Open now through January 11, 2026

Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology

Dive into the fascinating world of underwater archaeology, where cutting-edge technology and expert teams uncover mysteries hidden beneath the waves spanning thousands of years of history. This expansive 9,000-plus square foot bilingual exhibition, co-produced by the Intrepid Museum and leading exhibition producer Flying Fish, includes numerous hands-on experiences and is located in the Museum’s Space Shuttle Pavilion.

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Mysteries from the Deep exhibition on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.
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Mysteries from the Deep exhibition on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.
Photo by Reiseuhu on Unsplash
Photo by NOAA on Unsplash
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Mysteries from the Deep exhibition on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.
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Mysteries from the Deep exhibition on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.
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Photo by Reiseuhu on Unsplash
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Photo by NOAA on Unsplash
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Mysteries from the Deep exhibition on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.
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A technical diver illuminates below decks at the site of John J. Audubon
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Mysteries from the Deep exhibition on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.
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Nashville based, Youth Diving with a Purpose (YDWP) is in its third year. Youth Diving with a Purpose draws from a diverse range of schools and local organizations for a year-long program of education, civic engagement and community service. The capstone experience for participants is a week of diving and hands-on work with underwater archeologists
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Mysteries from the Deep exhibition on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.

Explore the Depths of Discovery

This one-of-a-kind exhibition takes visitors beneath the surface to explore shipwrecks, lost cities, and submerged landscapes through the lens of cutting-edge science and technology.

Archaeologists using pencil and Mylar to record World War II sites in Saipan.

“Mysteries from the Deep is a powerful example of how immersive storytelling and groundbreaking technology can bring the past to life—and inspire the future.” 

— Susan Marenoff-Zausner, President, Intrepid Museum

A woman and young girl interacting with a hands-on element from the Mysteries from the Deep exhibition during the opening event.
Hands-On Exploration

This exhibition places visitors in the role of underwater archaeologists, inviting them to engage with fundamental tools, breakthrough technologies and interactive challenges. Navigate sonar mapping, pilot a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and analyze 3D models of shipwrecks and ancient ruins.

Exhibition Highlights
  • “Underwater Archaeology Lab” – Use authentic tools, experiment with sonar and ROVs and see how AI and photogrammetry are revolutionizing the field.
  • Submerged Histories – Uncover the lost worlds of Pavlopetri, the world’s oldest sunken city and the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the U.S.
  • Hands-On Exploration – Reconstruct digital dive sites, operate a robotic submersible and analyze 3D scans of underwater discoveries.
  • Objects & Preservation – Examine archaeological objects, explore conservation efforts and discover how communities play a vital role in protecting history.
  • The Future of Exploration – Learn how cutting-edge technology and climate change are reshaping the search for submerged heritage worldwide.

Meet the Experts
Get to know the archaeologists, engineers, and researchers who dive deeper—literally and figuratively—to protect and understand our shared heritage. Their stories, inspirations, and real-world adventures are featured throughout the exhibition.

Plan Your Visit
Archaeology suit displayed in a case at the Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology exhibition at the Intrepid Museum.
Exhibition Guides

Educator, Family and Visual Vocabulary Guides are available to support teaching and learning. All materials are offered in both English and Spanish.

Downloads
MFTD Education Guide ENG (6.41 MB)
MFTD Family Guide ENG (4.41 MB)
MFTD Visual Vocabulary ENG (966.23 KB)
Guías de Exposiciones

Hay guías de vocabulario visual, familiar y para educadores disponibles para apoyar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Todos los materiales se ofrecen tanto en inglés como en español.

Downloads
MFTD Education Guide ESP (7.29 MB)
MFTD Family Guide ESP (3.99 MB)
MFTD Visual Vocabulary ESP (967.69 KB)

Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology is a traveling exhibition co-produced by Flying Fish and the Intrepid Museum.

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Gallery photo credits
  1. Image courtesy of the Intrepid Museum
  2. Image courtesy of CSS Georgia
  3. Image courtesy of the Intrepid Museum
  4. Photo by NOAA on Unsplash
  5. Image courtesy of NOAA/NOS/Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
  6. Image courtesy of the Intrepid Museum
  7. Image courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service
  8. Image courtesy of the Intrepid Museum
  9. Image courtesy of the Intrepid Museum
Visitors take part in a guided tour inside the Space Shuttle Pavilion at the museum.
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