Dorte Mandrup's The Whale visitor centre opens June 2026 in Andenes, Norway
Scheduled to debut in June 2026, The Whale is a new attraction being developed in Andenes, Norway, on Andøya Island, situated 300km north of the Arctic Circle. Designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup, the center boasts a curved concrete roof adorned with locally sourced natural stones, anchored at three points to resemble a whale's tail. This unique design also helps manage heavy snowfall. The facility will house exhibition areas, a visitor center, offices, a shop, and a café, featuring large windows that connect the interior to the landscape for optimal whale watching. Exhibits will explore the relationship between culture, nature, humanity, and science in relation to whales. Landscape architect Marianne Levinsen Landskab is creating a tidepool, campfire, and stepping stones. Construction is currently underway, with visualizations of the finished building available.
Key facts
- The Whale opens June 2026 in Andenes, Norway.
- Designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup.
- Located on Andøya island, 300km north of the Arctic Circle.
- Curved concrete roof covered with natural stones collected locally.
- Roof touches ground at three points, evoking a whale's tail.
- Roof form mitigates heavy snowfall.
- Includes exhibition space, visitor centre, offices, store, café.
- Landscape design by Marianne Levinsen Landskab with tidepool, campfire, stepping stones.
Entities
Artists
- Dorte Mandrup
- Marianne Levinsen
Institutions
- Wallpaper*
Locations
- Andenes
- Norway
- Andøya
- Arctic Circle
- Norwegian Sea