The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is not one of New York City’s most sought after destinations but if you’re intrigued by history and the second world war, then you should definitely add this spot to your New York itinerary. A floating museum docked at Pier 86 (46th Street on the west side) is a repurposed aircraft carrier and a submarine with numerous planes, artifacts, and exhibitions. There is also an excellent interactive and engaging learning zone for kids. The museum opens its doors at 10 AM and general admission tickets are 33 USD1 but 19 USD if you’re a New York City resident. The museum offers guided tours but it’s possible to find your way around with a map provided at the information desk. You can complete a self-guided tour of the museum in about 3 or 4 hours, but if you’re one who likes to read and see everything, you could easily spend the whole day there.
First, I started by visiting the living quarters in the area above the anchor room. With so many people living on the carrier, the sleeping situation was very cramped. The higher-ranking officers had more private areas with desks but the lowest ranking recruits had to make do with bunk beds and lockers. I then stepped down to the anchor room where there are huge chains and machinery to operate the massive anchor. There are information panels and a touch screen display detailing the process. Lowering the anchor can be dangerous so trained and skilled engineers are required for the job. Next, I went to the deck where there are anti-aircraft guns from different periods before heading down to the lower level where there was a museum with experiments. This area is great for kids as you get to interact with different exhibits.
After the museum, I headed back up to the main deck where the rooms are that were used for naval operations. These include spaces for the communications room, the planning room, the control room, and the briefing room for the pilots who would fly out to battle. The layouts of the rooms have been kept as they would have been during their use. There is a great view from the control tower of the aircraft on the deck with the Manhattan skyline in the background. On the way back down to the main deck, I went through the mess hall. You walk past the kitchen which has massive pots and stoves which were used to feed the thousands aboard. Next, I stepped out to the main deck where many different aircraft were lined up on display. At the end of the deck, there is the space section where the space shuttle Enterprise is kept on display.
My following stop was then the submarine which is docked next to the aircraft carrier. It quickly gets cramped as you walk down the steps and you have to watch your head. Although there’s not much space, it’s amazing how many rooms fit in the long and narrow submarine. The layout begins with the living quarters which are even more cramped than the ship. The kitchen is also small but there are only a couple dozen who lived in the submarine. There are then several rooms for the naval operations and at the end of the submarine, there is the torpedo room. You then step out on the other end and get back on the aircraft carrier. This was the end of my visit and it was a great experience learning about how both these complex vessels were used.
