The Whale is a planned building in Norway that combines figure and form in the most spectacular way. Not scheduled to open until 2022 at the earliest, the Whale is already drawing plenty of positive attention.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
An ambitious architectural project located 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle on the island on Andoya in Andenes, the Whale will serve as a museum and observation deck as well as a visitor attraction. Its name, the media buzz and the growing public interest come from its unique design.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
Danish architecture firm Dorte Mandrup had the task of designing the building to blend with the scenery and maintain the beauty and integrity of the surrounding area. “It rises naturally as a soft hill on the rocky shore, as if a giant had lifted a thin layer of the crust of the earth and created a cavity underneath,” as stated in the firm’s press release. Dorte Mandrup is known for working within sensitive landscapes. The Whale, partially submerged, won’t just fit in with the landscape — it will enhance it.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
The building will have exhibition spaces, offices, a café and store. A tide pool, a campfire, and paths featuring platforms and viewpoints surround the building. The roof — a single, curved concrete shell covered in natural stones — will offer a completely unobstructed viewpoint.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
A prime area for whale watching, the coastal village’s deep-sea canyon attracts several whale species. Pilot, minke and sperm whales appear June through August. Orcas and humpbacks can be spotted during colder months. With waters that never freeze and mild winters, the area remains busy with tourists all year.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
While the accompanying pictures are renderings, they provide a fantastic preview of what will become a stunning combination of form and landscape. Within a couple years, the Whale will be a great spot to watch underwater life. Until then, I’ll be watching the Whale as it progresses.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jan 3, 2025Taste of Thompson Chef Series Debuts at Thompson Denver
Part of Hyatt, Thompson Hotels rolled out a delicious way to discover the star chefs at their properties: A Taste of Thompson Chef Series, a brand-new content franchise celebrating the personal culinary journey of each featured chef.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Jan 3, 2025AmaWaterways Celebrates Wave Season with Complimentary Land Promotions
AmaWaterways celebrates wave season with an exciting opportunity for guests. Guests booking a new reservation through March 31 on select European sailings may extend their itinerary with a complimentary two-, three- or four-night land offer, available for pre- or post-cruise.
Daily
Jan 3, 2025What’s New in Scotland in 2025
New attractions, hotels, events and celebrations are in store this year throughout Scotland, making 2025 the best year to visit this beautiful country.
Sponsored Content
Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
Daily
Jan 2, 2025Paul Cezanne’s Family Home, Studio to Open in Aix-en-Provence, France
The presence of painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown of Aix-en-Provence, France, is expressed through a network of exceptional sites where he lived. It is a unique journey offering visitors a full perspective on his life and his art.
Romantic Getaway Destinations in Tenerife
Daily
Jan 2, 2025Corinthia Brussels Opens in Belgium
Daily
Jan 1, 2025Daily
Dec 31, 2024New Attractions and Openings in California for 2025
California invites travelers to visit in 2025 and experience exciting new attractions, openings and events taking place throughout the state.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
December 2024
Dec 31, 2024Food Lovers Flock to Nashville for Creative Cuisine
Nashville’s reputation as a top-flight music destination is well-deserved: Not only can you find live music somewhere in the city 365 days a year, but honky-tonks that line Broadway in downtown Nashville launched the careers of Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, Blake Shelton, and even Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
ShareThis