 10 am to 6 pm. Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds on the flight deck and in the corridors. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, December 25.
• Admission: Buy tickets in advance through our Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum ticket booking module. This saves you from waiting in line at the entrance and lets you pay in your own currency on our site instead of paying bank fees for a dollar transaction.
• Tip: Admission to the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum is included in all New York passes, the City Pass New York, the New York Pass, the New York City Explorer Pass, and the Pass C3. Take advantage of this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews of the Intrepid Museum in New York

• Coco M.: “The Intrepid Museum is fantastic. You discover the entire history of American aviation. There’s also the space shuttle, the Concorde, and flight simulators.”
• Isabelle L.: “I’ve been twice. Beautiful and fascinating visit. I loved the bridge and the submarine tour.”
• Pierre A.: “I loved the Intrepid Museum! Fascinating and what an impression on the deck! The submarine tour is unique—just don’t go if you’re claustrophobic!”
• Laurence Goichot: “It’s great! Plan 3 to 4 hours to see everything.”
• Geoffrey Le: “Really interesting! You can easily spend a morning here.”
• Isa America: “Highly recommend this to anyone who loves aviation. Visiting this aircraft carrier is exceptional. You’ll find a Blue Angels plane, the American equivalent of the Patrouille de France. Plan half a day for your visit!”
• Laurence B.: “I loved the photos of the planes with the buildings in the background. Try the simulator inside—guaranteed thrills. Magnificent views, especially at sunset.”
• Anthony P.: “Beautiful museum. It’s not every day you get to visit an aircraft carrier or submarine. I tried the 4D simulator—it’s decent but not quite as thrilling as the 4D experiences at major theme parks. If you speak English well, you can chat with former sailors who served aboard the carrier and ask them questions.”
• Greg We: “Fascinating: the films, the simulator, seeing these planes and helicopters up close. Impressive. The carrier has a cafeteria that makes you feel like a sailor. The submarine is also worth seeing. This ship was used in the film I Am Legend.”

Reviews of the Intrepid Museum in New York from our Destination New York Facebook group

The USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier in Photos

Map to the USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier