Ever wondered what actually goes on below the surface in the deep, dark depths of the ocean? James Cameron has. When he’s not directing Academy Award-winning Hollywood blockbusters, the mastermind behind the heartbreaking 1997 rom-dram The Titanic and epic sci-fi flick Avatar is nurturing his life-long fascination with deep-sea exploration.
Cameron has led eight major deep-sea expeditions and many more submersible dives, breaking records and setting world firsts including the first exploration of the interior of the wreck of RMS Titanic and the first seafloor-to-surface live broadcast, and now you’ll have the chance to join in on the underwater adventure.
The famed filmmaker is bringing his passion to Perth for the very first time with JAMES CAMERON—CHALLENGING THE DEEP, the family-friendly immersive exhibition that explores his lifelong pursuit of deep-ocean science, technology and exploration.
Coming to the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle from Saturday, 23 March, now’s the time to hit up the family group chat, psych up your squad and pencil in an educational and entertaining afternoon in Freo. The exhibition tells the fascinating tale of Cameron’s technological innovations and creative achievements in deep ocean exploration. You’ll be able to get a glimpse into the brilliant mind of Cameron, marvel at the mysteries of the ocean and gain an understanding of his own personal relationship between filming and the underwater unknown.
There’ll be artifacts from the design and construction of the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER: the neon-green, 7.3 metre, record-breaking sub he co-designed, built to withstand a water pressure of 16,000 pounds per square inch. The very same vessel Cameron made history in as the first person to travel solo to the deepest-known point on Earth, the Challenger Deep, a cool 11,000 meters below the surface.
It’s not all science and sea exploration, though. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the Titanic, with actual costumes from the film on display (including Rose’s iconic, dazzling Heart of the Ocean diamond that caused Jack a fair bit of strife), plus props from Cameron’s 1998 sci-fi scuba film The Abyss, and cinema-scale projections and movie clips on loop.
Tickets are just $15 a pop, but with so much to see at JAMES CAMERON—CHALLENGING THE DEEP, we recommend signing up and becoming a WA Museum member for unlimited general admission entry into WA Museum Boola Bardip and WA Maritime Museum. Memberships start from $15, giving you the chance to come back to the exhibition time and time again to decide for yourself whether there truly was space for Jack on the wooden door.
It’s an all-ages affair, with interactive elements suited to both 5 year olds and 75 year olds and every age in between. Lock in a fun, affordable afternoon with the fam or friends and prepare to have your mind blown.
JAMES CAMERON—CHALLENGING THE DEEP is running until Sunday 28 July 2024. Book now and don’t miss out on being a part of Cameron’s greatest underwater adventures in the heart of Freo.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with WA Maritime Museum. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: WA Maritime Museum