April 15th marks the 103 anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. While this maritime disaster happened a long time ago, it has yet to fade from the world’s fascination. In fact, it seems to be remembered and commemorated more than most world tragedies. Perhaps it’s because of its inherent drama that included famous passengers, class distinctions, heroic sacrifices and a two-and-a-half hour sinking of an unsinkable ship. Of course, multiple movies have helped keep the tragic tale top-of-mind. If you’re captivated by this event, here are the top ten Titanic tourism spots around the world that pay tribute to the first and last voyage of the infamous ship.
1. The Titanic Museum, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Titanic Museum opened in 2010, showcasing 400 artifacts in a half-scale replica of the RMS Titanic. Tickets for the two hour self-guided tour are printed like a boarding pass featuring the name of a real passenger on the 1912 voyage. The museum highlights the back story of several different passengers, putting a personal narrative on the tragedy. At the end of the tour, you find out if your boarding pass holder survived or not.
2. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax, Canada
Halifax, Nova Scotia played a critical role in the Titanic tragedy, and so the city commemorates it with this impressive museum. The RMS Titanic sank near the Canadian coast, and while survivors were sent to New York, those who perished went to Halifax to be identified and, in many cases, buried. Canadian crew faced icy conditions to recover bodies, personal effects and flotsam from the wreckage. Not all victims could be identified, and some of the most haunting exhibits are artifacts from “unknown” children. Historic photographs, actual pieces from the ship and reproductions make for a somber yet illuminating exhibit.
3. Titanic Memorial, New York City
This 60 foot lighthouse stands in front of the South Street Seaport Museum as a monument to those who lost their lives in the sinking of the Titanic. Legend has it the unsinkable Molly Brown, a wealthy American survivor on the ship, supported the initiative to erect a tribute in New York. Several prominent New Yorkers were among those who perished, including Isadore Strauss, co-owner of Macy’s, John Jacob Astor IV and Benjamin Guggenheim.
4. Titanic Belfast, Ireland
This state-of-the-art museum attraction tells the story of the Titanic from its birthplace, the Belfast shipyard where it was built. Its purpose is to educate the public on Belfast’s historical maritime heritage through the Titanic story. The impressive structure is on Queen’s Island at the former site of the Harland & Wolff shipyard. The area was derelict up until a decade or so ago, when efforts were made to revitalize it into what is now the city’s vibrant Titanic Quarter. The modern building was designed to convey ships’ prows, but most people think it looks more like an iceberg (in fact, its nickname is “The Iceberg”). This is one of the best Titanic tourism spots in the world, and a must-see when in Belfast.
5. Titanic Bandsmen Memorial, Broken Hill, Australia
Even the Aussies have paid homage to an aspect of this disaster. One of the most endearing tales from the tragedy is that the band kept playing as the ship went down. Facing certain death, they calmly continued to play “Nearer My God to Thee” as a final fanfare. There’s a monument in Broken Hill, New South Wales where you can pay your respects to these brave musicians.
6. Titanic Museum, Branson, Missouri
The same company that built the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge has another location in Branson. The museum ship floats on water, complete with faux-iceberg in front. The interactive exhibits enlighten the whole family about the maritime disaster in a fun yet sensitive manner. You can even dip your hands into frigid 28-degree water to get a feel for what the passengers endured. If you’re affronted by getting “entertainment” value out of a tragedy, this probably isn’t the attraction for you. Otherwise, it does a good job taking you back to a bygone era and reflecting on the Titanic disaster.
7. Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool
Liverpool is another city with a strong shipbuilding heritage and a link to the RMS Titanic. The White Star Line which owned the Titanic was based in Liverpool, and so the ship was registered there. It even had “Liverpool” emblazoned on its stern. The maiden voyage was planned and orchestrated from the Liverpool office, and at least 90 crew members (about 1 in 10) were from the Merseyside area. Even Captain Smith, who was at the helm of the ill-fated voyage, had lived near Liverpool for 40 years. This Titanic connection is explored in exhibits at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
8. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Orlando
It’s not surprising that theme-park filled Orlando has its own nod to the epic Titanic tragedy. After all, the story has all the elements for a fascinating family-friendly hands-on attraction. This exhibit makes an educational counterpoint to all that Disney fun. Sure, you can buy a lot of hokey Titanic replica merchandise here, but it will also enlighten you on the story. The exhibition includes a 3-ton section of the actual ship’s hull, plus a full-scale recreation of the grand staircase, a first-class parlor suite and the boiler room. Actors portray characters on the ship, bringing the Titanic story to life for visitors of all ages.
9. Addergoole Titanic Monument, Ireland
A sad claim to fame for the Irish village of Lahardane was that it proportionately lost more souls in the Titanic disaster than anywhere else on the planet. Three men and 11 women from the parish of Addergoole embarked on that fateful 1912 voyage, and all but three perished at sea. Considering the village population was just 200 people, those 11 deaths shook the village to its core. Today, there’s a haunting monument in Addergoole Memorial Park that pays tribute to the would-be emigrants.
10. National Museum of American History, Washington D.C.
The Smithsonian Institution contains several Titanic relics on permanent display. This includes historical photographs of the vessel, keys, a pocket watch and a life vest. In Washington’s Channel Park there’s a statue to commemorate the women who lost their lives in the maritime tragedy. Erected in 1930, it stands with arms outstretched, much like Jack and Rose’s “king of the world” pose depicted in the 1997 Titanic film.
