In 1985, Dr. Robert Ballard was tasked with a top-secret Navy mission to locate two lost nuclear submarines. To keep the assignment hidden, he needed a cover story, so he said he was searching for the RMS Titanic. The twist? He found it.

Step inside this cinematic, immersive exhibition and follow Ballard’s high-stakes race against time. Through rare objects from the original expedition, newly declassified footage, and gripping personal accounts, Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission reveals how espionage, innovation, and intuition led to one of the most significant discoveries of the 20th century.

What You’ll Experience:

• Enter the mission. Step into a Cold War-era operation where the stakes were as high as the pressure on the ocean floor.
• Explore objects and tech. See real equipment used during the expedition, including cameras, robotics, and Ballard’s personal gear.
• Feel the tension. Relive the final days of the search and the moment Ballard realized what he’d found.
• Dive into history. Experience never-before-seen footage captured during the discovery—and learn why the Titanic was left undisturbed.
• Look to the future. Discover how this mission inspired a new wave of ocean exploration and sparked a global legacy.

The Mission. The Myth. The Discovery.

Uncover the true story behind the Titanic’s discovery—and the mission that was never meant to find her.

This exhibition is currently in development and is subject to change.

photos courtesy of Dr. Robert Ballard/Ocean Exploration Trust