Image: Next year is the 70th birthday of the vessel

Musaic Design Group has been appointed to develop a new museum experience masterplan for USS Yorktown - the floating attraction located at Patriots Point, South Carolina, US.

The Patriots Point Development Authority said the scheme, which will cost around US$2m (EUR1.6m, £1.3m) over the next three to four years, would revitalise the visitor experience.

USS Yorktown was commissioned in 1943 and will celebrate its 70th birthday next year, with the new masterplan to encompass a wide range of elements.

Musaic has been tasked with creating "seriously entertaining" experiences and developing plans for the use of audio-visual and interactive technology, as well as special effects.

Patriots Point executive director Mac Burdette said: "The USS Yorktown will turn 70 next year, but the majority of our visitors are a much younger demographic.

"The masterplan developed through this process will create a new museum experience on the Yorktown that will increase visitation and interest in Patriots Point."

Phase one of the scheme has now started and includes interviews and research. Stage Two is to explore what the ship will offer in future years and the third is the implementation plan.

Last year, PGAV Destinations was appointed to draw up a masterplan for land surrounding the vessel in a bid to establish the ship as a "nationally prominent cultural destination".

Details: www.patriotspoint.org

Image: Michael.Forman