TITANIC EXHIBITION
By E. Perryman 7.4.2024
https://thetitanicexhibition.com/chicago/

Elizabeth Honer and I really enjoyed the titanic exhibition in Chicago this July 4th. Reservations were available for one hour slots. Tickets were 29 dollars online. The exhibition was at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. The building appeared to be a former department store. After circling the site, we realized that the exhibition entrance was inside of the mall. The signage was unclear with only a series of continuous arrows.

As we entered, we took a photo on the famous Jack and Rose “I’m flying” ship spot and watched a brief film. Shekels were saved as the pic taken didn’t warrant a purchase. We were given a ticket that was a boarding pass of an actual Titanic passenger. Information included their class distinction. We would find out at the end of the exhibit if our person survived by finding their name on the memorial wall.

Throughout the exhibition, there were many artifacts from ship remains and class designated flatware to passenger postcards and recovered chandeliers. There were special props (and a certain drawing;-) from the 1990s film which made some of the people near me gasp. There was also a wonderful shout out to the musicians on the Titanic.

My favorite part overall was the exhibition’s interactive segments e.g. simulated rooms based on class, starry night promenade, wreckage, and most especially…the grand staircase (alas there was no Jack and Rose special coup de ville car.) I did hope for an exhibition Easter egg referencing my most favorite villain Cal Hockley, the most delicious Billy Zane. But alas his Hollywood created, insufferable wealthy elite character did not get a shout out; Picasso lover or not. 😉 Billy Zane

According to the staff, the exhibition has evolved and items have been added. It was hard to absorb the many well crafted details in one trip.

The Titanic exhibition was a thorough and thoughtful tribute to this unforgettable chapter of the early 20th century. I would highly recommend seeing this exhibition.

“Many brave things were done that night, but none were more brave than those done by men playing minute after minute as the ship settled quietly lower and lower in the sea. The music they played served alike as their own immortal requiem and their right to be recalled on the scrolls of undying fame.” Lawrence Beesley/Survivor