'Titanic - 12,450 Feet Below' Opens Today at Mystic Aquarium

MYSTIC, Conn., April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Beckoning guests to "journey to new depths of discovery," Sea Research Foundation, operator of Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., yesterday previewed its new multi-million dollar exhibit -- Titanic - 12,450 Feet Below -- at the Mystic Aquarium's newly renamed Ocean Exploration Center Exhibit Hall.  To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ship's tragic voyage, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, has proclaimed April 11, 2012 "Titanic Memorial Day" in the state of Connecticut.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120412/NY86493 )

The exhibit, opening on April 12, is the product of a unique collaboration between famed oceanographic explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, president of Sea Research Foundation's Institute for Exploration, who led the 1985 expedition that located the sunken Titanic, and Tim Delaney, the former senior Walt Disney Imagineering designer, now head of Tim J. Delaney Design.  The Ocean Exploration Center renovation and its inaugural Titanic - 12,450 Feet Below exhibit are presented and supported by the United Technologies Corporation.

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

Tim Delaney described the exhibit as "a very different approach to the Titanic experience.  Working with Bob Ballard and Sea Research enabled us to create something that both adults and children will find thrilling, immersive, interactive, experiential, and memorable. Inspiring and emotional, Titanic - 12,450 Feet Below actually takes you there."

The exhibit will captivate minds with a glowing, towering iceberg cold to the touch, a bi-level adventure area inspired by Titanic's engine room, scores of hands-on experiences, and the modern deep-sea technology that led to the doomed ship's eventual discovery.

"The Titanic sinking remains one of the greatest dramas of the last century," adds Dr. Ballard.  "Everything about her conception, construction, launch, passage, passengers, loss and legend is fascinating and mind-boggling.  Our goal with this new exhibit has been to draw visitors into the wonder of discovery.

SOURCE Sea Research Foundation