The intrepid museum will create accessible and interactive exhibits within seven compartments in intrepid's medical facility, known as sick BAY

The Intrepid Museum Foundation was awarded a $565,551 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (MFA) program. The award will support the creation of accessible and interactive exhibits within the Intrepid's medical facility, known as "Sick Bay." The exhibits will blend storytelling with multisensory elements and advanced augmented reality (AR) experiences to engage visitors with the experiences of medical personnel and their patients. The project team will partner with the NYU Ability Project, experts in accessible environments through assistive technology and adaptive design for people with disabilities, as well as a media group with AR technology expertise. A disability advisory group will provide continuous feedback on the exhibit elements. This project aims to address visitor interest in accessing more of the historic Intrepid ship, of which only 44% is currently open to the public. The award period is from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2026.

The exhibits will blend storytelling with multisensory elements and advanced augmented reality (AR) experiences and engage visitors with the experiences of medical personnel and their patients. The cross-departmental museum team will partner with the NYU ability project, experts in creating accessible environments through assistive technology and adaptive design for people with disabilities. The project team will also engage with a media group that combines producers and AR technology experts. Throughout the project, disability advisory group, self-advocates with a range of lived experience and expertise, will provide continuous feedback on each exhibit element. This project will address an ongoing and documented interest from visitors of all ages and geographic regions in accessing more of the ship's historic areas, of which only 44% are currently open to the public.