“Ship-Shape: Nautical Scale Models” Exhibition February 4, 2012

“Ship-Shape: Nautical Scale Models,” a new exhibition that examines the detailed process of building model ships, will open on Saturday, February 4 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, located at Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue) in Manhattan.

“Ship-Shape: Nautical Scale Models” consists of dozens of artifacts including model ships, vintage toy ships, a variety of antique model kit boxes, a mock-up of a modeler’s workbench showing the building of a model ship being made in progress and illustrations that demonstrate how models are constructed.

Among the highlights of the exhibit are models of the Battleship New Jersey, which served during WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam, and USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned vessel afloat in the world. The model USS New Jersey measures 112” W x 25” H x 15” D and the model USS Constitution measures 57” W x 43”H x 22” D.

A modeler’s workbench offers a peek at the tools of the trade, while World War II nautical toys illustrate children’s fascination with ships. From wartime cardboard models to ships in bottles, the exhibit highlights the dexterity, ingenuity and artistry embodied in these popular collectors’ items.

“Ship-Shape: Nautical Scale Models” is made possible through the support of the Susan and Elihu Rose Foundation and will be on display through Sunday, July 8, 2012.

The exhibit is free with museum admission. For more information, visit www.intrepidmuseum.org.

Official Website: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org