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Nighttime rocket launch with an inset photo of Charlie Blackwell Thompson.

Free Friday And Onsite Astro Live: Astronomy Night

Event Information
Date & Time Tickets Price Location
Friday, July 26 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Available Free Onsite – Intrepid Museum West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
About This Event

Free Fridays are back! The Intrepid Museum is once again extending its hours free of charge on Friday, July 26 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Don’t miss special programming during Free Fridays, including the Museum’s popular Summer Movie Series and Astronomy Night, part of the Astro Live Series.

This month, hear from Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell Thompson, in conversation with former NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino, as she shares her experience in Firing Room 1 of Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center for the historic launch of Artemis I. Learn about the significance of NASA’s Artemis missions and returning humanity, including the first woman and person of color, to the surface of the Moon.

In connection with the Museum’s newest exhibition: Apollo: When We Went to the Moon, all of the movies this summer will feature stories about humankind’s exploration and fascination with the Moon. During this movie night, enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while screening the film First Man on the flight deck. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets to view the film outdoors, free of charge, on a huge inflatable screen on the flight deck.  Movie will begin at sunset.

Astronomy Nights are FREE and feature fun-filled and educational experiences for the whole family, including talks from astronauts, engineers, and scientists and activities & demos led by Museum educators.

Schedule*:

5:00pm – 9:00pm (ongoing) - Apollo: When We Went to the Moon (Space Shuttle Pavilion): The Intrepid Museum, home of the space shuttle Enterprise, is thrilled to host Apollo: When We Went to the Moon. This special exhibition, which opened on March 26, 2024 in the Space Shuttle Pavilion, unpacks the history of the Apollo program and sets the stage for NASA’s current Moon to Mars campaign. Using interactive media, photographs, and rarely-seen artifacts from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® archives, the exhibition explores the people, technology and world events that defined this pivotal moment in the Space Race.

5:00pm – 9:00pm (ongoing) - RS-25 Engine Temporary Installation: Don't miss the full-scale replica of the RS-25 Engine on display at Pier 86. Learn about the engine powering NASA's Artemis II mission.

Families and visitors with young children are also invited to participate in drop-in activities throughout the night in Hangar 3! Activities include:

  • 5:30pm – 8:00pm (ongoing) - Education Workshops: Families and visitors with young children are also invited to participate in drop-in activities throughout the night in Hangar 3!
  • 5:30pm – 8:00pm - Educator Cart: Learn About Space Capsules: Talk with a museum educator and discuss the Mercury-Atlas 7 and Gemini III missions that occurred during the Space Race!
  • 6:00pm – Blast Off! Demonstration: Launching a space shuttle takes some science, engineering, and a whole lot of rocket fuel. Explore how space shuttles got into space and, more importantly, how they got astronauts home safely, during this interactive demonstration!
  • 6:30pm-7:30pm - Featured Conversation: Hear from Artemis Launch Director, Charlie Blackwell Thompson, in conversation with former NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino, as she shares her experience in Firing Room 1 of Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center for the historic launch of Artemis I. Learn about the significance of NASA’s Artemis missions and returning humanity, including the first woman and person of color, to the surface of the Moon.

    Livestreaming of the conversation will be available if you can't make it in person to the Intrepid Museum. View the live event on Facebook or YouTube.

  • 8:00pm – Summer Movie Series: First Man (on the Flight Deck): Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while watching the film First Man on the flight deck. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets to view the film outdoors, free of charge, on a huge inflatable screen on the flight deck. Movie will begin at sunset. (Weather Pending. Movie will have open captions.)

* American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available for select Intrepid Museum demonstrations, featured panel, and telescope viewing on the flight deck.

Doors will open promptly at 5:00pm, Last entry to the Museum is at 8:30 pm (doors are subject to close earlier, entry is not guaranteed). All visitors must enter through the Welcome Center to receive a free ticket prior to entering the Museum.

Registration info: Free with advance registration. Register here.