HELL'S KITCHEN — After taking a battering during Hurricane Sandy, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will re-open in time for Christmas.
Built on a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked at Pier 86, the museum suffered extensive damage when four to six feet of water flooded its main electrical transformers and two backup generators.
After extensive repairs, the museum will re-open — with a buy one, get one free ticket promotion — on Dec. 21.
“We have worked non-stop to make the necessary repairs to our power generation, fire suppression and other infrastructure that makes the museum run and allow visitors to enjoy the unique historical exhibits here,” said museum president Susan Marenoff-Zausner in a statement.
“The flooding we experienced during the height of Sandy was beyond anyone’s imagination.”
The power failures at the museum caused the pavilion housing the Space Shuttle Enterprise to deflate — meaning visitors won't be able to see the newest addition to the museum until a new structure can be erected to house it.
The museum's Welcome Center was largely destroyed because of the flooding, and will have to be rebuilt. Temporary ticket vendors have been installed in the Intrepid's plaza.
The Intrepid's buy one, get one free deal requires a printable coupon and lasts until Feb. 15.
