Everyone knows the story of how the Titanic sunk after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean on her fateful maiden voyage. What you might not realise, is that in Belfast there’s a Titanic exhibitdedicated to the everything to do with the ship, from its conception, to its catastrophic demise.
Located in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, on the very spot that ‘The Ship of Dreams’ was constructed by Harland & Wolff, and where it was also launched, is the Titanic Museum Belfast. Conceptual artists designed the building’s shape to look like a ship’s prow, and since it is mostly clad in aluminium shards, not surprisingly, it’s earned the nickname ‘The Iceberg’.
flickr/David Nesbitt uk
The museum first opened in 2012 and has proved extremely popular with nearly 1 million visitors in the first year. There are nine galleries arranged in chronological order, each dealing with a different chapter of the Titanic story. The first three start at the beginning with its exciting conception in‘Boomtown Belfast’, the mammoth job of construction in the ‘Shipyard Ride’ (an electronic ride with special effects) and thrilling launch day in ‘Launch of Titanic’.
Because the story is such an emotional one, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement that the Titanic generated, recreated in the ‘Maiden Voyage’ gallery through original photos and old movie reels. The elaborate furnishings and fittings, and luxurious 1st class cabins (as well as the not so luxurious 3rd class cabins) of this oversized floating hotel are brought to life in the ‘Fit Out’ gallerywhich has original artefacts and CGI imagery.
flickr/Beechgarave
Recreating the night of ‘The Sinking’ was never going to be easy, but it is managed here in an evocative and moving way, with passenger voiceovers recounting the experience. The three further galleries ‘The Aftermath’, ‘Myths & Reality’ and ‘Visit & Explore the Wreck’ explore the the investigation into the disaster, ways the Titanic features in popular culture and footage of the wreck.
So if you’re wondering what to do in Belfast, then go on one of the City Bus Tours in the morning which will drop you off in the Titanic Quarter. After going through the Titanic Experience, have some lunch in the cafe downstairs and don’t forget to pick up some Titanic souvenirs. You can easily hop back on the bus when you’re finished and continue on sight-seeing round Belfast for the afternoon.
Location of Titanic Belfast
Address: 1 Queens Rd, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP
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