studio-louter-titanic-belfast-gallery-refreshment

The Ship of Dreams 

Titanic Belfast, Belfast (GB), 2023

Since 2012, Titanic Belfast has been telling the story of the world's most famous passenger ship on the spot where it was built. Now, an ambitious makeover aims to connect a new generation to the history of the Titanic.

The Pursuit of Dreams

The sinking of the Titanic is a story of loss and grief, but also one of big dreams and ambitions. It's the story of the Belfast residents who were determined to build the biggest, most luxurious ship in the world, and the passengers who dreamed of starting new lives in a new world. It's also about a boy who set out to find the wreck of the ship.

What they all had in common was the determination to pursue their dreams. That human capacity to think big gave the renovation its overarching theme: The Pursuit of Dreams. This theme guides the visitor’s journey through four new galleries devoted to the immediate aftermath of the disaster and, years later, Dr Robert Ballard’s search for the wreck, bringing the experience to an emotional finale.

A holistic approach

Using our Emotion Design method, we overhauled all the galleries, from start to finish, guided by the Pursuit of Dreams concept. At every stage, our content designers worked closely with the exhibition’s designers and builders. This holistic approach has resulted in a powerful exhibition whose every detail is in harmony, from the texts to the objects to display, from the soundscape to the projections and light show. It all adds up to a moving, unforgettable experience.

“The last space with the rotating light-changing model is very emotional and will stay with you forever”

Jamie Palliser , Google Review — March 2023

Historical objects

At the very start of the conceptual and concrete design process, we advised Titanic Belfast to acquire authentic historical objects for the exhibition. The story of the Titanic is more than just a Hollywood movie. Visitors need to understand that it is a story of real people and what happened to them. Historical objects help this truth to sink in.

During the process we supported the client with advice, additional research, and suggestions for objects to acquire. Our efforts bore fruit. A private party has loaned multiple items for display, including a violin, a deck chair and a coat that belonged to Titanic passengers.

“Amazing exhibition of the journey of titanic from inception to disaster. Artifacts on display are brilliant. It’s a truly emotional journey not to be missed”

Adam Cort , Google Review — May 2023

A world of dreams

The Pursuit of Dreams builds to a climax in the final gallery. Visitors descend a spiral staircase into a world of dreams chased. Suspended at its centre is a revolving 7.5-metre model of the Titanic. A moving immersive light show, a specially composed soundscape, and room-filling projections sweep visitors up in the hopes and longings of the people who worked and travelled on the ship. It is a spellbinding multisensory experience honouring an iconic vessel.

“The new exhibit is absolutely breathtaking. The music is the most moving piece and I cried many times.”

Jessi Spruill - Google Review, April 2023

Photos: TBL International & OPERA Amsterdam

Credits

Client
Titanic Belfast

Content Design
Studio Louter

Spatial & Graphic Design
OPERA Amsterdam

Film- & interactive media production
Shosho

Light Design
DHA Designs

Construction
Marcom

Hardware
D J Willrich Ltd

Construction Model Titanic
Fiction Factory

Light Production Model Titanic
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Awards

THEA AWARD 2023
Winner | Outstanding Achievement - Visitor Experience Re-envisioned

IDA Design Award 2023
Bronze | Cultural Interior Design - Museum

Blooloop Innovation Award 2023
Second place | Exhibit

AVICOM F@IMP 2023
Winner | Exhibition installation -Interpretation