Press Releases

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM CELEBRATES GRAND RE-OPENING NOVEMBER 8TH

11/8/2008

FROM:
THE INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM
West 46th Street and 12th Avenue at Hudson River Park

CONTACT:
Rubenstein Communications, Inc., Public Relations
Jody Fisher – (212) 843-8296 / jfisher@rubenstein.com
Brady Littlefield (212) 843-9220 / blittlefield@rubenstein.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM CELEBRATES
GRAND RE-OPENING NOVEMBER 8TH

RE-OPENING WEEKEND PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA

The grand opening on Saturday morning was marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by: George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company; Connie Fishman, CEO of Hudson River Park Trust; Intrepid officials and former crewmembers. An evening fireworks display is scheduled across the Hudson River. In a symbolic “salute” to the Intrepid, the amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5), along with more than 1,000 Sailors and Marines, arrived in New York this week to be on hand for the festivities.

The entire project – which also included the complete rebuilding of Pier 86, the refurbishment of 16 historic aircraft on board, the redesigning and installation of a new Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and an inside-and-out paint job for the 65-year-old aircraft carrier – cost approximately $115 million and took less than two years.

“We are so grateful for the support of our devoted board members and friends as well as the corporations and foundations that have contributed,” said Charles De Gunzburg, the co-chairman of the board of the Intrepid Museum. “Without their help, this project would not have been possible and the future of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum would have been in doubt. This project is a terrific example of how a strong public/private partnership should work.”

“This is a great day for the Intrepid and New York City,” said Bill White, President of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. “It is an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to our mission to honor, educate and inspire as we re-open our doors and welcome visitors of all ages - from across the five boroughs as well as around the country and the world.”

According to Susan Marenoff, Executive Director of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, “Visitors will now be able to experience a world-class museum environment showcasing the latest in hands-on and interactive exhibit technology, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors will have a fun, inspiring and educational experience they’ll never forget.”

Perkins+Will, a Chicago based firm, was selected to work with the Intrepid’s exhibits department and curators to redesign the Intrepid’s hangar deck exhibition space. Within the ship, numerous exhibits have been re-designed and new state-of-the-art exhibits have been added such as an interactive wind tunnel, a pinball game that explains how a spacecraft reaches orbit, a hands on exhibit that demonstrates how the Intrepid turned salt water into fresh water and much, much more.

For the first time, never-before-seen areas of the ship will be opened to the public including the fo’c’sle (commonly known as the anchor chain room), as well as junior officer and general berthing quarters.

The refurbishment of the “new” Intrepid required more than 6,500 gallons of paint. The ship’s hull was water blasted, primed and repainted, and the flight deck was repainted and relined. Steel on the ship’s hull and superstructure was refurbished or replaced as needed. Many of the ship’s historic aircraft have been comprehensively renovated, including an A-4 Skyhawk jet fighter, an FJ-3 Fury jet fighter, an MiG-21 jet fighter, an F-3D Skyknight night fighter, an E-1 Tracer early warning/sub hunter, and an F11F Tiger-fighter jet (Blue Angel).

“Thanks to all of our friends at the Hudson River Park Trust including its chairman, Charles “Trip” Dorkey, and President Connie Fishman, without whom this project would not have been possible,” continued White. “Pier 86 is a great home for the Intrepid and a wonderful addition to the Hudson River Park.”

The Presenting Sponsor of all Intrepid opening weekend activities is Bank of America, which also sponsored the ship’s return to Manhattan on October 2nd. On Saturday, two of the first seven family groups to purchase tickets received an Intrepid gift bag with two tickets to 2009 Opening Day at the new Yankee Stadium provided by Bank of America. The first five family groups in attendance who purchased tickets, either in advance or on site on Saturday, received an Intrepid gift bag inclusive of two round-trip tickets to London, provided by British Airways.

On October 20th, the British Airways Concorde, which had been a part of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and a major tourist attraction since 2003, was returned to its home at the Hudson River Park’s Pier 86 and is once again part of the Intrepid Museum Complex.

On Thursday, November 6th, the Growler Submarine (SSG-577) was returned to Pier 86 after receiving an exterior refurbishment while in dry dock. It will now undergo an interior refurbishment and open to the public in spring 2009.

About the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

One of the world's largest maritime museums, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is housed aboard the 900-foot-long ESSEX class aircraft carrier Intrepid, which saw service during World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. It also served as a prime recovery vessel for NASA during the Mercury and Gemini space programs before it was retired in 1974. Four years later, Zachary Fisher established the Intrepid Museum Foundation for the sole purpose of "saving the Intrepid for generations to come." Listed in the National Park Service’s National Historic Landmark register, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum was opened as a symbol of peace and education in August 1982. The Intrepid underwent extensive renovations for nearly two years and returned to its home at Pier 86 in October 2008. Prior to leaving its home on the Hudson River at West 46th Street, the Intrepid attracted more than 750,000 people each year from around the world, from children to senior citizens and world leaders. It also hosted more than 150 special events, and served as a focal point during New York’s annual Fleet Week celebration. The Intrepid produces a wide range of public programming, and is recognized worldwide as an historic icon that makes history come alive for visitors through its unforgettable series of dynamic and interactive exhibits. For more information, and to purchase tickets visit www.intrepidmuseum.org <http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/> .

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 59 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 6,100 retail banking offices, more than 18,500 ATMs and award-winning online banking with more than 25 million active users. Bank of America offers industry leading support to more than 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries and has relationships with 99 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 83 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Member FDIC.