If Iceland’s recent wind, sleet and snow is finally getting to you, here is a great indoor alternative:
A brand new maritime exhibition dedicated to whales opens its doors to the public today and is the largest exhibit of its kind in Europe. Whales of Iceland general manager Stella Stefánsdóttir, speaking on Icelandic radio yesterday morning says that the exhibition, which showcases the 23 species of cetaceans that live in Icelandic waters has been generating quite a bit of excitement both among foreign visitors as well as among Icelanders.
According to Stella, Whales of Iceland is not technically a museum, as everything is man made. A true whale museum, such as the one in Húsavík, might contain whale skeletons and other natural artifacts, but Whales of Iceland will be more of a show that strives to bring visitors directly into the world of whales with a detailed look at these beautiful creatures. The exhibition starts off with the smaller cetaceans such as porpoises and dolphins which stay closer to the surface, and moves ever-deeper into the ocean depths – home to the larger mammals such as the sperm whale. Twenty-three full scale models, interactive information booths for children and detailed information panels teach you everything you need to know about a day in the life of a whale.
The expansive exhibit hall which houses Whales of Iceland also features a café, gift shop and offers a unique space for hosting events such as cocktail parties, seminars or conferences.
If you love whales, you will love Whales of Iceland and dare I say it? You are sure to have a whale of a time. 😉
p.s. It goes without saying that Whales of Iceland does not support whaling in Iceland in any way, shape or form.
Open daily, year round, from 9 am to 6 pm (Oct. 1 – April 30) and 9 am to 7 pm (May 1 – Sept. 30)
Whales of Iceland
Fiskislóð 23- 25, Reykjavik
(+354) 571 0077
www.whalesoficeland.is
