In response to a tide of visitors and growing interest from across the country, the Russian Submarine Museum is 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."

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"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.

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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, but call ahead to confirm hours of operation. 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.

DIRECTIONS:

From Points North: From I-95 South, take the Eddy St. exit - Exit 19 - towards Allens Avenue. Keep left at the fork in the ramp, passing under the overpass. Turn left at the light onto Allens Avenue; Collier Point Park is approximately 0.1 miles on the right hand side.

From Points South: From I-95 North, take the Thurbers Avenue exit - Exit 18 - towards Allens Avenue. Keep right at the fork in the ramp, merging onto Thurbers Avenue. Turn left onto Allens Avenue. Collier Point Park is approximately 0.8 miles up on the right hand side.

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