Ocean liner's swift voyage across the Atlantic continues
The SS United States, a historic ocean liner and American maritime icon, is currently stationed in Mobile, Alabama, preparing for its transformation into the world's largest artificial reef off the coast of Florida. In a significant development, the ship's massive funnels – each as tall as a six-story building – are set to be removed and used as dramatic centerpiece features of the new SS United States Museum and Visitor Experience in Okaloosa County, Florida.
These iconic funnels, which slope backward to evoke the ship’s record-breaking speed, will be integrated into the museum's architecture and exhibits to visually and thematically connect visitors with the ship's historic legacy. The museum will showcase thousands of artifacts and include immersive, interactive experiences designed by the museum firm Thinc Design, known for high-profile projects merging historic objects with dynamic storytelling.
The future museum will feature the ship's massive funnels, a dock extending into the nearby bay, artwork, artifacts, vintage photographs, and film footage from and of the ship. After spending nearly three decades in Philadelphia, the SS United States was sold to Okaloosa County in Florida to be sunk and turned into an artificial reef. The museum will be located in Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, about 20 miles north of the ship's resting place.
The SS United States Conservancy, which has been instrumental in preserving the ship, announced this plan for the museum. Susan Gibbs, president of the conservancy, stated that the museum will continue to excite and inspire future generations. One fan commented on the conservancy's Facebook page that they like the idea that both funnels would be used and that the gutted hull will give back to the ocean it once sailed, while much of the interior and top of the ship will be preserved for history.
Tom Hennes, founder of Thinc Design, stated that they look forward to designing dynamic, interactive exhibits for the museum. The SS United States Conservancy felt this was the best option to prevent the ship from being scrapped. Some longtime fans of the ship are happy with the new museum design update, particularly the use of both funnels. The ship, colloquially known as the "Big U", set the transatlantic speed record the year after its launching and is nearly as large as the Chrysler Building.
Okaloosa County estimates the final sinking could happen by the end of the year or early 2026. The eventual sinking of the ship came with the promise of a museum to commemorate the American legend. The SS United States Conservancy has announced that museum design firm Thinc Design has agreed to take on the project for the SS United States Museum. As the ship prepares for its final journey, the anticipation for the new museum grows, promising to be a tribute to the SS United States' rich history and enduring legacy.
- The monumental funnels, once majestic symbols of the SS United States' record-breaking speed, will be repurposed as dramatic focal points in the new SS United States Museum, merging the ship's rich history with the latest museum design technology.
- The upcoming SS United States Museum, slated to showcase thousands of artifacts and cutting-edge interactive exhibits, is poised to captivate and inspire visitors, bridging the gap between the general-news story of the ship's transformation and today's technology-driven lifestyle.
