Preparing to Hoist the Right Whale Model

Workers prepare to hoist the model of Phoenix, a model of an actual North Atlantic right whale, into position above the exhibit hall floor in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. Learn the story of Phoenix in the Tale of a Whale photo essay.

Workers prepare to hoist the model of Phoenix, a North Atlantic Right Whale, into position above the exhibit hall floor in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
Smithsonian Institution

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Comments

The blue whale

I grew up with that whale! When I returned to my hometown of DC several years ago for the first time in many years, I asked what happened to it. I couldn't get a straight answer from Museum staff, other than that it was 'never coming back'. I guess no one wanted to break it to me... I, too, had hoped to have my kids stand under it one day like I did!

Submitted by Kirsten (not verified) on Sun, 09/16/2012 - 3:55pm.

The majority of the specimens

The majority of the specimens you saw in 1964- the killer whale, dolphins and sharks- are currently hanging on the walls of the Smithsonian's Museum Support Center (MSC). However, the thresher shark still hangs at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in the Ocean Hall.

Submitted by Ocean Portal Team on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:31am.

What Happened to the

What Happened to the Smithsonian's 1963 Blue Whale Model?

It became the property of the contractor hired to dismantle the old exhibit space. In July of 2000 he tried to sell it on eBay, with a reserve of $2.25. The description read: “LIFE SIZE Blue Whale sculpture from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History. (I KNOW THAT A WHALE IS NOT A FISH.) IT’S NO FLUKE, THIS IS FOR REAL!! 92 FEET LONG nose to fluke. ... I have been given the rights to find a new home for this gorgeous piece. ... This would make a fantastic showpiece for an amusement park or theme park, public aquarium, or municipality.” Such a show was not to be, however. When the model was removed from the steel wall supports, it came apart, making it unfit for sale, and the contractor was forced to dispose of it. The Museum was able to retain the flukes.

Learn more about the whales at the Smithsonian Institution.

Submitted by Ocean Portal Team on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:06am.

Hi, I am wondering if the

Hi, I am wondering if the Smithsonian still has the model of the Blue Whale somewhere? I wanted to let my children stand under a model of the biggest animal on earth but it's gone now???? Please answer my inquiry. thank you.

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 10:35pm.

I, to, wonder what happened

I, to, wonder what happened to that magnificent Blue Whale that hung from the ceiling. Where did it go?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 11/20/2010 - 1:53am.

what happen to the models of

what happen to the models of Blue Whale, Killer whale, dolphins and sharks (I saw them in the year of 1964.)?????

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/12/2010 - 3:05pm.

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