A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience - Opening 2027
The Whale is a new international knowledge and experience centre in Andenes, Vesterålen. The centre is designed as a place for learning, wonder and reflection. The vision is to create the world’s most meaningful encounter between humans and whales.
The Whale is scheduled to open to the public in June 2027.
The attraction combines awe-inspiring experiences with close-up insights into the fascinating world of whales and brings their stories to life through immersive and engaging storytelling. The Whale is based on science, enriched by art and guided by a commitment to sustainability. The centre aims to inspire visitors to deepen their connection with whales and take action to protect our oceans.
The Experience
The Whale explores every dimension of these extraordinary animals – from their evolution, biology, behaviour, communication and habitats to the deeper story of humanity’s relationship with them. How are we connected to whales through evolution? In what ways have we valued, revered, hunted and pursued them? How have they been portrayed in literature and culture? How do we study them today? Through these questions, visitors embark on a fascinating journey that reveals the profound and enduring connection between humans and these magnificent creatures.
Island of Whales
Andøya in Vesterålen is one of the world’s premier destinations for year-round whale watching. A major reason for this is Bleiksdjupet, a deep underwater canyon stretching toward the shore just 10 km off the coast. This causes nutrient-rich waters surge upward, creating ideal conditions for marine life and rich feeding grounds for whales. Whale watching began here in the late 1980s and, ever since, visitors from around the world have travelled to Andøya to experience the majestic whales against a backdrop of breathtaking Arctic nature.
The Architecture
The Whale will be a striking landmark located in the tidal zone on the western side of Andenes, with the iconic Andenes Lighthouse as its nearest neighbour. The panoramic view of the open sea is truly spectacular. Designed by the Copenhagen-based architect Dorte Mandrup, the building features bold, groundbreaking architecture that has already drawn significant international attention. Rising from the shoreline, The Whale merges seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and forms a powerful, iconic presence as a tribute to the meeting of land, sea, and sky.
The Whale in the making
The Whale started as an idea in 2014 and has since reached several key milestones. In 2019, Dorte Mandrup won the architectural competition and, in the autumn of 2024, the contractor Hent and experience designers Ralph Appelbaum Associates and Tamschick Media+Space were selected. The project is funded through a collaborative effort of public and private contributions, with the final portion of public financing secured in November 2024. After years of dedicated work, The Whale is scheduled to open in June 2027.
