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A Titanic Up Late: James Cameron – Challenging the Deep
6pm – 9pm
Strictly 18+ event
Dive deep into all things nautical as we throw open the doors to Queensland Museum Tropics and host trivia, life drawing, photo ops, a pop-up bar and more.
Rally your (ships)crew, bring your curiosity, and book in for a Titanic and epic final Adults-Only after-hours adventure of the year.
Don’t Miss Out!
- 6:00pm: Sea Legs and Still Poses: Starting from 6pm, join our artist for drop-in sketching activities. All skills levels welcome and all materials provided.
- 6:30pm: Curator Talk: Hear from our very own Shipwreck Detective Dr Maddy McAllister as she shares her expertise as Senior Curator of Maritime Archaeology
- 7:30pm: Trivia with Elle with a Microphone: How much do you really know about James Cameron, the Titanic Movie or significant shipwrecks? Think you’ve got what it takes for our trivia rounds? Flex your skills and claim the victory for glory and prizes!
Across the Night
- Submerge your Selfie Game: Have you ever wondered just what it feels or looks like to wear historical dive helmets? You and your crew can try on our (lightweight!) replica pearl diving and shallow-water dive helmets and snap a keepsake to take home.
- Sea Legs and Still Poses: Join us for drop-in Still Life Sketching with Tony Fitzsimmons Take a moment to test your own ability to “Draw me like one of your French girls” with a (costumed) life model in for the night. All skills levels welcome and all materials provided.
- Explore a Treasure Trove: We’re keeping the museum shop open all night long to ensure you get the chance to pick up the souvenir of your dreams.
- Dine the Night Away: What’s a night out without a little treat? Take advantage of the extended hours to enjoy a drink from our After Dark Pop-Up Bar and grab a bite to eat at the Galley Café.
- Pre-order the Perfect Pandora Platter*: Don’t want to risk missing out on something delicious? Pre-order a platter when you buy your ticket – the perfect snack for two, or a light meal for one. Share plate contains gluten, dairy and meat and dietary adjustments for the platter are not available. Make sure to be quick, pre-orders close 48 hours before the event. $25 each.
A limited cafe menu is available including gluten friendly, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan food options.
Explore our Exhibitions
- Explore the films, art, and pioneering of James Cameron in an impressive showcase of cutting-edge technology and the push to explore what lies beneath the waves during the final weekend of the exhibition
- Be captivated by the story of HMS Pandora, the ill-fated ship which was sent to capture the Bounty and her mutinous crew
- Be struck with wonder by The Langley Diving Helmet Collection featuring historic diving helmets and associated equipment used for salvage, pearl shelling, marine science and war and have the chance to try on (lightweight!) replicas to get a feel of just how restrictive this revolutionary technology really was.
More Information
This is a strictly 18+ event. Bookings essential.
*Pandora's Grazing Platter for $25 until Wednesday 22 October. Share plate contains gluten, dairy and meat and dietary adjustments are for the platter are not available.
Food and drink cannot be consumed within exhibition spaces.
Please note: Discover Tropical Queensland galleries (Level Two) will be closed for this evening.
About the Presenters
Dr Maddy McAllister (she/her) is based in Townsville and holds a joint role as Senior Curator of Maritime Archaeology at the Queensland Museum and Lecturer at James Cook University. She is a renowned maritime archaeologist whose passion for adventure led her to uncover the hidden stories of shipwrecks beneath the ocean's surface. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity, Dr McAllister is a renowned figure in the field of underwater archaeology, and is the subject of her own Aussie STEM Star Book Maddy McAllister: Shipwreck Detective.
Tony Fitzsimmons (he/him) is a Townsville award winning artist with many years' experience. He has been a finalist in several Percival Portrait Prizes, and conducted many portrait and life drawing workshops. In 2024 Tony was the initial facilitator for The Herberts, a program in partnership between Townsville City Galleries and Community Gro, to enable seniors from local residential aged care facilities to create their own portraits. Tony has recently returned from nine weeks of drawing and painting from the model in France, for the second consecutive year.
Elle (they/them) is a Townsville-based event host who specialises in trivia and music bingo. They’re dedicated to quirky facts, good music, and making sure everyone has a fun time on their nights out in Townsville.
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James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP
Immerse yourself in an underwater world in an exhibition that traces explorer and filmmaker James Cameron's passion for deep ocean science, technology and exploration.
Pandora Gallery
Be captivated by the story of HMS Pandora, the ill-fated ship which was sent to capture the Bounty and her mutinous crew.