Norway is adding yet another architectural attraction to its landscape with the opening of its new whale-watching museum in the Arctic circle. The museum is on the coast of Andøya, an island in Norway’s Vesterålen archipelago. The purpose of the museum is to act as a viewpoint and educational center for those interested in the area’s marine life.
Photo Courtesy of MIR, via www.afar.com
Dorte Mandrup, a Copenhagen architecture studio, were the masterminds behind the design. The village where the museum now calls home draws nearly 50,000 visitors each year for the chance to see a whale. The area is particularly favorable for whale-watchers because of its location in the Arctic Circle which helps draw many squids, and in turn a large number of whales.
The opening date, June 2023, was not the original intended target date. In fact, the original launch date of 2022 was postponed due to an archaeological discovery of a Viking age settlement on the building site. Nonetheless, there is much excitement around the unique museum’s opening.
The goal for the design of the building was to blend the building into the landscape. The roof is curved, covered with stones, and was constructed in such a way that visitors can walk on the roof to enjoy the magnificent views. The museum also features a series of large glass windows that face the archipelago and draw the outside nature inward. Inside the museum, there will be a store, café, and whale-related artifacts. Visitors will also be able to look out over the Norwegian Sea through the large glass windows to catch a glimpse of marine life.
According to a press release, the museum’s mission is to: “create awareness and inspire [the] conservation of whales and their environment.” Additionally, the hope is that this new attraction will strengthen Northern Norway as a desirable travel destination.