The iconic red and white funnels of the SS United States—each standing 65 feet tall—will become the centrepiece of a new museum and visitor experience planned by the SS United States Conservancy.
These funnels will be preserved before the ship is transformed into the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, said: “We are deeply committed to celebrating the enduring legacy of America’s flagship, and we have assembled an extraordinary team to help us realize our vision.
“By incorporating iconic components from the historic ocean liner into an architecturally stunning land-based museum, the SS United States will continue to excite and inspire future generations.”
Thinc Design, a leading museum and exhibit design firm, has been engaged to develop the museum concept.
The company is known for its work on the National September 11 Memorial Museum, the Empire State Building Observatory, and other high-profile projects in the USA.
Tom Hennes, founder of Thinc Design, said: “From the moment we first set foot aboard the SS United States, we felt a passion for helping tell her remarkable story.
“In close collaboration with the Conservancy, we look forward to designing dynamic, interactive exhibits that create an unforgettable experience for all visitors.”
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For 17 years the liner powered through the Atlantic making regular journeys between Southampton and New York.
The SS United States was also the fastest ship in the world at the time and was met crowds of almost 70,000 when she first came to Hampshire in 1952.
During her service, she carried more than one million passengers, including four US presidents, celebrities, diplomats, and members of the military.
The museum will feature artefacts, artwork, vintage photographs, and immersive simulations of life at sea.
Other large items on display will include one of the ship’s five-bladed propellers and the innovative radar mast.
The SS United States Conservancy leads the global effort to preserve and share the story of the ship, which remains a symbol of American engineering and mid-century design.