The year 2025 was a good and eventful one for the Húsavík Whale Museum. The museum welcomed over 42.000 visitors and further strengthened its position as an important cultural and tourism destination in North Iceland, with a strong connection to whale watching and the local community.
The year was characterized by a variety of activities, with emphasis on exhibitions, education and dissemination. Among the projects of the year were exhibitions and publishing projects such as The World Around Whales og The Seas' Blue Yonder, as well as educational projects and events for different age groups. The museum also participated in national and international collaborations, including in connection with the film festival Seas and Trees in collaboration with Ocean Missions and events in the field of environmental and marine affairs.
Research remained an important part of the museum's activities. Museum staff participated in the collection of samples from stranded whales in collaboration with the Marine Research Institute and the University of Iceland Research Centre, thus contributing to increased knowledge of the biology and condition of large whales.
The museum's operations were successful during the year. Fewer construction projects than in recent years resulted in an increased operating surplus, along with necessary renovations and investment in facilities that will strengthen the museum's professional operations for the future. Towards the end of the year, the museum's projects also received grants for continued development in 2026.
At this time, there will also be a turning point in the museum's operations. Eva Björk Káradóttir will step down as museum director at the end of the month, after eight years in the position. During that time, she has led the development and growth of the museum with great ambition and placed a strong emphasis on professionalism, collaboration and vision.
The board of the Whale Museum warmly thanks Eva Björk Káradóttir for her work well done, successful leadership and enjoyable collaboration, and wishes her well in her future projects.
The board also warmly welcomes the new museum director, Arngrímur Arnarson, to the job and looks forward to continued development and exciting times at the Whale Museum under his leadership.
