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It was hard to tell who was more excited about our family visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast. My teenage daughter, obsessed with everything Titanic was first in line, camera-ready and anxious to get through the door. Behind her was my husband, a history buff who was equally ready to check out this iconic attraction. The two led the way through the doors and up the escalator, while the grandparents and myself stayed back to be able to process it all, one exhibit at a time.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your family, look no further than the Titanic Museum in Belfast. Titanic Belfast has nine interactive galleries that tell the story of the Titanic from its construction to its sinking. Save yourself time and click here to purchase your Titanic Belfast museum tickets in advance. Here are eight reasons why you should take the family to the Titanic Museum:
1. Learn about one of History’s Most Famous Disasters
The Titanic has been called one of the most famous disasters of the 20th century. There are a number of reasons why this event has captured the public imagination and continues to hold a place in popular culture.
First, the Titanic was an incredible engineering feat. When it was built, the Titanic was the largest passenger ship in the world. Its size and luxury made it a symbol of human achievement.
Second, the Titanic’s sinking was a tragedy on a grand scale. More than 1,500 people lost their lives when the ship went down. The Titanic’s passengers were from all walks of life, and their deaths touched people around the world.
Third, Titanic’s story has all the elements of a good drama: conflict, suspense, tragedy, and even romance. The Titanic’s sinking was due in part to human error, and there are tales of heroism and cowardice that emerged from that fateful night.
2. See Where the Titanic was Built
The Titanic was built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland where the Titanic Museum now resides. Completed in 1912, the Titanic was the world’s largest passenger ship at the time of its launch. Today, the Titanic is best known for its tragic sinking on its maiden voyage in April 1912. While the Titanic’s story ends in tragedy, its legacy continues to capture the public’s imagination.
100 years late, on March 31, 2012, the Titanic Museum opened its doors. In its first year, it welcomed 807,340 visitors, exceeding any expectations, with more than half coming from outside Northern Ireland for the experience. In 2015 / 2016 it became the world’s leading tourism attraction as awarded at the World Travel Awards, and since its opening has received 15 awards.
3. View Artifacts from the Shipwreck
The Titanic shipwreck is one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. In 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank, killing more than 1,500 people. The shipwreck was discovered in 1985, and since then, many artifacts have been recovered from the site. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the Titanic disaster and the lives of those who perished.
It houses many Titanic artifacts, including the H&W gates and time clock, promotional brochures promoting the voyage, handwritten budgets and spreadsheets, white star china, and more. Visitors to the museum can view these artifacts up close and learn about their significance. The Titanic story is told through the lens of those who experienced it firsthand, making for a very moving and educational experience.
4. Discover what Life was like Onboard the Titanic
The Titanic was one of the most luxurious ships of its time, and life on board was nothing short of lavish. Passengers were treated to sumptuous meals, fine wine, and endless entertainment. The Titanic was also a very large ship, and passengers could easily lose themselves in its many corridors and public spaces. However, life on board the Titanic was not all fun and games. There were strict social hierarchies that dictated where passengers could go and what they could do. One of our favourite parts of the museum was seeing the recreation of the cabins and the “guests” visiting inside their cabins. The interactive and engaging displays really made helped create more connections to the history of the ship.
5. Hear Stories from Survivors and Crew Members
Titanic-related stories from survivors and crew members are showcased at the Titanic Museum in Belfast. These stories provide a unique perspective on the Titanic disaster, and they help to humanize the event. Many of the stories focus on the heroism of the Titanic’s crew members, who worked tirelessly to save lives despite the chaotic and dangerous conditions. Other stories highlight the resilience of the Titanic’s passengers, who showed great strength and courage in the face of adversity. The Titanic Museum in Belfast is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for hope and strength in the face of tragedy. We highly suggest that if you are visiting Belfast, be sure to click here and purchase Titanic Belfast museum tickets and immerse yourself in this incredible eye-opening museum experience.
6. Explore the Wreckage of the Titanic on Film
Titanic enthusiasts can now explore the wreckage of the Titanic on film, thanks to a new exhibit at the Titanic Museum in Belfast. The Titanic sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg, and the wreck was not discovered until 1985. Since then, only a handful of people have been able to see it firsthand. However, the Titanic Museum has now created a virtual tour that allows visitors to see the shipwreck in all its detail. The tour begins with a short film that explains how the Titanic was found and what conditions the wreck is in today. Visitors then onboard a submersible vehicle that takes them to the bottom of the ocean. Once there, they are able to see the Titanic up close, as well as ongoing efforts to preserve the wreck site. The virtual tour is an immersive experience that gives Titanic fans a rare glimpse into one of history’s most famous shipwrecks.
7. Visit the Titanic Museum Belfast Gift Shop – it’s Incredible!
This may seem like a silly thing to include on the list but while my daughter was soaking in all of the attraction (it was one of the first things she added to our Ireland with Kids: An Ultimate 10 Day Adventure Filled Itinerary), my son (who’s younger and has a shorter attention span for details) was excited to head to the gift shop. There we shopped for an hour (not joking) where he proceeded to spend all of his trip money and bought everything in the store (okay not everything, it just felt like that). From traditional souvenirs to customized posters, books, and traditional Irish gifts, the store is the perfect place to shop and stock up on memorabilia from your visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast.
8. Afternoon Tea at The Titanic Belfast Museum
If you’re looking for the perfect post-museum experience head over to the Titanic Hotel Belfast, which is located directly next to the Titanic Belfast Museum. Afternoon tea is a sumptuous affair served in the elegant surroundings of the Harland Bar. “Experience the Golden Age of Hospitality with soft music in historic spaces. Let us serve you tiny, soft sandwiches filled with delicious delicacies freshly baked steaming scones and flaky pastries oozing cream, all on our best china, and of course tea in a much-loved pot.” They even offer a kid’s afternoon tea menu which includes all the goodies you’d expect and even milk and cookies! Bookings are required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing: [email protected]
Planning your Family Visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast:
Is Titanic Museum good for kids?
The Titanic Museum in Belfast is the perfect place for children who are interested in learning more about the historic ship and the insights into the building, sailing, and demise of the glorious Titanic. What we loved the most was the variety of mediums that were used to share the information, it was a hands-on experience where you could touch, grab, press, pull, watch, walk, ride, and hear different elements, definitely a modern museum experience. From holographic projections about “passengers” sharing their stories to movies running right under your feet to underwater displays, it was an engaging experience for everyone in my family from my children to the grandparents.
How long does it take to go through the Titanic Museum in Belfast?
The average visitor spends about 1.5 to 2 hours at the attraction, but our family split up and we spent our experience in two different ways. My daughter wanted to go through every element and took her time whereas my son wanted to head to the souvenir shop! I’d recommend giving yourself lots of time to explore this incredible museum so that you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy your time both inside and outside of the museum. We also suggest you click here to purchase your Titanic Belfast museum tickets in advance, to save yourself time at the entrance. On a nice day, there is a lovely promenade that you can walk along with the family and get some great views over the Belfast skyline. Or walk across the street to the Titanic Hotel and enjoy fish and chips in the same room where the original drafting of the Titanic tool place!
Is Titanic Belfast worth it?
Recognizing that we may be biased, our daughter is obsessed with the story of the Titanic and this was the number one spot of interest for her on the trip. So we were very impressed with the attraction as well as the surrounding area. And be sure to take that into consideration when looking at the value of your trip…not only are you visiting the Titanic Museum in Belfast but you’re also getting to explore the surrounding region. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan the studio where they filmed the series is just down the street.
Can you take a stroller in the Titanic Museum?
Whether you’re looking to take a stroller into the Titanic Museum or a mobility device for another family member like a wheelchair or a scooter, the whole attraction is very accessible to all members of the family. Through the use of elevators, you’ll be able to easily navigate between the different galleries.
Can you take pictures at the Titanic museum?
Pictures are encouraged and there are more interesting things to capture than there will be time for you to explore! I loved that there was so much variety and things to explore that it really was overwhelming (in all the right ways). I love how museums have modernized and are more welcoming and hands-on than they were when I was a child.
Who designed the Titanic Museum in Belfast?
The museum was designed by the late Mr Eric Kuhne. When coming up with the idea for the Titanic centre he had “worked for seven years to conceive, design, and create an international destination in Belfast that celebrates five centuries of its maritime legacy including the building of the RMS Titanic”.
He said he and his London-based architectural company had “created an architectural icon that captures the spirit of the shipyards, ships, water crystals, ice, and the White Star Line’s logo. Its architectural form cuts a skyline silhouette that has been inspired by the very ships that were built on this hallowed ground”.
Hotels Close To the Titanic Museum Belfast
I first walked into The Merchant Hotel in Belfast in September 2018 and spent four years dreaming about bringing my family back to experience this luxury property. The finest hotel in the city is the perfect place for those looking to splurge and have an incredible experience in the heart of Belfast. Walking distance to the city’s top attraction this hotel has everything you need including incredible restaurants (that are very accommodating to allergies), luxury bars, high-end amenities including a hot tub on the roof, and rooms that will make you want to stay forever.
