TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION at the Indiana State Museum

Indianapolis – The Indiana State Museum will pay tribute to the legendary tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic when it debuts Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition on Sept. 25, 2010. The Exhibition will showcase more than 240 artifacts recovered from the Ship’s debris field, offering visitors a poignant look at the iconic vessel and its passengers. Open through January 2011.

Indiana State Museum – north side Photo credit: Indiana State Museum Staff Photo View of the Indiana State Museum from the Central Canal

“The Indiana State Museum looks forward to featuring Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” said Vice President of Programming, Rex Garniewicz. “The compelling artifacts offer haunting emotional connections to the lives of those onboard the Ship and we are pleased to share these passengers’ stories with our visitors.”

“The incredible story of Titanic is timeless and knows no generational boundaries. Young and old alike are always enthralled with both the beauty and tragedy of the ill fated ocean liner that is the story of Titanic. With more than 22 million visitors to date, we consistently see how Titanic resonates and touches everyone.” said Cheryl Mure, Vice President of Education for RMS Titanic, Inc.

The Exhibition, on display through January 2011, has been designed with a focus on the legendary Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations. Perfume from a maker who was traveling to New York to sell his samples, and china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, even pieces of the Ship itself, these and many other authentic objects offer haunting, emotional connections to lives abruptly ended or forever altered.

Upon entering the Exhibition, each visitor will receive a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger aboard the Ship. Visitors then begin their chronological journey through the life of the Titanic, moving through the Ship’s construction, to life on board, to the ill-fated sinking and amazing artifact rescue efforts. They will marvel at the re-created first-class cabin and third-class cabin and hallway, and press their palms against an iceberg while learning of countless stories of heroism and humanity.

One of the many galleries will be dedicated to local connections, where visitors can learn about how the sinking of the great Ship strongly resonated in Indianapolis. 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 22 million people have seen this powerful exhibition in major museums worldwide. Tickets to the popular exhibition can be purchased in August.

Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, it is Indiana’s museum for science and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture.

Visit our website www.indianamuseum.org and you can also visit our blog at www.indianastatemuseum.wordpress.com

RMS Titanic, Inc.
RMS Titanic, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Exhibitions, 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 seven research and recovery expeditions to Titanic’s debris field and recovered more than 5,500 artifacts.

Premier Exhibitions, Inc. is a major provider of museum-quality touring exhibitions throughout the world.

www.indianamuseum.org