Titanic Belfast is set to mark a major milestone in maritime history with the launch of a special exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the RMS Titanic wreck.
Opening on 1 September 2025 – exactly four decades to the day since Dr Robert Ballard and his team located the shipwreck – the exhibition will run for the entire month. It is free of charge and open to both ticket holders and the general public.
Staged on Level 1 of Titanic Belfast, the exhibition will explore the remarkable story of how the Titanic was finally found after more than 70 years. Visitors will discover the journey of Dr Ballard and his crew aboard the research vessel Knorr in 1985, alongside insights into other famous missions he later led, including expeditions to the German battleship Bismarck, the RMS Lusitania and the lost fleet of Guadalcanal.
At the centre of the exhibition will be a unique artefact: the National Geographic Explorer’s flag that flew on the 1985 mission. Loaned by the family of cinematographer Ralph White, who documented the discovery, the flag holds an additional layer of history. It had previously been carried on a 1976 Loch Ness expedition, where the idea to search for Titanic was first conceived. Signed by the 1985 crew and inscribed “Loch Ness 1976”, the flag symbolises the origins of one of the greatest maritime discoveries of the 20th century.
Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, said: “The 40th anniversary of Titanic’s discovery offers a special opportunity to reflect on one of the most significant moments in maritime history. As the most authentic place to explore the story of the world’s most famous ship, we are proud to showcase the incredible work of Dr Robert Ballard and his team, and share their fascinating journey to one of the world’s most remarkable discoveries.”
The exhibition will also coincide with the Belfast Maritime Festival, taking place on 6–7 September and organised by the Maritime Belfast Trust. The festival will transform the city’s waterfront with family-friendly activities and nautical-themed events. Titanic Belfast will host its own marquee at Hamilton Dock, where children can design their own ship blueprints.
As the world’s most authentic Titanic visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast continues to play a central role in preserving and sharing the legacy of the ship built in the city’s Harland & Wolff shipyard. The anniversary exhibition not only celebrates the Titanic’s discovery but also honours the explorers whose determination and ingenuity made it possible.