Nine interactive galleries in the iconic angular building near the original slipways tell the story of the Titanic's construction in Belfast. The most visited attraction in Northern Ireland and winner of World's Leading Tourist Attraction award.
Titanic Belfast opened in 2012 on the centenary of the ship's sinking, built on the former Harland & Wolff shipyard site in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, close to the original slipways where RMS Titanic and her sister ship Olympic were constructed and launched between 1909 and 1911. The angular aluminium-clad building, designed by Eric Kuhne, references the hulls of ships and stands roughly the same height as Titanic's own hull. Nine interactive galleries take visitors chronologically through Belfast's industrial boom in the early 20th century, the design and construction of the ship inside the Harland & Wolff yards, a dark ride recreating the shipyard's working conditions, the ship's launch and fitting-out, its maiden voyage from Southampton, and the sinking on the night of 14-15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives. Later galleries cover the discovery of the wreck by Robert Ballard's expedition in 1985 and include underwater footage and artefacts related to the wreck site, alongside a gallery on the ship's cultural legacy in film and popular memory. The museum incorporates the Drawing Offices where Titanic was designed and offers access to the SS Nomadic, the last surviving White Star Line vessel, docked nearby and included with some ticket types. Titanic Belfast has won several international tourism awards, including World's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards, and is credited with anchoring the regeneration of Belfast's former shipyard docklands into the Titanic Quarter.
| Admission | €26 adult |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9AM-6PM (peak), 10AM-5PM (off-peak) |
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Highlights
- Shipyard Ride recreating Harland & Wolff working conditions
- Galleries on the ship's design, construction, and launch
- Wreck discovery and underwater exploration exhibits
- Original Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices
- SS Nomadic, the last surviving White Star Line ship, docked nearby
Tips for visiting
- Book timed-entry tickets online in advance, especially in summer
- Allow at least two to three hours for the nine galleries
- Combine the ticket with SS Nomadic access if visiting the docked ship as well
- Visit on a weekday for a calmer pace through the interactive exhibits
- The building's exterior and slipway walk outside are free to view without a ticket
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, including the Shipyard Ride, with lifts serving all gallery floors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Titanic Belfast presented in English?
Yes, with audio guides and exhibition text also available in several other languages.
How long does a full visit take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours moving through all nine galleries.
Is Titanic Belfast suitable for children?
Yes, the interactive rides and displays are popular with children, though the sinking gallery covers loss of life in a way that may be intense for very young visitors.