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Growing up, I was captivated by machines. I used to spend time in the library reading science and technology books that talked about ships, aircraft and things like that. Even today, the story isn’t much different, I’m always fascinated driving my Tata Punch even if it’s for a small commute, it’s the sheer joy to experience the interplay between the clutch, gear and acceleration.
On my first international trip too, I travelled in an Airbus A380 for the same reason – it is the largest passenger aircraft in the world. So when I was in New York, I wanted to visit the Intrepid Museum – a military and maritime history museum. In this post, I’ll share my experience and everything that you should know about visiting the Intrepid Museum.
History of Intrepid
Known as “The Fighting I”, Intrepid is an Essex-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1943 and later turned into a museum. If you notice the date closely, it was commissioned during World War II and this was due to several reasons: the attack on Pearl Harbor that required the US to strengthen its naval supremacy and also the decline in the number of maritime ships with the US. The ship earned a total of five battle stars for its World War II service. After the war, the Intrepid was briefly decommissioned but was later modernized and recommissioned in the early 1950s.
Later in the Cold War era, it supported anti-submarine operations and was involved in NATO exercises. The Intrepid also played a role in the Vietnam War, providing air support for ground operations and earning additional commendations for its service. Along with that it also participated in NASA’s missions.
In 1982, the USS Intrepid found a new lease on life when it was transformed into the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It houses the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the USS Growler submarine, and a British Airways Concorde, making it a treasure trove of historical exhibits and educational programs.
Visting Intrepid Museum – Things To Know
Intrepid Museum is located at Pier 86 on the Hudson River, at 12th Avenue and 46th Street in New York City. To get there, you can take the subway, bus, or taxi. Since I had my Unlimited Weekly Pass for the New York Subway, I took a Subway from my neighbourhood Queens to Hudson Yards. From here it’s about a 20 min walk to the museum.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 6 PM on weekends and during the summer months.
Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s official website or at the box office on-site. Prices vary, with discounts available for seniors, children, and military personnel. At the time of writing this, a ticket for an adult costs $36, this is exclusive of any special screenings or experiences. I remember paying $32 which included entry to the museum and the NASA space shuttle visit. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid lines and ensure entry.
My Amazing Experience at Intrepid Museum
Walking to the Museum
As I walked towards the Intrepid Museum, I could see the enormous aircraft carrier from afar, standing majestically by the Hudson River. The sight of the towering ship filled me with excitement, and I couldn’t wait to get inside and explore all it had to offer. The anticipation built with each step, and the closer I got, the more impressive the ship appeared.
Easy Entry Experience
Entering the museum was a breeze, as there weren’t many people around. The staff was friendly and efficient, making the process smooth and quick. Since I already had my ticket, all I had to do was to get it scanned and walk right in. Lastly, like all other places and museums in the US, this also had an airport-style security check. I made my way onto the ship, eager to start my journey through this floating piece of history.
Exploring the Aircraft Hangar
My first stop was the aircraft hangar, where I was greeted by an impressive collection of historic aircraft, including jets, helicopters, and even stealth aircraft. Walking among these machines from yesteryears was awe-inspiring, as each one had a story to tell. The size and variety of the aircraft on display highlighted the evolution of aviation technology over the decades.
Visiting the Bridge and Navigation Rooms
Next, I visited the bridge and navigation rooms of the Intrepid Museum. This part of the ship reminded me of my visit to the INS Kursura museum in Vizag, but the Intrepid was on a much grander scale. The captain’s deck, filled with machines, knobs, and controls, fascinated me. The idea of manoeuvring such a massive ship was incredible. The last time I visited a bridge was during my Cordelia cruise trip.
Although it wasn’t a guided tour, a passionate staff member was there, explaining everything about the ship’s operations. Moving from one chamber to another, I learned how navigation worked in the past, which made the experience even more enriching.
Space Shuttle Pavilion
Finally, I moved to the Space Shuttle Pavilion, where I got to see NASA’s Space Shuttle Enterprise up close. The pavilion told the story of the shuttle’s journey from its inception to its current home at the museum. Standing next to the massive shuttle, I was amazed by its size and the engineering marvel it represented. The exhibit provided a comprehensive look at the shuttle’s history and its role in space exploration.
Later I visited the store and purchased a fridge magnet and a small Lego set of the Mars Rover which ended my trip. There was also the submarine that was docked at the side, but I chose not to visit it as I was getting late, plus the bag I had wouldn’t let me go in.
A Must-See for History Enthusiasts
Visiting the Intrepid Museum was an amazing experience for me and will be for anyone who loves machines and history. From seeing the massive aircraft carrier up close to exploring vintage planes and helicopters, and learning about navigation on the bridge, every part of the visit was fascinating. It’s a perfect place for both enthusiasts and families, offering a hands-on history lesson that’s both educational and fun. I highly recommend it for a day filled with discovery and wonder.
That’s it for this blog post. I hope you found this helpful in planning your visit to the museum in the future. Feel free to reach out to me for any assistance. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Atulmaharaj on Instagram, or Get In Touch.
