The most fun thing I’ve done so far as a “bloggist” — get to have a private hard-hat tour of the new Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. It’s set the open Thursday. I c
an’t wait to tell you about it!
When we first saw the giant boat-shaped building being built along the main road in Pigeon Forge, we expected another attraction. We expected bells and whistles and an expensive tourist trap. But we were surprised — in a good way. I think this museum is going to be something you’ll want to see. I think people will make the trip to Pigeon Forge JUST to see the museum. It’s gonna be great.
The museum cost $25 million and is a half-scale, permanent three-deck reproduction of the Titanic. It houses 20 galleries (filled with artifacts from survivors and found floating over the wreckage) and various other neat-sounding displays. There will be a reproduction of a First Class suite and also a Third Class one. Visitors will also get to walk down the $1 million reproduction of the Grand Staircase (if you don’t remember it, rent the movie to refresh!). The museum is interactive, with stories in the voices of survivors, the opportunity to touch an iceberg and the chance to steer the boat according to the captain’s commands.
Every last detail has been attended to, and it’s no wonder — the themeing consultants for the museum are former Disney Imagineers. Even from the outside, the ship seems very Disney-esque. When finished, the boat will appear to actually be surging through the ocean — real water that will spray.
There’s also a whole area for kids 8 years and younger — they’ll have the chance to steer a ship, meet the Titanic Polar Bear, play Titanic-themed video games and build a ship in the Play-and-Learn room.
Perhaps what I’m most excited to see finished is the railing that guests looked out over as the ship sunk. It will be dark, just as it was for passengers, and the temperature is the same as it was for them. Even with the lights on, it was a chilling display.
The museum is owned by John Joslyn, who once co-led a $6 million expedition to the site of the wreck. “We pay respect to Titanic by telling the story of the ship and her passengers,” he said. “Visitors learn the individual stories of those onboard the ship as they are learning about the ship itself. We have spent years researching these people — and their stories are absolutely amazing!”
As a matter of fact, each person will be given a boarding pass of an actual Titanic passenger as they enter the museum. The visitor’s goal will be to gain as much information about their guest as possible. It’s a neat twist to give the museum a personal feel. Visitors will find out about the fate of their passenger at the end of the tour.
Rick Laney, account executive for the museum, recommends at least two hours to tour the museum, but he doubts anyone can really get through it that fast. The guided tour part takes about 90 minutes.
The owners chose Pigeon Forge because of its high volume of tourists. “It has to be in an area with a lot of foot traffic,” Laney said.
Even with the expected high volume of visitors, the museum won’t be cheap to visit — it’s around $20 for adults and $10 for kids over 5. There are family packages available at the web site, though. Visit it here.
If you’re in the area on Thursday, stop by. Regis Philbin will be on hand for the 10 a.m. christening. And there will be various bands, etc., playing over the first few days. Outside events are free to attend, but to see the actual museum, you will have to buy a ticket.
This really does look like something to hit when you’re in the area. If you are one of the first to visit the new museum, let me know what you think!
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