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Step Aboard History: Titanic The Exhibition Docks In Dallas

The exhibit will be in Dallas until May 2025

On April 14, 1912, the Titanic met its tragic fate, becoming one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters. For nearly 114 years, the Ship of Dreams has rested at the bottom of the North Atlantic — but now, the Titanic comes to life in Far North Dallas.

Titanic: The Exhibition is the largest and most immersive touring experience dedicated to the legendary vessel. Step back in time with a powerful narrative that reveals the lives of Titanic’s passengers and crew through haunting personal stories, authentic artifacts and breathtaking ship re-creations.

Bringing Titanic To Life

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Photo: Matilda Preisendorf | Local Profile

Titanic: The Exhibition is an interactive exhibition that tells the chronological and dramatic tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage and tragedy of the largest and most luxurious ship in the world at that time. Mark Lach, creative producer and designer of Titanic: The Exhibition, brought Titanic's history back to the surface.

When James Cameron's Oscar-winning film Titanic premiered, Lach designed a new exhibit for the ship. Since then, Titanic itself has became a significant part of his life, leading him to curate exhibitions around the world for more than 20 years. 

“I was honored to be asked to dive the wreck of the Titanic by the organization that recovers her artifacts,” Lach says. “It's an experience I will never forget and one that continues to shape the creation of the exhibition. It filled me with the important responsibility of presenting the story of Titanic in a way that honors her passengers and crew.”

For six weeks, a team of 25 people meticulously piece together replicas and artifacts, bringing the Titanic back to life.

Walking through the exhibit is like stepping into history. Visitors experience the excitement of being onboard Titanic during her maiden voyage, while also feeling the emotional weight of the tragedy. “I had the honor of personally escorting Milvina Dean through our exhibition in London,” Lach says. “Milvina was not only the youngest passenger aboard the Titanic at nine weeks old, she also was her last living survivor before she passed in 2009.”

Titanic: The Exhibition is not just a history lesson —  It’s an immersive, first-hand experience. 

What To Expect From The Exhibition

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Photo: Matilda Preisendorf | Local Profile

Upon entering the building, I receive my boarding pass, and for the day, I become Austin Blyler Van Billiard, a real Titanic passenger. Traveling third class with his two sons, Van Billiard was returning to Pennsylvania after mining diamonds in East Africa. Today, I am Van Billiard — aboard the most iconic ship in history.

As I enter the exhibit, the melodies of Titanic’s era and the iconic film soundtrack transport me back in time. The ship’s recreated interiors make it feel as if I’ve truly boarded the ill-fated liner. I wander down the first-class hallway into the lavish millionaire’s suite, which inspired Rose’s stateroom in the 1997 film. 

Of course, no Titanic experience is complete without the grand staircase — this breathtaking full-scale replica invites guests to ascend its marble steps, adorned with intricate gold details, just as passengers did in 1912 (unfortunately Jack will not be waiting for you below). Beyond the staircase, I squeeze through the narrow third-class corridors and cabin, a stark contrast to first-class luxury, before descending into the boiler room, where the ship’s engines once roared to life.

But perhaps the most awe-inspiring moment of the exhibit comes on the promenade deck. Standing beneath a starry night sky, I gaze out at the illusion of an endless ocean — just as Titanic’s passengers did on that fateful voyage. For a moment, history doesn’t just feel real —  it feels alive.

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Photo: Matilda Preisendorf | Local Profile

Entering the next room, I’m greeted by the chilling sign: "Iceberg right ahead!" A replica iceberg stands nearby, its surface colder than the waters Titanic sank in. In the discovery gallery, a glass floor simulates the ocean depths, with broken china shards scattered in the sand, a reminder that Titanic is more than just a story.

As the exhibition comes to an end, the last room is full of artifacts from the time people first heard of the ships sinking. On the wall are the names of the 2,240 passengers and crew members who set sail to America. Just over 700 survived. Van Billiard — with 12 loose diamonds in his pocket — did not survive. 

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Photo: Matilda Preisendorf | Local Profile

Since I first saw the exhibit over 15 years ago in Denver, much has evolved. The exhibition now includes a VR Journey that takes guests 2.5 miles beneath the Atlantic to explore Titanic’s final resting place. Additionally, a captivating documentary on the ship’s collision and sinking is featured, along with award-winning underwater photography that captures the haunting decay of the wreck.

Discover The Artifacts

While only three genuine Titanic artifacts exist — a gold swimming medal recovered from a passenger, a Spode china teacup from the first-class promenade deck and wood from the grand staircase — the exhibit showcases 350 artifacts, including china, menus, personal belongings and other items from the era.

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Photo: Matilda Preisendorf | Local Profile

Here’s what else you can see:

  • Titanic postcards from the early 1900s
  • Letters from those who saw Titanic depart
  • Posters and newspapers after the sinking
  • Replica lifejackets
  • China used in filming the 1997 film
  • The Heart of The Ocean replica 
  • Photographs from the movie’s filming

The Titanic Today

The Titanic rests nearly 12,500 feet (2.5 miles) beneath the ocean’s surface, where nature continues its slow reclamation. Rusticles — formed by a complex colony of 27 types of bacteria — now coat the ship, gradually breaking it down. Tragically, experts estimate that the Titanic may vanish entirely within the next 50 years as these bacteria consume what remains of the once-majestic vessel.

“Many ideas for raising the ship have been entertained,” a poster from the exhibit reads. “But Titanic is just too fragile to leave her watery resting place.”

Visit Titanic: The Exhibition

When: Opens Feb. 14, 2025
Where: Pepper Square 14902 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75254
Tickets: Tickets are on sale now at here
Age requirements: All ages are welcome! Children under 4 enter free of charge
Pricing: Tickets range from $21.50-$38.00 with discounts for seniors, military and groups

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