Since the sinking of the Titanic over a century ago, people have continued to remain fascinated by every detail. The “unsinkable” Queen of the Ocean and that momentous launch in Belfast from Slipway No. 3 at the bottom of the Atlantic. Today, tourists and locals can delve deeper into the tragedy, behold a replica of a first class cabin, and walk along the ship’s promenade deck at Titanic Belfast. What’s more, the world-leading attraction is also regulary illuminated by the Candlelight series’ sea of candles for intimate concerts.
Located on the Maritime Mile, Titanic Belfast forms part of “one of Europe’s largest urban waterfront regeneration projects”—Titanic Quarter. Only a 25 to 30-minute walk from the city centre, getting to the museum is an easy task. Visitors arriving by car can find 520 underground paid parking spaces in the Titanic Quarter, and Translink also operate regular train and bus services bringing you pretty much to the door of Titanic Belfast.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Titanic Belfast
1. A miraculous structure
Given the striking exterior of Titanic Belfast, it comes as no surprise to learn that its star-shaped form and intricate design represent something bigger. Texan architect Eric Kuhne explained that “the architecture behind Titanic Belfast was inspired by water crystals just as they begin to freeze.” The crystals are the facades and the icebergs form the glass observatories overlooking the old slipways. It “celebrates the iconography of over 400 years of shipbuilding, innovation, and creativity in Belfast.”
2. The Titanic Memorial Garden
Visitors will discover that nothing is meaningless at Titanic Belfast. The museum is fully invested in establishing a thoughtful tribute to the magnificent ships built at Harland & Wolff shipyard. The Memorial Garden, on the Olympic slipway, features four grass lawns and timber decking portraying the proportion of Titanic’s survivors and victims from the crew and passenger classes. If you look closely, you’ll see the names of the deceased set in vertical glass panels along the slipways.
3. Explore the last remaining White Star Line Ship
SS Nomadic is the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world. And you can see it at Titanic Belfast as the ship was restored. The ship was used to transport passengers from the dock in Cherbourg out to Titanic. While walking across her four decks, you can close your eyes and picture what it was like to be on your way to board the “Ship of Dreams”.
Candlelight concerts at Titanic Belfast
Candlelight is not only known for its incomparable atmosphere, but it is also known to seek out some of the finest venues. And this season, the wildly popular concerts are taking place at Titanic Belfast. Talented musicians are coming to the evocative setting steeped in history to captivate audiences with classical takes on some of the greatest music of all time. From tributes to Adele and ABBA to a concert celebrating Vivaldi, there’s something for everyone.
What else can you do at Titanic Belfast?
Self-guided tours of the Titanic Experience and Sunday afternoon tea in the Titanic Suite accompanied by live jazz music are some of the spectacular things you can do at the museum. You can even hire the SS Nomadic or Titanic Belfast for your next event. The Shipyard Ride is also a must if you’re in the mood for a fully immersive experience. Operating seasonal hours, take a look at the museum’s website when planning your visit.
Although enjoying a live music performance at this incredible venue is hard to beat, Candlelight also takes place at other spaces around the city. Invite your friends or family along for a memorable evening out thanks to Candlelight, the power of candles, and awe-inspiring musicians.