Showcasing over 200 original objects recovered from the wreck site of the ill-fated luxury steamship, the highly anticipated global blockbuster TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition has opened at Melbourne Museum.
Viewed by more than 30 million people worldwide, TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition offers moving insight into the human side of the tragedy through the personal stories of passengers and crew who unknowingly set off on a journey on 14 April 1912 that ended in disaster.
These stories include Australians like stewardess Evelyn Marsden, who defied social norms and helped row her lifeboat to safety – a skill she picked up in her youth on the Murray River – and engineer Arthur McRae, whose grandparents settled on the Mornington Peninsula where their legacy lives on in a suburb named in their honour.
“These are true stories of tragedy and heroism, love and loss, that continue to resonate with people all over the world today,” said Museums Victoria CEO & Director, Lynley Crosswell.
“We’re proud to offer Melbourne Museum audiences the opportunity not just to witness, but to experience this momentous story, and to connect deeply with the real-life characters from history.”
The artefacts – which include an unopened bottle of champagne with a 1900 vintage, luggage, china, a filigree ring with diamonds, and a window frame from the Verandah Cafe – were recovered from four kilometres below the surface of the North Atlantic by RMS Titanic, Inc. the only company authorised to recover artefacts from the site.
“13 years ago, we had the privilege of displaying artefacts at Melbourne Museum to an outstanding reception,” said Jessica Sanders, President of RMS Titanic, Inc. and CEO of E/M Group. “It is our genuine pleasure to return and present this compelling exhibition of real stories about real people through real artefacts.”
With their boarding pass in hand, visitors will step through meticulously recreated ship interiors – including the Grand Staircase, First Class Parlour Suite and Verandah Café – and touch an iceberg to feel how cold the water was that fateful night; a compelling and visceral journey through the events that led to the Ship of dreams’ sinking.
“This globally renowned exhibition will captivate audiences with authentic artefacts and personal stories from the Titanic, which continues to capture hearts and minds more than 100 after its tragic end,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos.
“We’re proud to support TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition at Melbourne Museum which is set to attract thousands of visitors over summer and the school holidays.”
TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Exhibition continues 14 April 2024
Entry fees apply
For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.museumsvictoria.com.au for details.
Images: Boarding pass for Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition – courtesy of Museums Victoria | The Grand Staircase in Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition at Melbourne Museum – photo by Tim Carrafa