It's been about two years since the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum left New York Harbor, and tomorrow, the renovated aircraft carrier will return to its Hudson River berth; the grand opening is scheduled for November 8. The extensive remodeling job included creating a more flexible and organized space, opening up more rooms to the public, and revitalizing the adjacent Pier 86.
The Intrepid team updated the technology and infrastructure of the ship’s Hangar deck, which will allow for a more seamless transition from museum space to event venue. The new interactive exhibits are mobile—so they can be stored away during events—and the museum added a new lighting system and upgraded the projector in the 245-seat theater. Events can also take advantage of the new 10- by 30-foot video wall.
Structurally, the 720-foot-long Hangar deck is now more spacious, and a curtain system enables planners to subdivide the area based on the size of the function. The massive flight deck has been reorganized for better flow and a more logical display of the ship’s history, and new for events is the Fo’c’sle, a smaller section available for cocktail receptions.
