Crushed Titanic Chandelier That Hung in First-Class Smoking Lounge Heads to Museum

One of the most fascinating relics from the RMS Titanic is now on view at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. The exhibit, titled "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition," features a chandelier that once illuminated the smoking lounge for first-class passengers. After spending decades at the bottom of the Atlantic, this remarkable artifact has finally resurfaced to captivate museum-goers.

The chandelier, weighing 20 pounds, retains its original gold patina and covering, according to Tomasina Ray, president and collections director of RMS Titanic Inc. "It was there the night of the sinking. It spent decades on the ocean floor. And it still has its beautiful gold patina and covering," Ray told NJ.com.

This extraordinary piece is part of a larger exhibit that showcases nearly 250 artifacts recovered from the Titanic. Guests are invited to step into history and experience life as a Titanic passenger in 1912. Upon entry, visitors receive a replica boarding pass and assume the identity of a passenger, following the journey from the ship's construction to its tragic sinking.

Interactive elements add to the immersive experience. Visitors can walk through recreated rooms, touch an "iceberg" to feel the chilling temperatures of that fateful night, and explore the ship's history in vivid detail. The exhibit has already been viewed by over 35 million people worldwide and was recently displayed in Boston.

The exhibit opened on Saturday and will run until September 1. Tickets cost an additional $8 on top of the museum's regular admission fees. If you're a history buff or just curious about the Titanic's legacy, this is one exhibition you won't want to miss.