Opening to the public on 4 June 2027, The Whale is landing in Andenes, at the northern tip of the Vesterålen archipelago, around 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Which is a pretty sensible place to build something dedicated entirely to the ocean’s biggest units: Andenes is one of the world’s best spots for year-round whale encounters.
Inside, things get considerably more interesting than dusty skeletons and politely worded plaques. The experience will mash together science, art, sound, storytelling and natural history to dig into how whales communicate, migrate and feed, along with our own complicated history of admiring, studying and, er, hunting them.
Then there’s the building.
Designed by Danish architecture studio Dorte Mandrup, The Whale will sit right on the shoreline beside Andenes Lighthouse, with a curved form that appears to rise straight out of the coastal landscape.
The whole thing looks suitably wild against the Arctic sea, although possibly still less impressive than the animals it was built for.
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And those animals aren’t far away. Just 10 kilometres offshore, the deep underwater canyon Bleiksdjupet brings nutrient-rich water towards the surface, creating a very handy feeding ground for whales. So yes, you can spend the morning learning about whales, then head outside and attempt to find an actual one.
The Whale will operate 365 days a year, with guided tours, premium tours and dining among the planned offerings, plus packages combining accommodation and whale watching.
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