Sea Research Foundation Unveils Mystic Aquarium's Centenary Titanic Exhibit

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Beckoning visitors to "journey to new depths of discovery," Sea Research Foundation, operator of Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., has announced a major new exhibit -- Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below -- at Mystic Aquarium's Ocean Exploration Center exhibit hall.

The exhibit, opening on April 12, marks the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage and sinking of the celebrated ocean liner. It is the product of a collaboration between famed oceanographic explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, president of Sea Research Foundation's Institute for Exploration, who led the 1985 expedition that first located the sunken Titanic, and Tim Delaney, the former Walt Disney Imagineering designer and head of Tim J. Delaney Design. The Ocean Exploration Center renovation and its inaugural Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below exhibit are sponsored by United Technologies Corporation.

Sea Research Foundation President & CEO Dr. Stephen Coan has called the project "A unique and important collaboration that will give people a chance to experience the Titanic through the eyes of the person who found her, someone recognized as one of the world's greatest explorers, and through the imagination of a world-renowned exhibit designer."

Tim Delaney described the exhibit as "a very different approach to the Titanic experience, one that taps directly into the excitement of exploration and discovery. We've created something that both adults and children will find thrilling, immersive, interactive, experiential and memorable. Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below takes you there."

Bringing the legendary vessel's timeless history to life, Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below captivates minds with a glowing iceberg that is cold to the touch, a bi-level adventure area inspired by Titanic's engine room, hands-on experiences that unfold Titanic's lingering mysteries, and modern deep-sea technology that led to the discovery.

"The Titanic sinking is, of course, one of the greatest dramas of the last century," said Dr. Ballard. "Everything about her conception, construction, launch, passage, passengers, loss and legend is fascinating. I believe that the excitement of discovery is transferrable and can inspire future generations of explorers and discoverers. That's what Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below is all about."

The exhibit opens to the public on April 12 at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn. Admission is included with general admission prices and membership.

About Sea Research Foundation
Based in Mystic, Conn., Sea Research Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and, in partnership with National Geographic Society, The JASON Project and its Immersion Learning program. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Sea Research receives major support from United Technologies, The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino.

SOURCE Sea Research Foundation