U-505 (pre-relocation)

The museum displays the German U-boat U-505. The U-505 was the first enemy vessel that the U.S. Navy captured on the high seas since the War of 1812. After the war, it was slated to be used for target practice until an effort was made to save it and convert it to a museum ship.

It was located between one of the main buildings and the walkway to the Henry Crown Space Center. Some 50 years of Chicago weather began to take its toll on the submarine until a major capital campaign allowed the museum to move the U-505 to an underground, climate-controlled exhibit in spring of 2004.

This photo set dates back to when the U-boat was located outdoors. At the time, submarine tours were included with museum admission and photography aboard the sub was allowed. A quick check of the museum's Website shows that the on-board tour is now a "ticketed experience," one for which one must pay and additional $12 entry fee. Ah, the good old days ...

Wreckhunter.net has a nice, high-resolution cut-away diagram of the U-505, as well as photos of the current U-505 exhibit.