Visiting the Titanic: The Exhibition in Chicago

*** There have been many films about the Titanic and its story. Of course, what we see in film is only a part of the story, and inquiring minds tend to want to know even more. Thanks to  Imagine Exhibitions, Chicago area residents have the opportunity to learn a great deal more. They are bringing this story to Old Orchard Center in Skokie, using the empty Bloomingdale’s store on the North end where they have created an exhibit that is powerful as well as educational.

Jane and I found out that the entrance is IN the mall, rather than any of the old entry doors, so my first tip to you is that you park in the “orange” garage and follow the signs. You can also park near The Cheesecake Factory and have easy access to the mall for entry. When you enter ( I do suggest buying your ticket online to ease the traffic flow ( www.thetitanicexhibition.com) you will receive a boarding pass. on the pass you will have th ename of a passenger, age, occupation and of course, what class they were under. There are also facts about each. Mine was James Clinch Smith from New York and Jane’s Roberta Elizabeth Mary Maioni from London who sailed first class ( but as a “maid”. She may have been one of the inspirations for the love story that James Cameron used in his “Titanic” film.

By the way, there is a room where one can trace what happened to the passenger on your boarding pass. Interesting lesson.

The exhibit starts with a short film that shows more about the ship, the people who designed and built it and shoes the two other “sister” ships as well. During the walking tour you get to see actual parts of the ship that have been recovered, serving pieces, dishes, brochures, a replica of a first class stateroom/suite, furniture, clothing and other items that were recovered from the bottom of the ocean. It was an interesting “voyage” and did not stop with only this incident. Many Chicagoans are unaware that we also had a ship go down.

The Eastland was a passenger ship that was more of a tour ship allowing people to see Chicago and headed to South Haven Michigan, a resort on the other side of the lake. In 1915, just a few years later than The Titanic, this ship rolled over while tied to the dock. 844 passengers and crew members perished. I do not believe any movies were made about this incident, but I do recall a play that we saw that covered the incident. Lookingglass Theatre did the play ( a musical) in June of 2012.  Due to the prominence of The Titanic, the Eastland tragedy has been called “the forgotten tragedy”. I am glad that Imagine added this to their exhibit.

Here is the ticket info. It took about an hour to truly see the entire exhibit, but I am sure that some will spend more time. There are a great number of things to read and some people read every word while others are able to scan and retain. Enjoy this story in your own way.

Tickets for Titanic: The Exhibition in Chicago
🎫 Standard Admission – includes entry to the experience on your selected date and time

• Adult (13+)
• Child (4–12)
• Senior (65+), Student, or Military – valid ID required
• Group Bundle (min. 8 tickets) – for schools and groups of 50+ people, please click here

🎫 Flex Admission – includes entry to the experience at any time on your selected date
🎫 Gold Admission – includes fast-track entry** to the exhibition and a souvenir digital photograph***
🎫 Platinum Admission – includes fast-track entry** to the exhibition, a souvenir digital photograph***, the exhibition’s catalog, and entry to the VR experience

For more information, visit www.thetitanicexhibition.com