How Long Does It Take to Visit the Intrepid Museum
Published February 9, 2025
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The Intrepid Museum provides an exploration of space, maritime, and aviation history.
It hosts an assortment of decommissioned sea and air crafts from all branches of the USA military; the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.
So, be part of the over one million guests annually who visit to marvel at the incredible displays at the museum in New York.
If you’re asking yourself; “How long does it take to visit the intrepid museum?”, read on to find out!
What’s the Intrepid Museum?
The Intrepid Museum stands as a maritime and military museum situated inside New York.
The museum focuses on the USS Intrepid's history, a USA Naval Aircraft that operated from 1943 - 1974.
It attracts both locals and tourists, making it an essential stop for those fascinated by military aviation, history, and space exploration.
At the museum, you'll have the chance to view the Enterprise space shuttle (17500 mph average speed), British Airways Concorde (achieving a commendable 1300 mph), and the military reconnaissance aircraft Lockheed (boasting a remarkable 2200 mph).
The Museum History
The Intrepid Museum was named following its USS Intrepid acquisition, a World War Two aircraft carrier in 1982—stands as part of the finest space and air museums inside of the US.
Established by Zachary Fisher, a philanthropist, and his spouse Elizabeth, the museum has captivated visitors for nearly four decades.
The Fishers held a deep conviction in respecting the courageous individuals who have served (and are still serving) in the military and initially aimed to find a home for the battle-weary USS Intrepid in 1978 right after rescuing it out from the scrapyard.
Their ongoing participation with the military foundation grew into what ultimately developed into the present Intrepid Museum.
Now, although the Fishers aren't longer managing the museum, immediately you enter, it becomes clear how devoted they are to honoring and preserving the memory of those people who served our nation.
What is the Best Time For Visiting the Intrepid Museum?
The museum remains accessible from 10 to 5 every day.
Then, between April and October, it remains open till 6 in the evening on Saturday, Sunday, and during the holidays.
Admission to the Intrepid museum is permitted until 1 hour prior to closing time though the museum is usually closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day.
To enhance your experience, it's advisable to schedule your visit on weekdays when it’s less crowded since the museum experiences larger crowds on public holidays and weekends.
Also, to steer clear of the crowds, I suggest getting to the museum as soon as it is opened at 10 and purchasing tickets early to prevent delays and maximize your experience.
Remember to see captivating displays and thoroughly explore their aircraft carrier.
Also, explore the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, the highlight of the museum, which endured five kamikaze assaults and a torpedo hit in World War II.
Getting to The Intrepid Museum
The museum can be found at exactly Pier 86 in 46th Street, New York, USA.
It is accessible via both private and public transport and you can get there using various means including;
Car: When you are traveling by car, activate Google Maps to begin your journey. Then, when you get there, select from a variety of parking choices near the museum.
Subway: 50 St is the closest subway station, accessible via subway lines E, A, and C.
Bus: Catch the M50 bus and disembark at 12 Av 46 St to visit the museum.
How Long to Visit Intrepid Museum?
When visiting the Intrepid Museum, visitors typically spend about 2 - 3 hours.
However, since the tickets aren’t time-restricted, genuine fans can remain for a long time as they desire.
What Should You Expect at the Intrepid Museum?
When you get to the museum and you genuinely wish to get ahead, register for their guided tour at 9 in the morning.
You will enjoy up to 1 hour of comprehensive history regarding several exhibits.
With up to six captivating tours available, there’s definitely something for everybody to appreciate at the Intrepid Museum.
First and foremost, step aboard the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier that is retired, and immerse yourself in the vibrant realm of maritime and military wonders.
This main attraction, USS Intrepid, undoubtedly appeals to those intrigued by the enormous aircraft carrier.
Then, in addition, the museum features ships from various domains.
In WWII, 270 sailors onboard were killed by torpedo strikes and 5 kamikaze attacks.
The museum features a memorial wall to honor the offerings of individuals who lost their lives while serving on board.
Explore her flight deck to appreciate the two dozen meticulously restored aircraft showcased in a stunning setting with the Manhattan skyline behind.
Then, the Kamikaze exhibit is particularly impactful, showcasing a film that illustrates the harrowing kamikaze assaults from November 25 in the year 1944.
The Intrepid Museum is indeed focused on celebrating the technological innovations that have transformed our world with the individuals responsible for them.
You can also discover the displays at the impressive Intrepid and uncover the narratives behind several of 20th century's most remarkable achievements.
Examine the inaugural space shuttle, numerous military planes, a supersonic reconnaissance aircraft, a submarine equipped with nuclear arms, and the swiftest passenger jet globally.
Also, explore the historical paths enabled by progress in STEM via engaging and entertaining experiences at the USS Intrepid's renowned decks.
Then, select from experiences such as "Anchors Aweigh", here you will discover the life aboard the legendary USS Intrepid, starting from the 3000 sailors who considered her their home to individuals on this flight deck.
Also, in case space is the frontier you seek, consider the Enterprise tour.
You will discover the challenges and struggles of Enterprise, the inaugural space shuttle, and also have the chance to view a capsule of Russian Soyuz.
Exhibits at the Museum
At the Intrepid Museum, there's an abundance to explore that requires an entire day to fully enjoy everything.
Here are the exhibits and highlights you should look forward to;
Combat Information Center: This contains the sonar, radar, and intelligence utilized by the Naval personnel and it’s located on the Gallery Deck.
This section of the museum tour features displays of the vessel's role during WW II.
Don't overlook those pneumatic tubes utilized for transmitting messages between locations on the vessel.
Children raised in this digital era will surely find it intriguing.
USS Growler: It’s a missile submarine available for public viewing – the sole tourist site in the US.
This Intrepid Museum's section in New York allows you to grasp and value the way sailors existed submerged for months.
So, make sure to see this USS Growler which is hidden in the waters adjacent to the Intrepid Museum.
Also, investigate the assault center and control room, where three individuals maneuvered the steel giant through icy waters, or glance at the rear torpedo room, containing torpedoes capable of unleashing enough nuclear power to obliterate New York.
Flight Deck: Guests can view over 25 aircraft that are authentically restored in a remarkable exhibition at the museum's Flight Deck.
These aircraft embody every branch of the US Military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy.
The Concorde: The Concorde from British Airways, currently exhibited, is a highlight to experience at the Intrepid Museum.
The supersonic aircraft transported passengers over the Atlantic with unprecedented speeds.
A total of just twenty of these aircraft were constructed, consisting of six prototypes.
Hangar Deck: Some guests begin their exploration of the Intrepid Museum at this spot.
This Hanger Deck features two sides – on one side, you can observe the technology of Intrepid, and then on the other, you'll gain insight into the lives of the ship's sailors.
You can also watch an 8-minute film about the history of Intrepid at this Hangar deck.
Audio Guide: The Intrepid Museum provides audio guides suitable for children, adults, and those with hearing impairments.
The guide suggests locations where you should pause and delve into, therefore creating an unforgettable experience.
For $7, you can reserve a guide, and tours are also available and offered in English, French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Chinese, and Italian.
Space Shuttle Pavilion: You can view ‘Enterprise’ at this spot.
Enterprise stands as the prototype spacecraft, serving as the basis for the United States’ space shuttle initiative.
This spacecraft is enormous, and you can observe it from beneath and from above.
Note that although Enterprise was decommissioned in the year 1976, it didn't reach Intrepid Museum until 2012 - while exploring the Pavilion, you'll discover the reason.
Also, when you visit here during flight trials, you will be greeted by the softened sounds of a real exchange between pilots and mission control on the legendary Enterprise.
Enjoy unique artifacts and media from the time of early space exploration that will captivate your imagination and grant you a deeper appreciation for the journey of space travel.
Can You Visit Intrepid Museum with Children?
Yes, you can visit the museum with children. The museum is an excellent destination to take your children to.
They will feel thrilled amidst the Concorde, the submarine, combat jets, aircraft carriers, helicopters, and spacecraft.
When going with your kids, be sure to allocate time to explore the Exploreum, this includes a helicopter for interactive play, along with chances to pilot different air and water vehicles.
Then, after exploring the helicopter, your kid can experiment with the other sea and air vehicles in that section.
Also, if your child is mature enough for it, be sure to take advantage of the simulators.
Tips for Visiting the Intrepid Museum
- Enroll in a guided tour to experience the museum fully and note that the museum restricts the daily amount of visitors.
- If you want to boost your adventure with some hands-on interaction, consider trying their simulators.
- Explore Stories of the Intrepid, here you’ll experience being in their flight crew, evading shots around every corner, and narrowly escaping the enemy fire.
- If you have always dreamt of flying a jet aircraft, take a look at G-Force Encounter - having a motion of 360 degrees, it will feel like you're genuinely flying a thousand feet over the earth.
- The museum offers tailored resources and programs such as social narratives, sensory guides, videos, visual vocabularies, sensory bags, virtual tours, and additional materials to improve and support the experiences of every visitor including individuals with disabilities and their friends and families.
Final Thoughts
The Intrepid Museum boasts an impressive assortment of aircraft, even the legendary Concorde.
Whether you're fascinated by military ships or have ever been curious about experiencing flight in a fast jet, a visit to the museum will definitely be worth your while.
