Rare artefacts from the Titanic are on public display for the first time ever, adding a powerful new dimension to Belfast’s Titanic Experience. The highly anticipated reimagined Titanic Experience, which opened on March 4th at Titanic Belfast, includes four new galleries and a model replica of the ship.
The exhibition features 15 extremely rare artefacts, mostly personal effects from those who lost their lives in the tragic sinking, creating an intense emotional connection to the Titanic’s passengers and crew. Among the items is the world-famous violin belonging to the ship’s hero musician, Wallace Hartley, which has been described as one of the rarest and most iconic objects of the 20th century.
Other items include a rare manifest ticket, stamped 10 April 1912, and a pocket watch belonging to passenger Malcolm Joakim Johnson. The hands were frozen at 1.37 am when Johnson was immersed in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Belfast’s Titanic Experience
A Plan of First Class accommodation, issued exclusively to First Class passengers to help them navigate the luxury liner, and a set of five rare original glass plate photographs of Titanic’s launch in Belfast on May 31st, 1911, are also part of the exhibition.
Visitors can also see a deck chair bearing the distinctive insignia of the White Star Line, one of only six known to have survived, and a rare lifejacket. These items highlight the sheer size of the liner and provide a window back in time.
The refreshed Titanic Experience introduces ‘The Pursuit of Dreams’ as a new theme. It combines immersive new technology with this original maritime heritage collection and the authentic Titanic story to deliver an enriched, emotive experience.
An illuminated replica model of RMS Titanic is the new centrepiece of the experience, suspended from the ceiling and rotating to highlight different areas of the ship in line with the stories being told through colourful projections on the walls around it.
An original score has been recorded to add different emotions and drama to the retelling of the story that has fascinated the world for over 100 years.
The exhibition brings a personal element to the refreshed Titanic Experience and is of great historical significance. It is an opportunity for visitors to connect with the passengers and crew aboard the Titanic and honour their memory.
The Titanic Experience is a must-visit attraction in Belfast and offers an immersive and unforgettable experience. For further information and to plan your visit, please visit www.ireland.com.
In conclusion, the display of these rare artefacts offers a unique opportunity to see personal items from those who lost their lives in the Titanic tragedy and to reflect on the lives that were lost. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the need to ensure that similar tragedies are never repeated. The reimagined Titanic Experience is a fitting tribute to the Titanic and the people aboard it.
Written by: Don Power
