NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, has named the newly restored Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum the Culture Spot for May. The Museum is one of America’s leading historic, cultural and educational institutions and is located aboard the USS Intrepid, a 66-year-old aircraft carrier. The Museum will celebrate its Culture Spot designation by offering visitors two-for-one admission throughout the month of May.

The USS Intrepid and her crew have a distinguished history of service, including tours of duty in both World War II and Vietnam. She also served as a NASA prime recovery vessel before being retired in 1974. In 1982 the USS Intrepid began a new career as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Following a two-year leave for restoration and renovation, the Intrepid Museum complex reopened in November 2008 and now boasts new and interactive exhibits, newly opened areas of the ship and a completely restored aircraft collection alongside the former USS Growler submarine and British Airways Concorde. Her home at Pier 86, located on the Hudson River at Twelfth Avenue and West 46th Street and open to the public, has also been completely renovated and now features a welcoming, park-like atmosphere.

“We are delighted to have been named the Culture Spot for May, the month when we will again host the Fleet Week celebration, New York City’s premier thank-you to those who serve, and the kickoff to our Summer Salute to Heroes programming,” said Susan Marenoff, Executive Director of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. “We appreciate all that NYC & Company does for the tourism industry of New York and are thrilled to again be a prime destination for locals and tourists alike.”

“For all those who visited the Intrepid before its recent complete renovation and for all who have not yet experienced this unique museum, this is a must-see,” said Barbara Lorber of the NYC & Company Foundation. “The Intrepid tells the history of generations of American heroes and celebrates the American spirit through outstanding family-friendly, interactive and educational exhibits. We are delighted to designate this inspiring place our Culture Spot for May.”

The two-for-one discount is valid from May 1–31. To receive the discount, visitors must present a special coupon at time of ticket purchase. The discount is not valid toward group packages, is limited to one coupon per person and may not be combined with any other offers. Coupons will be available May 1–31 at the Official NYC Information Center–Midtown; Official NYC Information Center–Times Square Alliance; Official NYC Information Center–Federal Hall, Official NYC Information Kiosk–City Hall; Official NYC Information Kiosk–Chinatown; and Official NYC Information Center–Harlem. A coupon and additional details about the special offer will be available at www.nycgo.com/culturespot beginning May 1, 2009.


CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT THE INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM FOR MAY 2009:

May 16, 11am and 1:30pm
Saturday Family Program–An Intrepid Crew Sets Sail
Be a part of the fun as we explore the world, history and science of aircraft carriers. Imagine you're a crew member onboard the Intrepid—what would your title be? What responsibilities would you have? Join us as we assemble the next "Intrepid Crew" and take off on our next adventure.

Age: Children ages 6-11 (each child must be accompanied by an adult)
Admission: $5 project fee per child (in addition to museum admission)
Registration: Advance registration required

May 20–25
Fleet Week
In partnership with New York City, the United States Navy and the Museum, more than a dozen Navy and Coast Guard ships—as well as ships from all over the world—visit New York Harbor during Fleet Week. The visiting Fleet Week vessels are open for free public tours daily. Military demonstrations, athletic competitions and many other exciting activities are just some of the reasons to visit over the course of the six-day celebration.

Fleet Week event favorites include the Parade of Ships, a stem-to-stern relay race, tug-of-war crew competitions, Best Chow competition, and ongoing live demonstrations of military skills. As the Museum serves as the hub of Fleet Week activities, more than 250,000 visitors will experience the entire museum complex during this week alone.

For details about Fleet Week events and times, visit www.intrepidmuseum.org.

May 25, 11am–noon
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
One highlight of the week’s activities is the annual Memorial Day ceremony held on the flight deck of the Intrepid and attended by more than 2,000 veterans and active military personnel from all five branches of the armed services. This special tribute to the men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country ties directly to the museum’s mission to honor, educate and inspire. The ceremony includes a wreath laying, 21-gun salute, the unfurling of a 100-foot-American flag and a flyover of military aircraft in the missing man formation.
General Admission

About the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: The newly restored museum complex now boasts new exhibits, interactive elements, newly opened areas of the ship and a completely restored aircraft collection, all alongside the former USS Growler submarine and British Airways Concorde. Hours of operation: Mon.–Fri., 10am–5pm; Sat., Sun. and holidays, 10am–6pm. Admission: adults $19.50; children under 2 free; children ages 2–5 $7.50; children ages 6–17 $14.50; college students with valid ID $15.50; seniors (age 62 and up) $15.50; veterans $15.50; retired military and active duty free; members free. Location: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at One Intrepid Square at Twelfth Avenue and 46th Street, Pier 86 in Manhattan. For more information about the Intrepid Museum, visit intrepidmuseum.org or call (877) 957-SHIP. Directions: To get there by subway take the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7, S trains to W. 42nd St. Walk to Twelfth Avenue or take the M42 bus westbound. By bus take the M42 or M50 to Twelfth Avenue and the Hudson River. From New Jersey, take the New York Waterway to Midtown (38th St.) and walk north on Twelfth Ave. Parking is available.

Produced by the NYC & Company Foundation, the Culture Spot program promotes cultural tourism in all five boroughs. By spotlighting a different arts organization each month, the program encourages visitors to discover the cultural opportunities available throughout New York City. For information, visit www.nycgo.com/culturespot.

About NYC & Company: NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.

The NYC & Company Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization whose mission is to support tourism to New York City by promoting the arts and cultural organizations that make visiting New York City a special and exciting experience. Since its inception in 1999, the Foundation has focused on educating domestic and international audiences about the vibrant and diverse cultural community throughout New York City.