The Birth of Titanic Belfast
“We live in a new Northern Ireland...”
- Ian Pearson MP, Minister with responsibility for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, 2004
One hundred years after the birth of the world’s most famous ship,
Titanic Belfast® has become a major new tourist attraction for Northern Ireland.
The Titanic Signature Building, now known as Titanic Belfast®, was identified in Northern Ireland Tourism Board’s Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007 as one of five key tourism signature projects to enhance Northern Ireland's tourism offering.
The 14,000 sq.m.(150,700 sq.ft.) venue accommodates nine galleries of interactive exhibition space, including a dark ride, underwater exploration theatre, recreations of the ship’s decks and cabins and a luxurious conference and banqueting suite with capacity for up to 1000 people.
The unique architectural design was influenced by several maritime themes, including ice crystals, ships' hulls and the insignia of the White Star Line.
Click here to view Titanic Belfast's design evolution.
The concept architects were Eric Kuhne and Mark Evans of Civic Arts / Eric R. Kuhne & Associates with Todd Architects as the lead consultant / architect. Concept interior design was led by Anne Lucas of Civic Arts, with final interior design by Kay Elliot Architects. Visitor attraction content was created by Event Communications.
Click here to view a full credit list of Titanic Belfast designers.
Construction began in May 2009 and the building opened on 31 March 2012.
Titanic Belfast® is wholly owned by Titanic Foundation Limited and operated by Titanic Belfast Limited. It has been funded in partnership with Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour Commissioners & Titanic Quarter Limited. The building was constructed by Harcourt Construction (NI) Limited.
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