Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), a multidisciplinary firm specialising in the planning and design of museums, exhibits, educational environments and visitor attractions, has been selected as exhibition designer for The Whale, a new marine wildlife attraction expected to open in Norway in 2027, following a major international competition.
The museum will blend science and art to promote ocean conservation and increase understanding of whales and other marine life. It will be situated within the Arctic Circle on the shore of Andenes, a village on Andøya island that is thought to be one of the best places in the world for watching whales.
Educational, empathetic attraction
RAA, with offices in New York, London, Beijing, and Berlin, is the largest creative practice that specialises in planning and designing museums and storytelling spaces. The firm has garnered international attention for its work on renowned cultural locations such as the British Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, and the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.
RAA’s Berlin branch, directed by Tim Ventimiglia, will oversee the creation, design, and implementation of experiences to realise The Whale’s vision.
“Ralph Appelbaum Associates and Tamschick Media + Space are honored by the trust placed in us by The Whale to join their team and to design and realize a truly remarkable and uniquely inspired vision,” says Ventimiglia.
“For us The Whale represents an opportunity to develop a place-based educational attraction in Andenes, Norway, which is known as a meeting point for whales of different species who gather there all year over the millennia.
“Our contribution will be to create a unique visitor experience on this place that is centered around the goal of an empathetic encounter between humans and whales. This experience should resonate both intellectually, physically, and emotionally. Our design process will incorporate community participation, artistic expression, sustainable strategies, scientific knowledge, multi-sensory exploration, and learning.”
Ocean conservation focus
Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the building’s architecture, created by the Danish architectural studio Dorte Mandrup, will form a continuous, undulating curve from the sea to the land, resembling an enormous whale tail rising out of the water and providing a glimpse beneath it into the sea.
The Whale will feature a sloped platform with stone-paved pathways that lead to multiple observation areas, such as a campfire and tide pool. The museum’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer views over the Norwegian Sea, allowing visitors to observe migratory whales while exploring the displays.
Hanne Strager, head of content at The Whale, says: “With the team RAA has assembled, we gain one of the largest design firms as a partner in the ongoing development of content and experiences at The Whale. This firm is one of the world’s most recognized firms in the industry, and it’s a team that can create aesthetically beautiful interiors and impressive digital presentations.
“RAA’s creative team is based in Berlin with team leaders who have worked together on large, high-profile projects. The two creative leaders are Tim Ventimiglia from RAA and Marc Tamschick, creative director and founder of Tamschick Media + Space (TMS). Together with both of these companies, The Whale will bring an innovative approach to both visual and sound experiences in the project.
“In addition, Belzner-Holmes Light Design, which provides lighting design and has extensive global experience, is currently working on the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. AV specialist Dieter Plew, founder and CEO of Medienprojekt p2, will also contribute to our project.
“We have experienced strong interest and tremendous enthusiasm and excitement for the entire project. The combination of Dorte Mandrup’s outstanding architecture, the unique location right on the edge facing the sea, and The Whale’s strong focus on ocean conservation and wildlife made design firms feel that this project was both unique and relevant.”
RAA was recently appointed to deliver the interpretive masterplan and concept design for the visitor attraction element of the proposed Belfast Stories project in Northern Ireland.
