Whaling Wall Mural, Anchorage

The Whaling Wall Mural in Anchorage, titled "Alaska's Marine Life," is an iconic piece by celebrated artist Robert Wyland. Painted in 1994, this vast mural spans over 400 feet in length and towers 50 feet high on the west wall of the J.C. Penney building in Anchorage's Town Square. It is the 54th installment in Wyland's famous Whaling Wall series, which brings life-size marine creatures to urban settings worldwide. Here, Alaska's rich marine biodiversity comes to life, with awe-inspiring depictions of native species, including bowhead and beluga whales and seals, in a visual homage to the North Pacific's nutrient-rich ecosystems.

Wyland’s work is not merely a celebration of marine life; it’s a poignant reminder of the environmental challenges that threaten these habitats, particularly relevant in Alaska following the devastating 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Through his mural and the Wyland Foundation, he aims to raise awareness of issues like pollution and habitat loss, emphasizing the critical relationship between human actions and ocean health. With its breathtaking scale and conservation message, "Alaska's Marine Life" has become a cherished landmark in Anchorage, inspiring both locals and visitors to consider their role in protecting our planet's precious marine environments.