Remembering Titanic – 100 years to close 11th November

by Jude Timms on 23 Oct 2012 Time is running out for Sydneysiders to see the National Maritime Museum’s memorial exhibition Remembering Titanic – 100 years. The exhibition, which has captivated thousands of visitors since it opened, must close on the 11th November.

Arguably one of the most significant events of the 20th century, the sinking of Titanic has captivated people and generated controversy for decades.

Remebering Titanic presents the history of this epic tragedy from construction to fateful sinking and rediscovery, and the controversy surrounding it.

Titanic was to be the greatest ship afloat, shining proof of the industrial power of the modern world. But tragically, this vision was shattered on its first voyage when it struck an iceberg and sank on 15 April 1912 with the loss of over 1500 lives.

Drawing on replica objects, ship models, memorabilia, newspapers, and graphics the exhibition concentrates on the human stories behind the disaster from the ‘unsinkable’ Molly Brown to the unsung heroes like junior wireless operator Harold Sydney Bride and Arthur Henry Rostron, Captain of the Carpathia which came to Titanic’s aid.

The exhibition also looks at the impact of Titanic on popular culture from books to films culminating in the cinema release of Titanic 3D earlier this year, and its release on Blue Ray.

On display in Remembering Titanic – 100 years are nine costumes and selected props from the film including outfits worn by Kate Winslet, Leonardo Di Caprio and Billy Zane. The exhibition also focuses on the story of the unsinkable Molly Brown, played by Oscar Winner Kathy Bates in Titanic 3D.

Controversy has surrounded Titanic for decades…from the shocking number of deaths, particularly among third class passengers, to the scarcity of lifeboats on board. And in more recent years the salvaging of the wreck site and recovery of objects have been likened to grave robbing. The exhibition looks at these issues, the basis for them and the differing viewpoints.

Entry to Remembering Titanic is included with general admission: $7 adults, $3.50 child/concession or $17.50 families.

The exhibition is presented in association with principal partner 20th Century Fox who released James Cameron’s Academy Award-winning Titanic in 3D on Blu-ray Hi-def and DVD on September 12.

The National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 Australian National Maritime Museum website