The whale museum in Húsavík welcomes the decision that the museum will have the bones of the sperm whale that drifted off the island in 2010. Everything from because the frame ran ashore, the Whale Museum and related parties have contributed to preserve the bones so that they can be put up for exhibition and education about this largest mammal on earth. This time has been the museum's interest in housing the skeleton and using it for its exhibition on whales, their biology and their relationship with man. In recent years, the Whale Museum in Húsavík has done a lot of work in preparation for the frame's arrival, and among other things, an extension to the museum is expected to house it.
The main reason why the Whale Museum in Húsavík is the chosen destination for the frame is that:
- The whale museum in Húsavík is a recognized museum, cf. the provisions of the Museums Act, and the only specialized whale museum in Iceland.
- The museum has strong operations and activities as well as being one of the most popular museums in the country.
- The Whale Museum, in collaboration with the Research Center of the University of Iceland in Húsavík, has done unique pioneering work in researching and educating the public about the whale life in Iceland.
- Húsavík is one of the best-known whale-watching spots in the world, and sperm whales are regularly seen in Skjálfandaflói. The whale cage in the Whale Museum will therefore create a unique opportunity to learn about the species up close with live animals.
- The arrival of the frame will strengthen the tourism industry in the entire North-East.
The whale museum plans to install a temporary display of bones from the frame in the current exhibit for next summer. The museum will also work closely with the Natural History Institute, which owns the frame, on its handling.
This frame is a big whale for the Whale Museum and there are exciting times ahead where every effort will be made to work on the matter in harmony with all interested parties.
