Early Morning Opening: Close Quarters: Inside Submarine Life

The Intrepid Museum offers Early Morning Openings for children with autism or sensory sensitivities (ages 3-18) and their families before the Museum opens to the public! Families receive a sensory bag with interactive activities designed for the whole family and explore the Museum without the crowds! Participants receive a social narrative ahead of time.

Serving on submarines is one of the most unique experiences in the Navy! Explore the Intrepid Museum’s A View from the Deep exhibition and the historic submarine Growler to learn more about the adventures and challenges of life underwater.

A View from the Deep: The Submarine Growler & the Cold War exhibition on the Pier is fully accessible. The historic submarine Growler is a narrow, one-way experience that requires the use of stairs and stepping through raised hatches. Any guests who want to go through Growler are required to go through a practice hatch without assistance first. Going through Growler is optional, and photos of the inside of the submarine will be available.

Families must check in between 8:30am and 9:30am. After the Museum opens to the public at 10:00am, the interactive Exploreum will have special activities and stay closed to the public until 11:00am.

What areas of the Museum will be open during the museum exploration?

Before the Museum opens at 10:00am, families may explore the submarine Growler and A View from the Deep exhibtion, as well as Intrepid's hangar deck. The rest of the Museum, including the flight deck and Space Shuttle Pavilion will open at 10:00am.

Are there any requirements for going inside the submarine Growler?

• Visitors must be at least 40” tall.
• All visitors, including service and support animals, must be able to pass through a replica of the hatch without assistance.
• Areas inside are narrow and may not be suitable for visitors with claustrophobia.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Strollers, large bags, luggage and backpacks are not permitted.
• Food and beverages are not permitted

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Please visit our Getting Here page for directions. There is no parking available at the Museum.

Do you have programs for adults?

Yes! We offer Access Family Programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. For more information about Early Morning Openings and Access Family Programs at the Intrepid Museum, click here.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email [email protected] or call 646-381-5158.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, but if you can bring a paper or digital copy of your ticket it expedites the check-in process!

Access programs at the Intrepid Museum are generously supported by The FAR Fund, the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, Frank J. Antun Foundation and The Barker Welfare Foundation. The Museum’s Access programs are supported, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Info: Go through the submarine Growler, visit A View from the Deep exhibition, and explore parts of the Museum without the crowds. (The flight deck, including the Space Shuttle Pavilion will open at 10:00am).

Info: When the Museum opens, the interactive Exploreum stays closed to the public for an extra hour of hands-on activities.

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Host or Publisher Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum