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In response to a tide of visitors and growing interest from across the country, the Russian Submarine Museum will remain open to the public and available for private tours and events through the entire winter. Juliett 484, the former Soviet nuclear cruise missile submarine and "star" of Harrison Ford's K-19: The Widowmaker, opened Aug. 5 to enthusiastic crowds.
The submarine is moored at Collier Point Park, Providence, where visitors will experience a unique look at Russian naval culture and technology aboard the 300-foot long, diesel-powered Cold War veteran.
"Soviet submarines were designed to operate in waters colder than the worst New England winters," said USS Saratoga Museum Foundation president Frank Lennon. ``Our engineering staff is restoring onboard systems to make Juliett comfortable for visitors regardless of the season, allowing us to operate year-round. Even though Juliett 484 is floating in Narragansett Bay, we're essentially still a museum. And like most museums, once you're inside, cold weather isn't a factor. We are happy to say, we're ready to accommodate visitors 12 months a year."
The museum schedule for the Spring and Summer 2003 season:
************* Important Note *************
The Juliet 484 sank while docked in less than 20 feet of water due to a unique storm surge that let the water in through the Museum Entrance.
Please disregard hours as the museum is now closed. Thank You for your understanding.
Juliett 484 is available by advance reservation only from 9 a.m. to sunset seven days a week for school groups, private tours and special events. For more information and reservations call 401-640-3326.
"Because many tourists discover us spontaneously, we will remain open, playing our role as a prime tourist attraction," Lennon said. "As a community asset, we intend to be as flexible as possible, accommodating schools and others who plan a visit. If your group wants to see Juliett 484, please call us. We've had a tremendous summer and the volume of visitors continues to surprise us into the fall. Now, we're looking forward to an exciting winter season."
The Saratoga Foundation acquired the submarine earlier this year to support its ongoing effort to convert the supercarrier USS Saratoga into a floating museum, education center and family attraction on Narragansett Bay. The Saratoga is moored at the U.S. Navy facility in Middletown. The Foundation's long-term vision is the display the two ships - Cold War adversaries that were both decommissioned in 1994 - side by side as a Cold War museum and monument to lasting peace between Russia and the United States.
 Russian Submarine Museum ticket prices are $5 for children; $6 for uniformed military personnel and senior citizens; $8 for all other adults. Major credit cards are accepted; no reservations are required. For safety purposes, guests must wear appropriate footwear: high heels, flip-flops and open-toed shoes are not allowed. Visitors must demonstrate their ability to pass through a mock submarine hatch near the ticketing area. Children under 6 are not allowed to tour the submarine. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
The submarine museum is located in beautiful Collier Point Park, an urban oasis near the center of downtown Providence. The park entrance is on Allens Avenue, immediately south of the city's newest electrical generating plant.
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