Titanic Belfast, a new £97m (EUR116.2m, US$154.8m) attraction in Northern Ireland, UK, has opened 100 yards from where the ill-fated liner was launched a century ago.

The 14,000sq m (150,695sq ft) building accommodates nine interpretative galleries that will transport visitors back to post-Edwardian Belfast to explore the history of and story behind Titanic.

Event Communications has worked on the attraction content of Titanic Belfast, with the nine areas including The Launch; The Maiden Voyage; The Sinking; and The Aftermath.

Additional facilities within the building include community arts and education space; a large gallery for temporary exhibitions; cafés and restaurants; and a conference centre.

Civic Arts-Eric R Kuhne and Associates are behind the concept design of the building, with Todd Architects acting as executive architects. Harcourt Construction built the complex.

Titanic Belfast – owned by Titanic Foundation – was identified as one of the five Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) tourism signature projects designed to help boost the province's offering.

NITB contributed towards the scheme along with Belfast City Council; Belfast Harbour Commissioners; and Titanic Quarter. Kay Elliot Architects were also involved with the project.

Titanic Belfast chief executive officer Tim Husbands said: "Belfast gave the world Titanic, but now it's time to bring the world back to Belfast – not just this April but for the 362 days which Titanic Belfast will be open during the year."

Details: www.titanicbelfast.com