Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission

Opening Sept. 29, 2026

Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission reveals the untold story of the covert military operation behind one of the most significant maritime discoveries of the 20th century.

Led by oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, the 1985 discovery of the RMS Titanic began not as a search for the ship itself, but as part of a classified U.S. Navy mission to survey the wrecks of two nuclear submarines—the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion. What started out as a classified Naval operation would lead to one of the 20th century’s most important maritime discoveries.

When it launched in 1911, the Titanic was one of the largest ships ever built. Just a year later, tragedy struck on its maiden voyage, claiming more than 1,500 lives. For decades, the wreck lay undiscovered on the ocean floor, until a top-secret mission changed everything we thought we knew about the disaster.

Exhibit Highlights

See real equipment used during the expedition, including cameras, robotics, and Ballard’s gear

Relive the final days of the search and the thrilling moment of discovery

Experience never-before-seen footage captured during the discovery – and learn why the Titanic was left undisturbed

Discover how this mission inspired a new wave of ocean exploration and sparked a global legacy

Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission is a traveling exhibition produced by Flying Fish in collaboration with Ocean Exploration Trust and generously sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.