The Whale, a cultural centre in Andenes, on the island of Andøya, is set to open in June 2027. Set on a remote coastline in Norway and designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup, the landmark is dedicated to the whales that inhabit the surrounding Arctic coastline. Mandrup’s design is conceived as a continuation of the coastline, with a sweeping concrete roof that rises gradually from the rocky terrain, evoking the form of the curved back of a whale emerging from the sea. Its low profile allows the building to sit quietly against the horizon, while the roof becomes an accessible landscape in its own right.
The roof will create a public viewpoint overlooking the Norwegian Sea, turning the surrounding landscape into part of the visitor experience. From here, visitors can look towards the same waters where sperm whales and other species can be encountered throughout the year.Inside, the centre will bring together exhibitions, research, art and storytelling to explore whales and their relationship with the environment and humanity. The project aims to create a more emotional and sensory connection with the marine giants, people and their habitat. As construction progresses, The Whale demonstrates a distinctly contemporary approach to cultural architecture, Mandrup’s design attempts to frame Arctic landscape, allowing the sea, sky and shifting northern light to become an integral part of the architecture.
The Whale aims to become a landmark encounter between people and nature, land and sea, celebrating one of nature’s most captivating ecosystems.
