Blockbuster TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition sails into Melbourne Museum – now open for summer

The Grand Staircase in Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition at Melbourne Museum. Photo by Tim Carrafa. Source: Museums Victoria

Open until 14 April 2024.

The highly anticipated global blockbuster TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition opens at Melbourne Museum today, showcasing over 200 original objects recovered from the wreck site of the ill-fated luxury steamship. 

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 April 14, 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. 

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. 

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 - touch an iceberg to help them understand how cold the water was that fateful night, taking them on a compelling and visceral journey through the events that led to the sinking of the Ship of dreams. 

Captivating hearts and minds more than a century later, TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition will intrigue and educate visitors of all ages in its blockbuster season at Melbourne Museum until 14 April 2024. 

For more information and to book tickets go to: Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition - Melbourne Museum (museumsvictoria.com.au) 

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos
‘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. 

‘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.’ 

Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks 
‘The Titanic has long fascinated the world, and this exhibition brings to life some of the most interesting stories about those of local people connected to the ship.’ 

‘This blockbuster exhibition adds to the stellar lineup of creative events on offer in Victoria over the summer months.’ 

Quote attributable to Museums Victoria CEO & Director, Lynley Crosswell 
‘These are true stories of tragedy and heroism, love and loss, that continue to resonate with people all over the world today. 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.’   

Quote attributable to President of RMS Titanic, Inc., and CEO of E/M Group, Jessica Sanders
‘13 years ago, we had the privilege of displaying artefacts at Melbourne Museum to an outstanding reception, it is our genuine pleasure to return and present this compelling exhibition of real stories about real people through real artefacts.’ 

Programming and Events: 

Titanic After Dark 

There are several opportunities for late night access to Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition: 

  • Nocturnal: Thursday 8 February, Thursday 14 March and Thursday 11 April. Tickets available here. 
  • Museum Lates: All ages after-hours exhibition viewing 11 January 2024 & 18 January 2024, 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Complete the package and book a screening of James Cameron’s Titanic at IMAX, bookings here 

Titanic High Teas 

Experience a taste of the Titanic through a unique high tea menu inspired by the rich history of the world's most legendary ship. Enjoy a tiered selection of freshly made sweet and savoury delights before embarking on a journey through the historic Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition.  Monday 18 December – Sunday 14 April, 10.30-3pm (final table bookings at 1pm). Bookings here. 

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Media and Communications Team
Museums Victoria
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0466 622 621

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