The Titanic Museum in Branson

Travel back in time as you step inside the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri. 

This post was originally published on July 8, 2014. It was updated on February 12, 2018. 

Everyone knows the story of the RMS Titanic. The remarkable sink-proof luxury ocean liner met disaster on her maiden voyage, becoming the largest maritime disaster of that time. The loss of life was horrific. Over 1,500 men, women, and children perished on the morning of April 15th, 1912.

If you think a visit to the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri, or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will be all fun and games, you’re mistaken. This museum, dedicated to educating the public through interactive displays, walks you through the story of the Titanic- from building the ship, to boarding, to the fateful disaster.

Your self-guided tour will be solemn and thought-provoking as you see the faces of those that excitedly stepped on board the ship in the United Kingdom. The world was watching and the people were excited as the largest ship ever made set sail for America with First, Second and Third Class passengers.

While waiting in line to enter the museum, you will be handed a boarding pass with the name of an actual Titanic passenger or crew member. My pass bore the name of Bessie Allison, a young 25-year-old mother from Quebec who was traveling with her husband and two children following a business trip and holiday to England. As you tour the museum, you’ll find placards and photos bearing the names of Titanic passengers and crew. Follow along to learn their stories, Pay close attention to see if you can spot stories and photos of the person mentioned on your pass.

Upon entering, the Titanic museum feels almost hushed, as you begin to move solemnly through the exhibits, as though you need to pay your respects. Audio wands point out key information as you make your way through the museum.

You learn just how long it took to build the Titanic and how many workers it took. A scale model shows just how large the Titanic truly was. You view rare photos in the Father Frank Browne collection. Father Browne sailed on the Titanic from Southampton, England, to Queenstown, Ireland, via Cherbourg, France, where he departed the ship though he’d received an offer to accompany a wealthy American couple to New York City. I can only imagine the relief and despair he must have felt at the news of the disaster just days later. Father Browne’s photographs are integral in telling the story of the Titanic. His photos are the faces of the Titanic, offering a human element that the reconstructed rooms and surviving artifacts alone fail to do.

You climb to the second floor of the museum along with a scale replica of the beautiful Grand Staircase where a costumed docent checks your boarding passes before granting access to the First Class quarters.

Upstairs young children, teens and adults can try to walk up a mock ship’s deck which is slanted at varying degrees, learn how to send an SOS signal and dip your hand into 28 degree water (the temperature of the water the night the Titanic went down) to see how long you can keep it there. You also have an opportunity to steer the ship in the recreated bridge.

Before you exit the museum into the gift shop, you will walk through exhibits that show the recovery of the Titanic. You will also learn the fate of the person listed on your boarding pass. Mine did not survive.

This is not a feel-good museum. It serves as a memorial of sorts. It is not fun- though I’ve read reviews where people have used that description. The Titanic Museum is somber and quiet and lends an atmosphere of reflection. That said, this museum is definitely worth visiting and perfect for those who love history or enjoy educational attractions. Several years ago, my family visited the Titanic museum in Pigeon Forge as a family field trip and it was very memorable.

Tips for Visiting the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri

1. Purchase your tickets in advance.
2. Entry to the museum is timed beginning at 9 am. It’s been my experience that the earlier you plan to arrive, the less likely you are to run into crowds.
3. The museum is full of priceless artifacts so photos are not permitted.
4. Before you enter the museum in Branson, there is an ice wall, make sure you reach out and touch it as you enter.
5. Audio tours are available for both children and adults. This is great for those who don’t read well or prefer not to.
6. Family discounts are available.
7. As I mentioned, the museum is quiet and somber and while there are interactive exhibits for children, I’d hesitate to take a child younger than 9 or 10. It is photo and placard heavy and may not hold their attention.
8. Plan to spend 1 hour if you are rushing through, 2+ hours to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
9. Pack your pennies- they have a pressed penny machine!

If you enjoy visiting quirky museums around the country, allow me to suggest a visit to the first KFC which is located in Kentucky. 

Read some of the reviews on TripAdvisor to see what others have to say about this attraction. (affiliate link)

Important Information

Titanic Museum In Branson, Missouri

Address: 3235 76 Country Road Blvd & Highway 165
Branson, MO  65616
Phone: 800-381-7670

Titanic Museum Hours:

Timed tours begin at 9 am

Titanic Museum Ticket Prices:

Adults (12+)- $26.00
Children (4-11) – $13.00
Children (0-3)- Free
Family Pricing: 2 adults and up to 4 children (18 and under) $80.00
Website:http://www.titanicbranson.com

Follow the Titanic Museum on Social Media for tips, deals and updates.

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Planning a field trip? Educational guides for homeschool families and school groups are available to enhance your experience.

More about Branson:
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Fun things to do in Branson, Missouri

Visiting Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, Missouri

Just so you know, my trip was hosted as part of a promotional blogger tour of Branson, Missouri, through the US Family Guide but, we have paid and toured The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge with our children in the past. All opinions are my own.

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