From Beach to Museum: The Epic Journey of Art the Whale

2025-03-21

The story of Art the Whale begins with the discovery of a 40-foot California Gray Whale carcass. What follows is an incredible journey: dismemberment, clandestine burial, and eventual reconstruction by scientists. Art, now the centerpiece exhibit at the Sierra Natural History Museum, went by eight different names throughout his post-mortem journey, reflecting the various stages of his transformation. This article recounts the museum team's resourcefulness and dedication in acquiring this complete whale skeleton at minimal cost, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

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