New Titanic experience set for Exeter this autumn

History and art will collide in spectacular fashion at this year’s Devon County Show as two major exhibitions – one exploring the tragedy of the Titanic and the other celebrating Van Gogh – are set to preview ahead of their full Westpoint Exeter launch this autumn.

Running from 15–17 May, the Devon County Show will offer visitors an exclusive first glimpse of Titanic: The Exhibition, an immersive showcase tracing the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

From the ship’s design and construction to its tragic sinking on 15 April 1912, the exhibition brings together artefacts, images, and personal stories to paint a moving portrait of the vessel and its passengers.

Among the standout pieces is what is believed to be the largest surviving fragment of the aft Grand Staircase, alongside personal belongings of crew and passengers that give a human perspective to the maritime disaster.

Few know that Exeter played a quiet but important role in the Titanic’s legacy. Following the sinking, the Titanic Relief Fund – set up to support bereaved families – was administered in part through Exeter banks. One of the original cheques issued from that time will be on display at the show.

Sharing the exhibition space will be the Beyond Van Gogh Experience, a visual journey into the mind and mastery of the Dutch post-impressionist painter. Devon artist Anita Nowinska will be live-painting a Van Gogh-inspired piece across the show’s three days. Visitors can also get creative in the interactive art zone, where they’ll be able to paint or draw their own mini canvases to take home.

Nicola Wheeler, CEO of InExeter, said, "It’s fantastic to see global exhibitions like this making Exeter their home this autumn – and to offer showgoers a sneak preview makes it even more special."

The Titanic and Van Gogh Exhibition marquee will be located on Avenue B at the Devon County Show. Both exhibitions are scheduled to run at Westpoint from 15–31 October 2025.

Advance booking is now open for both the County Show and the full exhibitions.

To book County Show final day tickets, click here.

For exhibition info and tickets, click here.