The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of military and space vehicles. From supersonic jets to the Space Shuttle Enterprise, here’s your complete guide to every major exhibit and aircraft on display.
Flight Deck: 28 Historic Aircraft
The massive 4.5-acre flight deck showcases 28 authentically restored aircraft spanning from World War II to modern day. Here are the must-see highlights:
Lockheed A-12 Blackbird
- Type: Supersonic reconnaissance aircraft
- Speed: Mach 3.2 (2,200 mph)
- Unique fact: CIA predecessor to the SR-71
- Photo tip: Best angle from the bow looking aft
F-14 Tomcat
- Famous for: Top Gun movie
- Feature: Variable-sweep wings
- Service: 1974-2006 US Navy
- Interactive: Can view cockpit up close
F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Nickname: “Viper”
- Still in service: Yes, worldwide
- Special feature: Fly-by-wire controls
- Location: Mid-deck starboard side
MiG-21 (Soviet Fighter)
- Significance: Most-produced supersonic jet ever
- Enemy aircraft: Vietnam War adversary
- Rare display: Few in US museums
E-1B Tracer
- Role: Early warning aircraft
- Distinctive: Large radar dome on top
- Nickname: “Willy Fudd”
Helicopters on Display
- UH-1 Huey: Vietnam War icon
- HH-52 Seaguard: Coast Guard rescue
- HUP-2 Retriever: Korean War era
- Bell 47: M*A*S*H TV series type
Space Shuttle Enterprise Pavilion
The climate-controlled Space Shuttle Pavilion houses NASA’s prototype orbiter in a dramatic display.
About Enterprise
- OV-101: First Space Shuttle built
- Built: 1976
- Named after: Star Trek’s USS Enterprise
- Purpose: Atmospheric test vehicle
- Never flew in space but proved shuttle concept
Pavilion Highlights
- 17 exhibit zones telling shuttle story
- Original artifacts from shuttle program
- Soyuz TMA-6 capsule for size comparison
- Space suits and equipment displays
- Interactive displays about shuttle missions
Best Viewing Points
- Platform overlooking cargo bay
- Nose cone close-up view
- Under the wings perspective
- Tail section with engines
USS Growler Submarine
The USS Growler (SSG-577) offers a rare glimpse into Cold War submarine operations.
Submarine Tour Route
- Torpedo Room: See torpedo tubes and weapons
- Crew Berthing: Tight sleeping quarters
- Officers’ Wardroom: Dining and meeting space
- Control Room: Navigation and operations center
- Missile Command Center: Once top-secret area
- Engine Room: (Viewed through window)
Growler Facts
- Length: 317 feet
- Crew: 88-95 sailors
- Armament: Regulus nuclear missiles
- Service: 1958-1964
- Only missile sub open to public in US
Visitor Tips
- Not recommended for claustrophobia
- Narrow passages and low ceilings
- One-way tour route (no turning back)
- Takes 20-30 minutes
- May have wait times in peak season
Concorde Alpha Delta G-BOAD
For an additional fee, tour the legendary supersonic passenger jet.
Concorde Specifications
- Speed: Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph)
- Altitude: 60,000 feet cruising
- Passengers: 100 in all-first-class config
- Route: NYC-London in under 3 hours
- Record: 2 hours, 52 minutes, 59 seconds
Tour Includes
- 20-minute guided experience
- Walk through luxury cabin
- Peek into cockpit
- Learn about supersonic travel
- Photo opportunities inside
Hangar Deck Exhibitions
Exploreum Interactive Hall
Perfect for families and hands-on learning:
- Bell 47 Helicopter: Climb inside
- Submarine Interactive: Navigate underwater
- Aircraft Wings: Control surfaces demonstration
- G-Force Encounter: Feel fighter pilot forces
- 4D Theater: Immersive film experiences
- Flight Simulators: Fly combat missions
FG-1D Corsair Restoration
- Fully restored WWII fighter-bomber
- Gull-wing design icon
- Interactive displays about restoration
- Oral histories from veterans
Kamikaze: The Divine Wind
- Artifacts from Japanese attacks
- Intrepid’s survival story
- Personal accounts from crew
- Damage reports and photos
Current Special Exhibitions (2025)
Apollo: When We Went to the Moon
Limited time exhibition featuring:
- Rarely-seen NASA artifacts
- Moon landing interactive experiences
- Virtual reality moonwalk
- Apollo mission timeline
- Astronaut equipment and suits
Women at War
- Stories of women in military service
- WAVES, WACS, and nurses
- Modern women in combat roles
- Interactive oral history stations
Aircraft You Can Enter
Select aircraft offer cockpit access (subject to change):
- T-34 Mentor: Training aircraft cockpit
- Bell 47 Helicopter: Full interior access (Exploreum)
- A-4 Skyhawk: Occasional special access days
- F-8 Crusader: View into cockpit
Historic Spaces Inside Intrepid
Captain’s Bridge & Navigation
- Command center during operations
- Original equipment preserved
- Chart room and radar stations
- Communication equipment
Crew Living Spaces
- Berthing areas: See how 3,000 sailors lived
- Mess deck: Dining for hundreds
- Sick bay: Medical facilities
- Chapel: Multi-faith worship space
Combat Information Center
- Radar and tracking stations
- Battle coordination hub
- Original 1940s-60s technology
- Interactive displays explain operations
Photography Guide by Exhibit
Best Photo Opportunities
- Flight Deck Panorama: From island structure
- Blackbird A-12: Early morning light best
- Space Shuttle: Multiple viewing platforms
- NYC Skyline: From port side of deck
- Submarine Exterior: From pier walkway
Instagram-Worthy Spots
- In front of Space Shuttle nose
- F-14 Tomcat with city backdrop
- Concorde’s distinctive nose cone
- Helicopter cockpit selfies
- Bridge with equipment
Exhibit Accessibility
Fully Accessible
- Hangar Deck exhibitions
- Space Shuttle Pavilion
- Most of Flight Deck
- Exploreum
Limited Accessibility
- USS Growler submarine (not wheelchair accessible)
- Some aircraft cockpits
- Certain historic spaces
- Upper deck levels
Time Needed Per Exhibit
- Flight Deck Aircraft: 45-60 minutes
- Space Shuttle Pavilion: 30-45 minutes
- USS Growler: 20-30 minutes
- Exploreum: 30-45 minutes
- Hangar exhibitions: 45-60 minutes
- Concorde tour: 20 minutes
- Historic spaces: 30-45 minutes
Exhibits by Interest
For Aviation Enthusiasts
Don’t miss: A-12 Blackbird, F-14 Tomcat, Concorde, flight simulators
For Space Fans
Focus on: Space Shuttle Enterprise, Apollo exhibition, Soyuz capsule
For Military History Buffs
Priority: Combat spaces, kamikaze exhibit, veteran oral histories
For Families with Kids
Best bets: Exploreum, helicopter climbing, interactive displays
For Photography Lovers
Key shots: Flight deck sunrise, city skyline views, aircraft details
Seasonal Exhibit Considerations
- Summer: All exhibits open, flight deck hot
- Winter: Flight deck can be cold/windy
- Rain: Indoor exhibits get crowded
- Special events: Some areas may close
Hidden Gems Often Missed
- Fo’c’sle (Anchor Room): Massive anchor chains
- Ready rooms: Pilot briefing spaces
- Machine shops: Aircraft maintenance areas
- Flag bridge: Admiral’s command post
- Torpedo workshop: In submarine tour
Ready to explore more? Check out our guides for visiting with kids, special tours and programs, or return to our complete Intrepid Museum guide.
