Last Updated on December 20, 2022
An Incredible Museum
The fantastic Titanic Museum, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is an incredible place to visit. Inside you’ll learn not only about the ship but much about social conditions in Ireland a century ago.
When I first approached the Museum I saw huge pieces of steel jutting out from a glass core. It looked like a huge piece of modern. I later realized, however, that the four masses of steel each replicate the bow of the Titanic. In fact, at 90 feet tall they’re the same height of its hull from keel to deck.
Covering it are 3000 silver aluminum sheets. They reflect the water from pools at the base of the building, giving the illusion of waves around the hull.
Outside the Museum the Titanic sign in front of the building is titanic as well. Much like the steel on the ship itself, it’s cut from a plate almost an inch thick. Also, it weighs 16 tons, the same as Titanic’s forward anchor. You’ll find more surprises inside.
Replicating the Feel of Titanic
Walk into the atrium and you feel the industrial aura of the place. After a minute or two you realize the rough-hewn wood beams and steel all about replicate the feel of the shipyard. Even the ticket desks are shaped like large portholes.
In the Titanic Museum in Belfast the launch of the ship is in gallery three. You view it on a large television monitor positioned over a great pile of huge anchor chain, follows the shipyard adventure. The old movie footage of the launch was captivating. Just as fascinating is the sight of the workmen on the reel, looking so small next to the giant hull. With the exception of the ride in gallery two, you move through it all at your own pace, and many of us stayed and watched the launch several times.
You can see a one-minute video of Titanic’s launch above.
Editor’s Note: you may also enjoy A Black Taxi Tour of Belfast, Driving Northern Ireland’s Coast Road, and Four Wonderful Gardens in Ireland.
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