Visual Traveler: Titanic Experiences

Last week, I spent an afternoon exploring the demise of RMS Titanic through the traveling exhibit at Kansas City, Missouri's Union Station: Titanic, An Immersive Voyage. 114 years after the massive ship struck an iceberg and quickly sank, its story still fascinates people. Through the course of its travels, the exhibit will have operated in nearly a dozen cities, internationally.

A photo of a water-filled hallway resembled a scene from the 1997 Titanic movie. A fully equipped, antique relay room recalled frantic attempts by ship staff to receive help following the crash. A massive wall depicting the ship's exterior stated that a first class ticket would cost $57,200 today. I walked across a debris laden 'beach' with a clear view of the sinking ship and admired an intact Grand Staircase entrance panel. An amazingly realistic representation of that staircase, and a dimly lit wheelhouse also captivated me. And this was just for starters.

But when this traveling exhibit leaves Kansas City next week, enthusiasts of the RMS Titanic story still have two additional places where they can experience its grandeur and tragic end - any time of the year. They are Titanic Museum Attraction Pigeon Forge (Tennessee) and/or Titanic Museum Attraction Branson (Missouri). 

From the Grand Staircase to gilt woodwork and brocade upholstery, both of these museums offered a remarkable portrayal of the ship during my visits. Each museum showcases artifacts inside a replica of the sunken vessel. Longtime L.A. documentary producer, John Joslyn, co-led a $6 million expedition to the site and later toured across the U.S. and Europe with his collection of authentic artifacts.

When he tired of these travels, Joslyn and his wife, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn (previously an Executive Vice President of television for Walt Disney Company) opened Titanic Branson in 2006. Titanic Pigeon Forge followed four years later. Today, World Choice Investments (parent company of Dolly's Stampede) owns and operates these remarkable museums.

During tours at either location, visitors learn fascinating information such as that it took three years to build the ship in Ireland and only five days from departure to its demise. Crystal chandeliers in first class bore the Waterford name, five Steinway pianos occupied Titanic, and the ship served 6,000-10,000 meals per day. We learned language problems alone likely caused the demise of 1/3 of 3rd class passengers, and today's Pigeon Forge museum displays 400+ artifacts valued at more than $4 million. 

For people who - like me - are completely intrigued by the Titanic story, a trip to one of these museums is a must-do!​

Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are several years old. While they reflected the character of Titanic Pigeon Forge during my visit, specific details may have changed.