Like a whale surfacing on the Arctic coast! Norway’s The Whale museum to officially open in 2027
You can even watch the Northern Lights from the roof
Summary
- Norway’s new whale museum The Whale is scheduled to open in summer 2027 and is designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup.
- Its curved roof resembles the back of a whale, and visitors will be able to walk directly onto the roof to take in views of the Norwegian Sea, the midnight sun and the northern lights.
- The surrounding waters are a famous whale-watching area, where you can see sperm whales, orcas and humpback whales.
About 300 km north of the Arctic Circle, a museum resembling a whale surfacing from the coast is quietly taking shape in Norway. Set to officially open in June 2027, The Whale is located in Andenes on Andøya. More than a whale-themed museum, it brings together architecture, the ocean, and the Arctic landscape.
The building resembles a whale slowly surfacing from the Arctic coast
Images from / Dorte Mandrup
Designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup, The Whale follows the contours of the Arctic coast. Its enormous curved concrete roof creates a whale-like silhouette and is supported by just three points. The roof will be clad in natural stone sourced from the surrounding area, allowing the building to blend naturally into the raw landscape.
The roof is also a viewing platform, where you may catch the midnight sun and northern lights
Images from / Dorte Mandrup
Most excitingly, the curved roof is more than part of the building’s design; it is a public viewing platform that visitors can walk on. Stroll along the roof for sweeping views of the Andøya archipelago and the Norwegian Sea. Depending on the season, you may see the midnight sun in summer or look up to find the northern lights overhead in winter.
The waters where whales truly live are right beside the museum
Images from / Dorte Mandrup
Inside The Whale, science, culture, art, and immersive storytelling will come together to guide visitors through whales and marine ecosystems. Its location may be even more remarkable than the exhibitions: Andenes sits beside the deep-sea canyon Bleiksdjupa, whose distinctive seafloor topography supports a rich marine ecosystem. Sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales all pass through these waters, making this a renowned whale-watching destination.
Images from / Dorte Mandrup
Join Popbee Circle and subscribe to the Popbee newsletter for the latest updates and early access to exclusive perks and discounts. Besides this article, here are a few recent stories also worth checking out:
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum opening in 2026, another once-in-a-lifetime must-visit added to the list!
- John Galliano’s classics are coming back! The 2027 Met Gala exhibition theme is revealed first
- A one-night-only dinner on the Naples coast: Nike teams up with WE ARE ONA to bring the city skyline to the table!
