Accessibility
Our ship is a designated National and State Historic Landmark and the majority of our spaces are accessible only by steep stairs or “ladders.” We do, however, have accommodations for the mobility impaired to create a memorable Museum visit.
Parking is available to those with disability plates or placards both at the entrance of the pier and on the pier. Depending on the cooperation of the tides, a “scissor” lift may be available to get a mobility impaired guest from the pier to the Hangar Deck for them and an escort. Use of the scissor lift can be requested upon arrival by contacting the Security Desk at (510) 521-8448 ext. 226 or ringing the doorbell located at the base of the exit ramp.
The Hangar Deck is equipped with loaner wheelchairs and accessible restrooms.
On the Hangar Deck we have several aircraft for viewing, including traditional propeller planes, helicopters, and jets. We also have an Apollo Program Mobile Quarantine Facility, Apollo Program Test Command Module, and Gemini Program Boiler Plate. One of our largest galleries is accessible and features our permanent exhibit, Splashdown: Apollo Recovery, which speaks about Hornet’s role in recovering the Apollo 11 and 12 astronauts. Additionally, we have a featured rotating exhibition display, which features a different subject two or tree times every year!
This steep ladder goes down to our No. 1 Engine Room.
Service Animals
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum welcomes visitors with disabilities who rely on assistance from a trained service animal to tour the museum to the extent which they are comfortable. When touring most areas of the ship, visitors should expect to traverse narrow passageways, be able to step over significantly raised thresholds, and climb up and down very steep ladders.
Service animals are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as only dogs and, in some circumstances, miniature horses. Pets, “therapy animals,” “emotional support animals,” “companion animals,” or “comfort animals” are not service animals as defined by the ADA and are therefore not permitted aboard.
Service animals must be:
- Required because of a disability
- Trained to perform work or specific tasks
- Under the control of its handler at all times
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum reserves the right to request that a service animal who is disruptive be removed from the premises.
Examples of unique and challenging environment: Visual Aid – Service Animal Policy
