A feat of opulence and engineering, the Titanic epitomizes the power of human ingenuity. The steam-powered craft took the work of approximately 14,000 people to construct and 900 crew members to run. Yet her unfortunate sinking testifies to the powerful nature of the ocean and its unexpected obstacles.
Whether you’re a fan of the 1997 Leonardo DiCaprio-Kate Winslet flick or you’re curious about the 1912 catastrophe, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor offers an understanding of what it was like during that fateful journey.
Stroll from room to room where you’ll find more than 250 items that have been recovered from the sunken vessel. The collection continuously evolves, too. Recently added items include paper money, which miraculously remained intact after being submerged 12,000 feet underwater for more than a hundred years; a pen recovered in its original wrapper and box; and a wooden brush, among other personal items.
On the surface, it may feel like you’re looking at a bunch of random bits and bobs, and that’s because you are, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The items in this collection act almost as a time capsule, revealing everyday habits, class disparities and technological advances—and shortcomings—of the time period.
Throughout the exhibit, you’ll read about the many people who were aboard; what brought them to the ship; what they hoped to do upon arrival in America; and what family they brought along or left behind. Each detail adds another drop of knowledge, powering your imagination with the steam it needs to feel connected to the passengers and crew of the Titanic.
On the Titanic, no expense was spared for first-class passengers. As you enter the Grand Staircase replica, the grandeur of the elegant metalwork, artistic glasswork and glamorous crystal chandeliers is apparent. Don’t forget to have your picture taken here.
Notably, the exhibit also houses a full-scale replica of the promenade deck, which transports you to the evening of April 14, 1912, with its chilled, quiet atmosphere and low visibility for the watch crew.
The greatest marvel here is the Big Piece, which, as implied, stands as the largest recovered part of the wreckage to date. Occupying its own room, this piece of the hull accounts for a small fraction of the enormous ship and effectively puts into perspective just how large the ocean liner was.
The information doesn’t stop at history. Let your mind run wild with the many scientific discoveries displayed here. From the way wood cabinetry deteriorated to the extensive process it takes to stabilize, conserve and preserve the steel of the Big Piece, there is no shortage of learning to be had.
Upon entry, you receive a boarding pass with information about one passenger who may or may not have survived. You won’t know until the end of the exhibit, but their class may clue you in to their likelihood of survival. Remember to browse the memorial wall at the end of the experience to find your passenger’s name and discover if they were lucky enough to have a spot on a lifeboat.
Luxor, 702.262.4400
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