Titanic Belfast Launches Pop-Up Exhibition To Mark 40th Since Titanic Discovery

Titanic Belfast Launches Pop-Up Exhibition To Mark 40^th Anniversary of Titanic Discovery

The flag onboard the expedition ship that discovered the Titanic wreck goes on display

A pop-up exhibition marking the anniversary of the discovery of RMS Titanic’s wreck will run throughout September at Titanic Belfast. The free display offers insights into Dr. Robert Ballard’s groundbreaking 1985 expedition that proved a pivotal moment in maritime history when it uncovered the ship’s final resting place.

Titled Ballard: A Journey to Discovery, the exhibition delves into the remarkable story of how Titanic was found and gives visitors the opportunity to find out more about how Dr. Robert Ballard and his team discovered the wreck, as well as the fascinating timeline to get there.

Further enhancing the ‘Ballard’s Quest’ area within the permanent Titanic Experience, where visitors can learn about Ballard’s childhood dream to discover Titanic, the pop-up exhibition will feature Dr Ballard’s other iconic missions over the years, including the German battleship Bismarck, RMS Lusitania and the lost fleet of Guadalcanal.

Developed by Dr. Robert Ballard through Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s Deep Submergence Laboratory, the exhibition showcases a remotely operated vehicle (Argo) that is most famous for its role in the discovery of the wreck of the RMS Titanic. Other highlights include an interactive display where you can explore the debris field and a National Geographic Explorer’s flag which sailed aboard the expedition ship, Knorr, when the Titanic’s wreck was discovered on the 1^st September 1985.

On loan from the family of Ralph White, the famous cinematographer who documented the discovery of the Titanic, the flag was present on a 1976 expedition to Scotland, where National Geographic sent a team, including White and Dr. Ballard, to investigate the mythical Loch Ness monster. It was during this Scottish expedition that the idea to search for the Titanic was born. The flag is signed by the 1985 crew and inscribed with “Loch Ness 1976”, symbolising the beginning of the discovery journey

Eimear Kearney, Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast, said: “The 40th anniversary of Titanic’s discovery offers a special opportunity to reflect and learn about one of the most significant moments in maritime history. As the most authentic place to discover the history of the world-famous ship, we not only take great pride in telling its story, but also in celebrating the people behind it. We are proud to showcase the incredible work of Dr. Robert Ballard and his team and share their fascinating journey to one of the world’s most remarkable discoveries.”

Titanic Belfast will also be participating in the Belfast Maritime Festival, organised by the Maritime Belfast Trust. Taking place over the weekend of 6th and 7th September, the festival will transform the city’s waterfront with family-friendly activities and maritime-themed fun. As part of the celebrations, Titanic Belfast will be hosting its own marquee on Hamilton Dock, where children can create their own blueprints of a ship.

Ballard: A Journey to Discovery is open to the public daily until Tuesday 30^th September. The free exhibition is located on Level 1 of Titanic Belfast, and for more information, go to www.titanicbelfast.com.