Titanic The Human Story: Inside the must-see exhibition opening in Sydney tomorrow

• Titanic The Human Story is a captivating exhibition about the life and legacy of the British passenger liner that famously sank.
• More than 200 objects and personal items from passengers and crew members are displayed.
• The exhibition has toured America and the UK, and debuted in Australia in Brisbane last year.

More than a century after the Titanic sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, Titanic: The Human Story is set to open at Walsh Bay Pier in Sydney. It has already captivated audiences in America and the UK, and made its Australian debut in Brisbane last year, drawing in more than 150,000 visitors. Here’s everything you need to know before it opens in Sydney tomorrow.

What is Titanic The Human Story?

The Titanic was famously known as the ‘unsinkable’ ship before its maiden voyage in April, 1912 — its first and last journey. The passenger liner struck an iceberg and proved those claims tragically wrong. You’ve no doubt seen the James Cameron movie with Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio, but the exhibition reveals the real-life stories of those on board.

Suitable for all ages, Titanic: The Human Story uncovers the truths, myths and enduring allure of the ship, exploring what really happened and commemorating the lives that were lost.

What to expect

More than 200 objects, including photographs, handwritten letters, wayward keepsakes and other personal belongings, are displayed with detailed recreations of the ship’s rooms.

It’s more than just a display of historic items though. As the name suggests, the very human side to the story that’s inspired Hollywood filmmakers and stage productions (see Titanique) is the focus of the exhibition. Original, personal objects that have never been seen in Sydney before tell touching stories of the ship’s passengers and crew.

Claes-Göran Wetterholm, one of the world’s leading experts on the Titanic, has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to investigating and studying the ship and has even taken part in four expeditions to the wreckage.

He is the curator and historian for the exhibition, and has carefully selected the artefacts and personal stories that are featured.

Having seen the exhibition while it was in London in 2022, I can assure you that you’ll walk away with an entirely new perspective and insight to the tragic sinking. Some of the items, especially from the dining room, are incredibly well preserved — you aren’t just looking at a collection of indistinguishable objects. Paired with audio guides, sound effects and those impressive large-scale room models, it’s an immersive exhibition that leaves a lasting impact.

Titanic The Human Story

When: Friday, May 30 until Sunday, July 6.
Price: Adult from $36, child from $26, family from $108.
Where: Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Pier 2/3, 13A Hickson Road, Dawes Point NSW 2000

Getting there: The Barangaroo Metro transport hub is an 11-minute walk away, or Walsh Bay can be reached by the 324 and 325 bus services. Circular Quay railway station, bus and ferry terminus is a 20-minute walk away. There is limited on-street parking outside The Wharf and Roslyn Packer Theatre on Hickson Road.

For more information and to book tickets, visit titanicexhibition.com.au