Volo Museum Titanic Exhibit Floods on Anniversary

On the 114th anniversary of the RMS Titanic striking an iceberg, the ship's themed exhibit at the Volo Museum in Volo, Illinois, flooded overnight on April 14, 2026, following severe thunderstorms that dumped more than two inches of rain across the Chicago area.

Museum officials discovered the water Wednesday morning in the exhibit, located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. The flooding affected displays simulating the luxury liner's tilting decks, as well as areas with period clothing, historical artifacts and a collection of vintage vehicles once owned by prominent Titanic passengers, including a rare 1912 Renault Type CB Coupe de Ville. Staff responded swiftly, using water sensors to alert them and moving items to prevent damage. No significant losses to the collection, valued in the millions, were reported.

The incident marked the second time the Titanic exhibit has flooded since its opening in 2024. The first occurrence happened shortly after the display debuted, with water appearing inexplicably beneath the Renault, one of only two such vehicles ever made; the other remains at the Titanic wreck site. In both cases, inspections revealed no obvious sources, such as broken...