Since the dawn of time, whales have been an important part of Norwegian coastal culture and for the people along the coast. Whales fascinate, inspire and have been both an important resource and the origin of myths. With The Whale, we will take on the national task of continuing Norway's strong history of sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
The Whale is scheduled to open in June 2027.
Our vision: The Whale will create the world’s
most meaningful encounter
between humans and whales.
Our mission:
Through magnificent experiences,
new perspectives, and closeup
encounters, we will showcase
the whales, awaken humans and
protect the ocean.
About the place
Andøy in Vesterålen is one of the best places in the world to see whales. It is the place in Europe
where the deep sea is closest to land. Only 10 km from the coastline, the continental shelf plunges
steeply into the depths and the cold and nutrient-rich water wells up. The underwater canyon
Bleiksdjupet stretches towards Andøya and contributes to creating perfect conditions for an
exceptionally rich and unique wildlife.
The Whale is not a traditional natural history museum, a conventional art museum or a nature
center. It is also not a research institution or a knowledge center, but it combines the best of such
places and fuses it into something new. The Whale is a unique attraction and an exciting learning
arena for children, young people, and adults. A place that combines the best of the worlds of science
and art. At the same time, there must be room for both experience, reflection, new knowledge, and
old wisdom.
About the experience
About the building
The Whale will be built on the rocky shore on the west side of Andenes, with Andenes Lighthouse as
its nearest neighbor and near the city center. The panoramic view towards the ocean is spectacular.
The building, which was designed by Dorte Mandrup, Copenhagen, is shaped like a whale and the
very special architecture has already received massive international attention.
The Whale AS has applied for funding to the Ministry of Culture together with the Ministry of Trade
and Fisheries, for the design and construction of The Whale. The application is being processed and a
clarification on further progress of the project will come during the spring of 2023.
