(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – On April 15, 1912, the world’s largest Ship, Titanic, sank after colliding with an iceberg, claiming more than 1,500 lives and subsequently altering the world’s confidence in modern technology. A little over a century later, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium pays tribute to the tragedy, which continues to resonate through Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, where nearly 100 legendary and priceless artifacts conserved from the Ship’s debris field will be showcased to provide visitors with a poignant look at this iconic Ship and its passengers. The exhibit opens at the South Florida venue at 4801 Dreher Trail in West Palm Beach on November 16, 2013 and runs through Titanic’s fateful 102nd anniversary with the exhibit closing on April 20, 2014.
“While important scientific discoveries are made every day,” said SFSCA CEO Lew Crampton, “there are few as stirring and dramatic as those researched and recovered from Titanic. This blockbuster exhibit depicts an inspiring and dramatic time in our history and its discovery would not have been possible without the presence of modern day technology. We want visitors of all ages to be exposed to the notion that science is all around us, and we know this epic exhibit will accomplish that goal in a unique and highly educational way. We are grateful to the Quantum Foundation for their sponsorship in assisting us to underwrite this important exhibit. We’re convinced that from young to old, visitors of all ages will enjoy Titanic!”
The exhibition has been designed with a focus on the legendary RMS Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations. Perfume created by a man traveling to New York to sell his samples, china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, even personal effects like a cigar holder, toothpaste jar and a calling card– these and many other authentic objects offer haunting, emotional connections to lives abruptly ended or forever altered.
Visitors are quickly drawn back in time to 1912 as they enter the exhibit, with each receiving a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger on board Titanic. They then begin their chronological journey through the life of Titanic, moving through the Ship’s construction, to life on board, to the ill-fated sinking and amazing artifact rescue efforts. Visitors will marvel at the recreated first and third-class cabins, and can press their palms against an iceberg while learning of countless stories of heroism and humanity.
In the “Memorial Gallery,” guests will take their boarding pass to the memorial wall and discover whether their passenger and traveling companions survived or perished.
Over the past 15 years, more than 25 million people have seen this powerful exhibition in major museums worldwide, from Chicago to Los Angeles and Paris to London. RMS Titanic, Inc. is the only company permitted by law to recover objects from the wreck site of Titanic. The company was granted Salvor-in-Possession rights to the wreck site of Titanic by a United States federal court in 1994 and has conducted eight research and recovery expeditions to the sunken ship, rescuing more than 5,500 artifacts.
“We know that a passion for science is at the heart of any health care career so, as a health care foundation, we’re excited that the South Florida Science Center is growing and developing as a center for science education in the region,” said Quantum Foundation President Eric Kelly. “Big exhibits like this help draw new people in to explore the world of science and this exhibit will encourage those who haven’t experienced the newly-renovated Science Center to come and see how just how exciting it is.”
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, formerly known as the South Florida Science Museum, recently completed a $5 million expansion and renovation and will host Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition in its newly expanded exhibit hall. With
a new mission to “open every mind to science,” the Science Center features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit. All exhibits will be open during the Titanic’s special showing.
Admission to the Science Center during Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will be $15 for adults, $11.50 for children aged 3 to 12, and $13.50 for seniors aged 62 and older. Science Center members and children under 3 are free; and school group pricing will not be affected. Planetarium shows and miniature golf are not included in general admission pricing.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.

Comments are closed.