December 17, 2025, 4:02 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
It was the largest passenger ship of its time and remains one of the most famous ships in history. On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sank after colliding with an iceberg. The events surrounding the sinking continue to captivate people today. Now, a new and unique exhibition in Germany offers insights into the events. The immersive Titanic exhibition at Filmpark Potsdam-Babelsberg is designed to guide visitors through key stages of the journey. TRAVELBOOK author Sarah Bachmann was on site and got a firsthand look.
Since James Cameron’s 1997 film classic, most people are familiar with the story of the Titanic, albeit slightly altered. Of the more than 2,000 people on board, only about a third survived. The wreck of the ship, once deemed “unsinkable,” still lies at the bottom of the North Atlantic. But can this story be retold appropriately, and what can I expect from the exhibition? I took a tour of the Titanic exhibition.
Overview
Introduction to the History
At nearly 300 meters long and combining the latest technology with luxurious amenities, the Titanic was considered one of the most advanced and largest ships of its time. However, its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City ended in tragedy. The wreck has been lying at great depths on the ocean floor for over a hundred years and cannot be salvaged. However, various original artifacts have been recovered, and some of them are featured in the exhibition. This fact makes the Titanic exhibition unique in Germany, according to its website.
The entrance to the exhibition is well-marked, making it easy to find. After a short wait at the ticket counter—it’s best to purchase tickets online in advance—the tour begins. Visitors can use a free audio guide on their phones or rent a portable version for 2 euros.
Insights into Life on Board
At the start, each visitor receives a “ticket” with the name and some information about a real passenger. The significance of this ticket becomes clear later. The tour begins with various facts about the construction and history of the Titanic, initial artifacts, and an atmospheric introduction with music.
Now, it’s time to go “on board” the ship. As I walk through the recreated corridors, it actually feels a bit like being a passenger myself. In the next area, you encounter more Titanic travelers, and some original artifacts like jewelry and personal items are on display. The various reconstructed rooms provide an impression of what life on board might have been like, from the luxurious daily life of the upper classes to the much simpler conditions below.
A real highlight for me is the reconstruction of the grand staircase, which at least hints at how opulent the Titanic once was. The first and third-class cabins also appear remarkably detailed. What I also find positive: In each room, there are chairs to rest or to take in the impressions.
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The Disaster and the Aftermath
The further I go, the more the atmosphere changes. The lighting becomes cooler, the music quieter and darker, and tension builds. The exhibition gradually leads up to the moment when the catastrophe occurs. I find the section addressing the collision with the iceberg particularly impressive.
The cold in the room and the sounds make the situation surprisingly tangible without being too frightening. Finally, the focus shifts to the time after the sinking, and later salvage attempts and expeditions to the wreck are also shown. Some of the recovered exhibits are so well-preserved that it’s hard to believe they once lay on the ocean floor. At the end, the personal boarding pass comes into play again—but unfortunately, not with a happy ending for me. I won’t reveal more.
Is a Visit Worth It?
Anyone visiting the Titanic exhibition should definitely allow enough time. The rooms invite you to take a close look at everything and get to know the passengers and their stories a little better. The term “immersive” definitely applies here. With music, lighting, the many pieces of information on the walls, and a 360° room, you almost feel like you’re on board—or can at least imagine it very well. The mood among visitors during my tour was also rather calm and contemplative.
If you prefer it less crowded, a visit during the week is worthwhile. At nearly 30 euros, the entrance fee isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s fair considering the effort and length of the exhibition. However, there’s a small “but”: If you want to recreate the famous bow photo from the well-known film scene, you’ll have to pay at least 10 euros.
The exhibition is open until February 28, 2026. It’s recommended to book a timed ticket online in advance.