Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets for this post. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
A few months ago we visited the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN. Ever since then my daughter has been obsessed with all things Titanic. She kept asking me when we could go back. Finally she got her wish on our #PFTitanicFAM tour. I really wasn’t sure if she would enjoy it as much a second time, but she really did! In fact, the entire family loved it. My sister has never seen the Titanic movie (I KNOW!!! Tragedy!!!!) so she was really taken aback by all the beautiful artifacts and information in the museum. Let me share a bit of our trip with you.
I saw this sign in the Hatfield & McCoy parking lot. You can barely see the Titanic Museum peeking up over the bank of the parking lot. Then check out the sign. Such a hoot! No cameras were allowed in the Titanic Museum so I couldn’t take any pictures for you. However, photos wouldn’t do the museum justice anyway. You really do have to see it for yourself!
When we walked in, we were given cards to represent actual passengers on the Titanic voyage. We expected that all of our characters would perish since most of us were 3rd class passengers. My daughter enjoyed seeing photos of her character as we traveled through the museum. There was even a very rare letter sent from her “father.” When you visit, you should definitely get the audio players. The cost was 2 for $5 but it really adds to the experience, especially for children. The only complaint I had was that the kids had to enter a 3-digit code to hear the information while the adults could use the 1-digit code. It seems like the children’s codes should be single digit instead.
The teacher in me just can’t resist all of the learning opportunities inside the museum. There are ways to incorporate math, science, history, writing, and problem-solving strategies throughout the exhibits. If you’re a home-schooling parent, this is a field trip you just can’t miss! Note that neither cameras nor cell phones are allowed within the museum. The good thing is that your kids will be required to use their good ole’ noggins to figure out your questions. For example, I asked my niece to note the number of passengers compared to the number of lifeboats. She looked at me with wide eyes when she realized that there were not enough lifeboats available. Near the end of the exhibit, there are three simulations with the tilt of the ship’s angle. While you can talk about angles in math class, it’s just not the same as trying to walk up a boat that is tipped at 45 degrees.
I would love to see more interactive computer activities within the museum. One of the last areas we visited allowed us to see the actual robotic exploration of the sunken ship. More of these computer displays would be wonderful and engaging for kids. When you visit, be sure to save a bit of cash for the museum gift shop. The jewelry and even clothing is just gorgeous. I loved it and wish I had set aside some time to shop for Christmas gifts. We found out that all of our characters survived the sinking of the ship. You might have seen my tweet about that, I was very excited that we lived. Even though I didn’t know these characters personally, my heart goes out to the terror and the anguish they must have felt at leaving their family members and fellow passengers behind. The RMS Titanic museum is something that you simply must experience for yourself.
Wow what a trip of a lifetime. Great pictures too. I think that after reading this review that this is a must go to trip
Oh wow! I’m so far away that I wish you could have taken a few pictures! Thanks for sharing your experience – it sounds like a great learning experience.
How amazing that there’s a Titanic museum. It’s a great way to experience and learn more about the history. Sounds like you and your family had a great time
Sounds like a fun experience
Sounds amazing! Love how authentic and realistic everything is. There was a Titantic exhibit here a few years back, and I really enjoyed it. Learned a lot. It’s great how they give you a passengers name and really make you involved in the process.
I would looove to go here. I really enjoy things about Titanic. Ive been to one museum before but this one seems to have so much more. what a great trip
I watched the movie Titanic. I also had the opportunity to go to a show something like you did. It is so interesting to see all the things there. And the cards they hand out – I still have mine. Its like your really there. Anyone who has the chance to go – go – dont miss it . Its worth it.
I agree with you. I love the idea of getting a card with a name. It just really makes you feel like part of the experience and brings that night to life.
I love titanic
I would love to visit the Titanic museum. I always have been fascinated with its history.
I have been to the museum at the pigen forge and loved it would go again
This sounds educational and wonderful for both kids and adults. I would love to take a trip there. Thank you for the information!
I like how they make you part of the experience. The tape recorders are a good idea to give you information and help with your learning. I don’t get that about the 3 digit code either. Wonder who thought of that….
So many learning opportunities and exhibits. There are just some museums that you want to go to more than once, and it seems like you see/learn something new each time. Sounds like this is one of those.
This looks so cool. Something my kids would really enjoy.
We had many Titanic relics on load at the museum here. Fascinating.