On the 10th April, 1912 at 6.35pm, the Titanic docked at Cherbourg harbour.
This marked the last Continental stopover for the world's biggest liner of the time before setting off on its fatal voyage across the Atlantic. 281 passengers embarked at Cherbourg including many British and Americans.
In this centenary year, Cherbourg's Cité de la Mer Museum has opened an exciting new space called Titanic, Return to Cherbourg.
The first part of this permanent exhibition is dedicated to the history of European Emigration towards the New World at the start of the twentieth century.
The town of Cherbourg played a major role during this period with its specially constructed deep water port, transatlantic ferry terminal and specially adapted hotels.
The new exhibition is actually housed in the wonderful Art Deco ferry terminal building, a unique architectural example of its time.
Areas of the terminal that have up to now remained unopened to the public, including the impressive baggage room, will house the new exhibitions which are accessible to English-speakers.
The visitor is invited to step back in time to follow the journey of emigrants leaving for the Americas through films, portraits and slide shows.
The second part of this new exhibition is dedicated to the Titanic covering the ship’s construction, working on board, life on the ship and its journey culminating in the fatal collision with the iceberg.
During your visit, why not treat yourself to a four course menu inspired by the last meal served to First Class passengers on board the Titanic?
“This exhibition will be the only one in the world that looks at the biggest exodus in the history of Man. Dynamic walls will allow visitors to see the contents of emigrants’ luggage and get an insight into their lives. Visitors will be able to search for the information they want to find and follow the 281 passengers as they board the Titanic from Cherbourg.” explains Bernard Cauvin, President of La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg.
