Titanic Belfast’s events side just got a proper refresh. The first phase of an investment programme across its hospitality floors is complete — and the Titanic Suite, home of the replica Grand Staircase, reopens this week after a major refurbishment.
More work will follow in phases across the Level 5 and 6 event spaces. The timing matches a busy diary: 60 domestic, national and international events are booked between September and December.
What has changed
Titanic Belfast partnered with Garuda Design, led by Suzanne Garuda, on the suite. The fit-out includes new bespoke carpet, wall panelling, joinery and curtains, LED screens for wayfinding, and an Irish linen wallcovering — all set in a palette of blues, golds and neutrals.
The scheme leans on the building’s architecture and decorative details associated with RMS Titanic: Art Nouveau and Art Deco references mixed with contemporary finishes. Bas-relief panels mark significant moments in the ship’s timeline. In the North Viewing Gallery, overlooking the historic slipways, a compass is inlaid in the timber floor under a starlit ceiling — a quiet nod to navigation and the Titanic story.
The Irish linen wallcovering was created by a third-generation decorator whose grandfather worked on the ship — a direct Belfast craftsmanship link that belongs in this building.
Local suppliers
Delivery stayed close to home: Rainey & Best, McCue, Ulster Carpets and W. Stevenson & Son. That supplier list matters for a city that still builds and finishes things — including for its own landmark venue.
What Judith Owens MBE said
“We are thrilled to unveil the results of the first phase of this investment, marking an important milestone in the continued growth of our events business and reflecting our commitment to further strengthening our offering,” said Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast.
“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.
“We are delighted with the finished result and the partnership with Garuda Design, the local suppliers and tradespeople who have helped bring the refurbishment to life.”
What Suzanne Garuda said
“It has been an honour to help reimagine these spaces within this iconic building,” said Suzanne Garuda of Garuda Design. “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.”
At a glance
- Phase 1: Titanic Suite reopen this week (Grand Staircase home)
- Next: further phases across Level 5 and 6 event spaces
- Diary: 60 events scheduled Sep–Dec
- Design: Garuda Design (Suzanne Garuda)
- Local delivery: Rainey & Best, McCue, Ulster Carpets, W. Stevenson & Son
For Belfast’s events calendar, this is the practical upgrade: a familiar landmark suite sharpened for the next run of conferences, dinners and international bookings — without losing the staircase that people still come to see.
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