Titanic Belfast suite reopens after refurbishment ahead of 60-event programme
Suzanne Garuda of Garuda Design and Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast are pictured as the world-famous visitor attraction announces the completion of the first phase of an investment programme in its event spaces, with the iconic Titanic Suite reopening this week following a major refurbishment.
Titanic Belfast’s Grand Staircase event suite is reopening this week after a major refurbishment, as the venue prepares to host 60 events between September and December.
The work marks the first completed phase of a wider investment programme across its Level 5 and 6 event and hospitality spaces, with new interiors drawing on the building’s architecture and RMS Titanic’s decorative heritage.
Among the additions is a bespoke Irish linen wallcovering created by a third-generation decorator whose grandfather worked on the ship, bringing a family connection to Belfast’s shipbuilding history into the redesigned space.
New interiors around the Grand Staircase
The Titanic Suite, home to the replica Grand Staircase, has been refurbished in partnership with Garuda Design, led by Suzanne Garuda.
Work includes new bespoke carpet, wall panelling, joinery and curtains, alongside a blue, gold and neutral colour palette. The carpet combines geometric patterns inspired by flooring aboard RMS Titanic with shapes drawn from the attraction’s angular architecture.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco references feature throughout the interiors, while large relief panels depict significant moments in Titanic’s history.
Shipbuilding heritage shapes the design
Suzanne Garuda said:
“It has been an honour to help reimagine these spaces within this iconic building. From the outset, we wanted to create an interior that complemented the scale and character of Titanic Belfast, drawing subtle inspiration from the craftsmanship and decorative heritage of RMS Titanic.
“The aim was to respect the heritage while creating a contemporary look and feel for a busy events venue, bringing together bespoke finishes, texture and detail throughout the spaces. The finished design complements the character and scale of Titanic Belfast while giving the spaces a fresh and distinctive new identity.”
In the adjoining North Viewing Gallery, overlooking the historic slipways, a compass detail has been inlaid into the timber floor beneath a starlit ceiling. New LED screens have also been introduced to help guests find their way through the event spaces.
First phase of wider investment
Titanic Belfast says the investment follows continued growth in its events business, with 60 domestic, national and international events scheduled between September and December.
Judith Owens MBE, chief executive of Titanic Belfast, said:
“The iconic Titanic Suite is a very special part of Titanic Belfast and the refurbishment has allowed us to make significant improvements to the space while retaining the features and flexibility that have made it one of Northern Ireland’s most popular event venues.”
Local businesses involved in delivering the project include Rainey & Best, McCue, Ulster Carpets and W. Stevenson & Son.
Further phases will cover the Level 5 and 6 event and hospitality spaces. Titanic Belfast has not disclosed the investment’s value or a timetable for the remaining work.
