St. Louis Gets 80-Foot Blue Whale Exhibit in May

Imagine standing next to the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth, hearing its songs echo around you.

That's exactly what visitors to the St. Louis Science Center will experience starting May 23, when "The Blue Whale Story" opens for an eight-month run. The traveling exhibition from the Royal Ontario Museum features an 80-foot replica skeleton of a blue whale, life-sized models of its massive heart and jaw, and interactive experiences that bring these ocean giants to life.

The exhibit tells a remarkable story of scientific discovery born from tragedy. In 2014, nine blue whales became trapped in sea ice off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. When two of the whales were later found, scientists seized a rare opportunity to study the largest animals on Earth up close for the first time.

One of those whales, nicknamed "Blue," became the centerpiece of this exhibition. Visitors can walk the entire length of her 80-foot skeleton, understanding just how massive these creatures really are. They can also see a full-scale model of a blue whale heart and compare it to hearts of other animals.

The Ripple Effect

This exhibition does more than showcase size. It tells a story of hope and recovery that spans more than a century.

Commercial whaling in the 1800s and 1900s nearly wiped blue whales off the planet. The exhibit shows how conservation efforts have helped these magnificent creatures begin their slow comeback. By understanding what happened and what scientists are doing now, visitors learn how human choices can change the future for endangered species.

The interactive experiences make the science accessible and fun. In the Whale Sound Chamber, guests hear actual blue whale calls and learn what different songs might mean. A game called "License to Krill" lets players experience life as a blue whale, dodging obstacles and diving deep to catch food.

Dr. Ray Vandiver, the Science Center's President and CEO, sees the exhibit as a perfect blend of education and wonder. "This allows our guests to gain a better understanding of these elusive ocean creatures up close and in person," he said.

The exhibition runs through January 10, giving St. Louis families nearly eight months to experience it. Tickets go on sale April 11 for members and April 18 for the public, ranging from $8 to $16 depending on age and membership status.

From tragedy came knowledge that could help save a species.