Step into the original museum building from 1917 and come face-to-face with the giants of the ocean. The main attraction is a magnificent, full-scale model of a blue whale hanging from the ceiling, surrounded by a zoological exhibition featuring animals from the Arctic and Antarctic.

The museum tells the human side of the story as well, exploring the lives of the families who stayed home and the sailors who ventured to the Antarctic. You can discover the history of cultural meetings at sea and learn how gender roles were shaped by the industry.

Highlights of your visit:

• The Blue Whale: A massive, iconic model that defines the museum experience.

• The Museum Ship: During the summer, you can go aboard the Southern Actor, a fully operational whale catcher docked nearby.

• Polar History: Learn about Norwegian exploration and the wildlife that survives in the coldest corners of the earth.